Mountlake Terrace DEI Commission recommends Black History Month proclamation, outlines 2025 events and backs federal grant support

The Mountlake Terrace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission on Dec. 3 voted to recommend a Black History Month proclamation to the City Council and spent the meeting laying out plans for 2025 community events, from AAPI Month performances in May to a Pride-month weekend gathering in June. The commission also approved a staff request to send a letter supporting the city’s application for a U.S. Department of Transportation grant to fund Main Street Phase 2.

The commission’s work matters because its event planning and proclamations shape how the city publicly recognizes cultural observances and helps the city compete for federal infrastructure funding. Commissioners and staff discussed event formats, locations, budgets and outreach needed to make planned activities accessible and to avoid scheduling conflicts with other regional events.

Council member Murray, speaking to the commission, noted the council’s calendar: “things are wrapping up for the council… it is our final scheduled council meeting of the year,” and encouraged using the remaining council meeting this month for…