Trevor Justin, the city's contracted lobbyist, told the Lake Stevens City Council on Dec. 17 that the 2025 Washington legislative session begins Jan. 13 and the city will press for transportation and capital budget requests among other priorities.

Justin said the Democratic majorities in Olympia and a forthcoming new governor shape the session's context and that the state is facing a multibillion-dollar operating shortfall. "Legislative session starts January 13th, so we'll get through the holidays and it'll be here before you know it," he said.

The city plans to press for earlier release of Move Ahead Washington funds for two trail projects already funded but scheduled in later biennia: the South Lake Stevens Road multiuse trail and the 16th Street NE Centennial Trail connector. Justin said Lake Stevens will also request $620,000 for phase 1 of the Bayview Trail's design and permitting to make the project construction-ready.

In the capital budget, the city will seek about $1 million for renovations at the municipal services campus, including HVAC and lighting upgrades for City Hall, the council chambers and the police-adjacent building. Justin said larger projects such as North Cove Marina and Eagle Ridge Phase 2 are on a longer list for future sessions and are unlikely to be major asks this cycle.

Public safety and related legislation will be monitored, Justin added, including proposals on unlawful possession of firearms, juvenile crime responses and funding for police recruitment and retention. Other subject areas the city will follow include behavioral health, housing and homelessness, economic development, infrastructure and culvert/fish-barrier removals.

Council members pressed Justin on Highway 9, a regional choke point with growing commuter and industrial traffic connecting Lake Stevens to Arlington and Marysville. One council speaker urged the city to add Highway 9 to the priority list and to coordinate with neighboring cities and regional partners; Justin said he would elevate those conversations with transportation leaders and that county and regional prioritization processes also influence which projects receive state funding. "Happy to have that conversations with transportation leaders," he said.

Justin encouraged council members to meet with legislators in Olympia and attend regional advocacy events in February, and staff said the city will circulate dates for National League of Cities and other legislative engagement opportunities.

The presentation included a list of topics the city will track and a request that council prioritize which items should be elevated to state legislators during the session.