Kenmore adopts 2026 capital improvement program covering parks, transportation, surface water and facilities

Kenmore City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 25‑0633, the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for parks, transportation, surface water management and city facilities.

Finance and administration director Melinda Morong presented the CIP, which lists 52 projects with an aggregate cost estimate of roughly $129 million. The largest single funding source enumerated in the presentation was state grants (roughly $40 million), followed by other grants, federal grants and then debt, surface‑water funds and REET. For parks specifically, the CIP lists six projects with locations and cost estimates. Transportation and surface‑water projects were also enumerated and prioritized in the program tables staff presented.

Council discussion was brief; members asked that staff preserve an ongoing list (a 'CIP parking lot' or living document) for other emerging priorities — items discussed previously such as lighting at Morelands Park were mentioned as examples — so projects are not lost between cycles. Staff said leadership is reviewing CIP processes and will provide a more transparent, comprehensive list for future years.

The ordinance was adopted by unanimous roll call. Staff noted no substantive changes had been made to the ordinance since the public hearing two weeks earlier.