Kenmore City Council approved its 2026 state legislative agenda and associated policy statements after discussion and several recorded votes.

City Manager Terry Kilmore and state lobbyist Shelley Helder (Gordon Thomas Honeywell) presented the 2026 priorities, which emphasized keeping Lake Point acquisition and development as a state partnership priority, seeking state funding for pedestrian and bicycle projects, and continued advocacy for a digital permitting upgrade for the eCityGov alliance. Helder reviewed the short‑session budget context (60 days), noted the state operating budget outlook and the capital and transportation budget constraints, and recommended keeping language flexible until the administration’s December budget proposal.

Council debated a proposed amendment to strike a 'zoning and land use' policy statement; that motion failed on a 3–4 vote after extended comment on local control and equity. Council then voted unanimously to add a public‑safety policy supporting state legislation to define e‑motorcycles (to distinguish them from e‑bikes) and to establish clear standards for ownership and operation, including potential registration and licensing requirements. Council members cited public safety concerns after reports of higher‑speed electric mopeds and similar vehicles.

After amendments, the council adopted the legislative agenda and revised policy statements by a 4–3 roll‑call vote. The adopted agenda keeps Lake Point and pedestrian/bicycle project funding on the city’s active priorities and restates the city’s support for a publicly owned permitting platform upgrade while recognizing the limited prospects for large capital requests in a supplemental year.

Shelley Helder advised that continuing to raise the permitting upgrade remains strategically useful even if a full appropriation is unlikely in the short session; she also encouraged early coordination with legislators and noted the Department of Commerce request for permitting upgrade grants.

The council asked staff to continue outreach to the city’s legislative delegation and to refine any required budget request language before the January session.