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Medical Lake highlights Waterfront Park transfer and $2.6 million in recent grants in 2026 progress report
Summary
City staff presented the Healing Waters 2026 progress report, noting the Waterfront Park transfer from DSHS with $100,000 for administrative fees, more than $2.6 million in grant awards since 2025 (requiring $260,000 local match), completion of $700,000+ previously grant‑funded infrastructure, and streets and parks improvements such as the Laffey Street Complete Streets project.
City staff briefed the Medical Lake City Council on the 2026 progress report for the Healing Waters strategic plan on Feb. 17, detailing grants, park transfers and public‑works accomplishments from 2025.
City staff (speaker 7) said the legislature approved a government‑to‑government transfer of Waterfront Park from the Department of Social and Health Services to the city and provided $100,000 for administrative costs tied to that transfer. Staff reported the city secured more than $2.6 million in grants since 2025 and allocated $260,000 in local match funding (about 10%). "For $260,000 in local match dollars, there's $2,600,000 awarded for projects," staff said.
The report also highlighted completed investments of more than $700,000 in utilities and transportation, and described recent projects that aim to improve livability: added park security and enforcement at Waterfront Park, pedestrian lighting and sidewalk upgrades on Laffey Street (a Complete Streets project), and ADA improvements on Lake Street. Staff said these steps are intended to improve access, safety and the city's long‑term infrastructure reliability.
Why it matters: The reported grants and the Waterfront Park transfer affect the city’s capital program, park management responsibilities and short‑term budget allocations for match requirements. Staff said the city will publish a summary report for public distribution once finalized.
Next steps: Staff said the progress report will be compiled into a publication for community partners, and staff will return with more detailed funding and implementation schedules as projects progress.
