Fall Newsletter

One Click Away!

We’re excited to introduce a new way to explore what’s happening throughout the City! While this newsletter provides brief highlights and summaries, there’s now an easy way to dive deeper into the stories that interest you.

Simply click on any of the photos throughout the newsletter to access additional information, including dedicated webpages, event videos, FAQs, press releases, and more. Each image will take you to a new place.

We hope you enjoy this interactive feature and find it an easy and convenient way to stay informed, connected, and engaged with everything happening in our City!

Biennial Budget Presentation

On Monday, October 5, Mayor Mike Rosen presented the proposed 2027–2028 Biennial Budget at the Edmonds Waterfront Center. City Administrator Stephanie Lucash, Parks & Recreation Director Angie Feser, Public Works Director Andy Rheaume, Planning Director Mike Clugston, and Police Chief Loi Dawkins also spoke, outlining their departments’ responsibilities, budget goals, and unmet needs.

The proposed budget is balanced, but the City continues to face financial challenges, including rising operating costs, aging infrastructure, and the need to maintain essential services. The budget will now go through the review and approval process by Edmonds City Council. If you missed the presentation and would like to review the Budget Book, watch the presentation, or see the timeline for next steps, visit the City of Edmonds Budget webpage. If you click on the picture of the budget book, it will take you to the book. The other images will take you to a recorded video of the presentation.

Employee of the Year

Congrats to Bertrand Hauss!

We are excited to announce our Employee of the Year, Transportation Engineer Bertrand Hauss. Bertrand Hauss exemplifies the spirit of service, leadership, and positivity that reflects our organization’s values. His upbeat attitude and consistently positive approach make him a joy to work with. His willingness to help, no matter the task, sets a standard for teamwork and collaboration across the department.

Bertrand’s impact on our community is profound and measurable. Through his dedication to securing millions of dollars in grant funding, he has advanced critical safety improvements throughout the city. His efforts have led to installation of ADA compliant curb ramps, flashing beacons, sidewalks, speed zone cameras in school zones, improved pedestrian crossings, and other features through the Safety Improvement Program. Bertrand’s leadership in these initiatives reflects a deep commitment to public safety and the well-being of residents.

He is also a valued contributor to citywide engagement programs, including Bike to Work events and Commute Trip Reduction incentives, where his enthusiasm encourages participation and fosters a culture of sustainable commuting. Additionally, as liaison with Community Transit, Bertrand has successfully obtained vital funding that directly benefits City employees (e.g. Orca cards), reinforcing his belief that supporting our workforce is foundational to serving the community well.

You can click on the image of Bertrand, and you can watch a short video.

Community Conversation

The Esperance Neighborhood Alliance and the City of Edmonds co-hosted a "Community Conversation" September 30 at Chase Lake Elementary to provide information and answer questions about the proposed annexation of Esperance into the City of Edmonds.

Approximately 175 residents, city officials and community representatives attended. Topics included potential tax impacts, police services, water and sewer utilities, infrastructure, parks, zoning and neighborhood character.

The meeting provided an opportunity for community members to hear from city representatives, neighbors, raise questions and learn more about the proposal and next steps in the annexation discussion. To learn more about this topic, visit: Esperance Annexation - City of Edmonds, WA. You can also click on the image of the meeting and it will take you to a summary of questions and answers from the meeting.

Pre-Approved DADU Plan Program Officially Launched

Click on Ted's Picture to watch the video!

The City of Edmonds has launched its Pre-Approved Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) Plan Program, designed to make it easier and more affordable for residents to add a detached accessory dwelling unit to their property. Through the program, architects and designers can submit DADU building plans for City review and potential inclusion in a pre-approved plan catalog. Residents will then be able to choose from the approved designs, helping reduce building permit review times and costs while making the process of adding housing more straightforward.

The City is currently encouraging architects and designers to participate by submitting plans for consideration. The program offers design professionals an opportunity to showcase their work while contributing to a wider range of housing options in Edmonds. Residents who select a pre-approved design will purchase the plans directly from the designer, while site-specific requirements will be reviewed separately as part of the building permit process. This approach allows designers to retain ownership of their work while helping simplify the process for future homeowners. Interested architects and designers can learn more and submit plans at MyBuildingPermit.com.

Yost Reservoir Upgrade

Yost Reservoir has been drained so the City can do structural upgrades to improve earthquake resiliency. The project also includes improvements to the water mixing systems, which help maintain water circulation and water quality, ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality drinking water to the community.

The Yost Reservoir is expected to remain drained through spring 2027 while the improvements are completed. Once that work is finished, the City will move on to upgrades at the Seaview Reservoir, with work anticipated to start in fall 2027.

Big Honor for Wastewater Treatment Plant Employees

We are pleased to announce that the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association has named Jeanne McKenzie the Laboratory Analyst of the Year and Jon Clay the Operator of the Year. There is a competitive process in which people are nominated from our region and a panel of wastewater treatment plant professionals evaluate the nominations and select the recipients. Jeanne and Jon are both eligible to compete at the state and multi-state level for further recognition.

"The commonality of wastewater operators is the dedication to their job, which is to protect the environment by cleaning up wastewater before it enters the environment. The world without plant operators would be a very unpleasant place. These two employees have stepped up, gone above and beyond countless times, and I'm pleased their peers throughout the region recognized them for what they've done and what they continue to do daily." -Andy Rheaume, Public Works Director

Promotion Time!

Celebrating Our Team’s Achievements!

Please join us in congratulating our hardworking team members on their well-deserved accomplishments, promotions, and new roles!

Congratulations to:

Bryan Clemens – Streets and Stormwater Division Manager
Brian Luttrell – Facilities Manager
Jeanne McKenzie – Regulatory Supervisor
Todd Hanson – Stormwater Maintenance Lead
Robert Auman – Maintenance Supervisor
Johnathan Castro – Operations Supervisor
Cole Kamacho – Parks Maintenance Lead Worker

A special congratulations to our team members celebrating certification achievements and career advancements:

Benjamin Shaver – Successfully passed the Wastewater Operator Group 3 Certification Exam and has been promoted to Operator 3
Andrew Dellacca – Successfully passed the Wastewater Operator Group 2 Certification Exam and has been promoted to Operator 2
Emily Smithers – Successfully passed the Wastewater Operator Group 4 Certification Exam and will soon transition into the Senior Laboratory Technician position
David Myers and Kevin Geiger – Congratulations to both for successfully completing all requirements and testing into the Senior Fleet Mechanic position
Jenelle Ho - Passing Professional Engineer License

What's Ahead?!

Join Edmonds Stewards and the City of Edmonds for the 5th Annual

Tree-mendous Edmonds Native Tree & Plant Giveaway! Take home a free native tree or shrub and learn how to create a greener, more sustainable landscape.

Event Details:

When: Saturday, November 7, noon–3 p.m.

Where: City Park, Edmonds

Cost: Free! Open to all ages; no registration required

What to Expect: