Welcome to the first edition of Monroe Monthly! We’ve refreshed our newsletter with a new name, a new format, and a new monthly schedule to make it easier to stay informed about what’s happening in Monroe. Monroe Monthly is designed to help reduce inbox clutter while still bringing you all the months’ news, events, and happenings in one convenient place.

As we introduce this new format for the newsletter, I want to emphasize that open, thoughtful and transparent communication is vital to all communities. This newsletter is just one of the ways we will continue sharing updates, providing context around important decisions, and keeping you aware of the work happening across the city.

Staying connected through Monroe Monthly is a great start, but it is only part of the picture in building a resilient community. Beyond this newsletter, I encourage you to stay civically informed and engaged. Attend a City Council meeting and share your thoughts during public comment. Send an email to myself and the City Council. Follow the city on social media to stay informed on timely updates. Subscribe to our newsflashes and participate in city surveys when they’re available. Your voice matters, and your feedback helps shape the decisions we make.

Monroe is strongest when our community is informed, involved, and connected. Thank you for being a part of that shared effort.  

Yours in Service,

Patsy Cudaback

Mayor

CITY NEWS

COUNCIL DISCUSSES DRAFT 2026-2030 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES & PLAN  

At their Feb. 3 meeting, the Monroe City Council discussed the draft 2026-2030 Strategic Priorities and Plan. These documents help guide Monroe’s long-term direction with Strategic Priorities outlining big-picture goals while the Strategic Plan turns those goals into actionable projects. Both documents are centered around Imagine Monroe and help inform future budget decisions by aligning priorities with available resources. 

The draft Strategic Plan includes proposed projects across key areas such as parks, economic development, transportation, public safety, community services, and organizational improvements. The plan also considers funding needs and timing to ensure projects can be carried out in a responsible, sustainable way. Together, these efforts provide a roadmap for maintaining high-quality services while preparing for Monroe’s continued growth.

Council will continue reviewing the 2026-2030 Strategic Priorities and Plan at their March 17 Study Session. You can read the current draft documents as presented to Council on Feb. 3 here.

SPECIAL JOINT CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO FEATURE A SHORT COURSE ON PLANNING 

On March 31 at 6 p.m., the City of Monroe will hold a special Joint City Council meeting with the Monroe Planning Commission featuring the WA Department of Commerce’s Short Course in Local Planning. 

Did you know that Washington state requires most cities to plan for growth? Are you curious about who makes land use decisions? Interested in learning how you can participate in these processes? The Short Course on Local Planning provides an overview of complex planning laws, an introduction to comprehensive planning and the implementation tools, includes an overview of who reviews and makes land use decisions, and best practices for public participation.

Community members are welcome to observe and listen at this Joint Council and Planning Commission meeting to learn more about the local planning process. You may attend in person at Monroe City Hall or watch virtually via Zoom. Agendas will be posted on our website.

MONROE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL AWARDS RECOGNITION

The Monroe Police Department hosted its annual awards ceremony on Feb. 18, recognizing the outstanding work and dedication of our police employees serving the community. Highlights included Administrative Assistant Maria Kokoris receiving Employee of the Year, Officer Alex Nelson named Officer of the Year, Officer Brendan Hearne awarded a Lifesaving Medal, and Sergeant Derrick Lether receiving the Chief’s Star Award. Congratulations to all award recipients and thank you to the Monroe Policy Department for your continued hard work.

EVENTS & COMMUNITY LIFE

MONROE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MEDICINE CLUB'S 5K FUN RUN

Come support the Monroe High School’s Sports Medicine Club at their annual fundraiser, Subway Runners 5k on Saturday, March 28 at 9 a.m. at Lake Tye Park. This is a fun, family-friendly “obstacle style” race around the path at Lake Tye. 

The cost is $25 for a shirt, or $20 without a shirt. Event proceeds go towards sending the Sports Medicine students to the Sports Medicine State Competition. Register and learn more.

SNOHOMISH CONSERVATION DISTRICT'S PLANT SALE

Spring is near, and so is Snohomish Conservation District’s 41st annual Plant Sale. The event takes place Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Evergreen State Fair Park, Building 600 (parking in the yellow lot).

The sale is open to the public for walk-up purchases both days, and customers who pre-ordered plants can pick them up during event hours. While online pre-orders have closed, a wide selection of native plants, trees, and shrubs will be available on-site.



Over four decades, nearly 2 million native plants have been sold to help improve water quality and restore habitat across Snohomish County. Learn more at theplantsale.org.

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEERS & STORM LAKE GROWERS NURSERY

Thank you to everyone who joined Adopt a Stream Foundation for the “Trees Be Our Valentine” planting event on Feb. 14.

Nearly 30 volunteers planted 275 native trees and plants along the eastern bank of Woods Creek. Their efforts will help improve riparian habitat, support local wildlife and strengthen the long-term health of Woods Creek.

We would also like to give a special thank you to our local nursery, Storm Lake Growers, for generously donating for the event. Their commitment to giving back to our community will have a lasting impact on our local environment and is truly appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who made this event such a success. Together, we are making Monroe greener, healthier, and more resilient — one planting at a time. If you are interested in becoming involved in volunteer opportunities like these or participating in future workshops and events, please reach out to pwenvironmental@monroewa.gov to join our stewardship roster!

PROGRAMS, SERVICES & PROJECTS

ONLINE PERMITTING LAUNCHING THIS MONTH

We are introducing a new online permitting portal to streamline the application process. Beginning in late March, applicants can submit building, land use, public works, and fire permit applications—along with supporting documents—through a secure online system. The portal offers real-time application tracking, inspection scheduling, and online payment of fees, improving efficiency for both applicants and city staff.

To apply, users must create and register an account. Once registered, they can submit applications for building permits (such as new construction, remodels, decks, etc.), public works permits (such as right-of-way or grading), land use permits (such as temporary use or boundary line adjustments), and fire permits (such as alarms and sprinklers).

The portal is scheduled to launch on Monday, March 23. Permit applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18. View this webpage for details.

Thank you for your patience as we are transitioning to this modernized permitting system to better serve our customers.

VEGETATION MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

This month, residents within city limits will be receiving a utility billing insert outlining property owners’ vegetation maintenance requirements within the public right of way.

Under Monroe Municipal Code, property owners must maintain vegetation growth from private property and the adjacent public right of way to ensure:

• A minimum clearance of 14 feet above public roadways
• A minimum clearance of 8 feet above public sidewalks

A FRIENDLY REMINDER: LET'S BRING THOSE BINS BACK IN!

Thank you for doing your part to keep Monroe clean by staying on top of your garbage, recycling and yard waste service. We have one small request: please bring your containers in from the curb as soon as you can after they’ve been collected.

Carts left out for long periods can make it harder for pedestrians and drivers to navigate neighborhood streets and may not comply with city code.

Not sure about your pickup day? Check the route map on the city’s Garbage and Recycling webpage or contact your provider, Republic Services or Waste Management.

Taking a quick moment to roll your containers back in helps keep Monroe’s sidewalks and streets safe, clear and welcoming for everyone.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WASHINGTON SMALL BUSINESS GUIDE

Starting or growing a business can feel overwhelming – but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Washington State maintains a Small Business Guide designed to make the process clearer and more manageable.

The guide walks you through each stage of business ownership with step-by-step information, helpful links, and practical resources tailored specifically to doing business in Washington State. It’s organized into easy-to-follow sections so you can quickly find what’s most relevant to you.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a business - or simply want to make sure you’re on the right track - this guide is a great place to begin.

DID YOU KNOW, MONROE?

MONROE JOINS CELEBRATIONS FOR AMERICA 250

Did you know this year (2026) marks the 250-year anniversary of the United States? All across the country, communities are celebrating and reflecting on our nation’s past, present, and future. Want to stay informed on America 250? The City of Monroe is maintaining a webpage featuring key commemorative dates and celebrations happening in and around Monroe. This webpage will be updated throughout the year to keep you updated on local America 250 events.

UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

This month's Regular Council Meetings:

• Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 7 p.m. (Study Session)
• Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7 p.m.

To view meeting agendas, click the button below. City Council meetings are re-broadcasted on the city's YouTube Channel (@MonroeWA). To learn how to provide public comment to the Mayor and City Council, click here. Learn ways to tap into more city information at MonroeWA.gov/cityinfo.

The City of Monroe is committed to ensuring access to its programs, services, and activities by complying with Civil Rights Title VI and Americans with Disabilities Act Title II laws and will reasonably provide translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternate formats, and support services upon request. To request these services or to file a complaint, call 360-794-7400 or submit your request via “Monroe Listens” at MonroeWA.gov. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711.