On Thursday, Oct. 1, Council and I joined our regional partners and state legislators for a tour of SR 522. We had the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing this corridor while sitting in the same traffic that so many of our residents experience every day.

Improving SR 522 remains one of our core priorities. Beyond impacting the quality of life for residents, congestion and road conditions on SR 522 limit our region’s economic development, student learning, access to hospital care, and emergency response. These impacts are felt across government entities and communities, making a shared regional approach essential to moving this work forward.

Thank you to Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue, Monroe School District, and EvergreenHealth Monroe for joining the city in hosting this event. I appreciate their partnership and the perspectives they brought to the conversation about what SR 522 means for the people we serve.

We are also grateful for the support of Sultan Mayor Wiita, Duvall Mayor McHenry, and Snohomish County. Their participation reflects the importance of working across jurisdictional boundaries to advance our shared regional interests.

I would like to thank Senator Liias, Senator Lovick, Representative Fey, and Representative Donaghy for taking time to hear from us and experience the corridor firsthand. I value their willingness to join us on the road and listen to the challenges our communities face.

Moving forward, I want to set a reminder that your voice is just as important for moving this work forward. If conditions on SR 522 affect your commute, your business, or your family, I encourage you to contact your state legislators and share your concerns. Your experience is essential to telling the story of why funding SR 522 is so important for our region.

It is time to Finish 522. I look forward to working with you and our partners as we continue our advocacy for #Finish522 in the 2027 legislative session.

Patsy Cudaback

Mayor

CITY NEWS

2027-2028 BUDGET IN DEVELOPMENT

The Mayor is developing the city’s preliminary 2027–2028 Biennial Budget which will serve as the city’s financial plan for the next two years. The budget aligns resources with strategic priorities, essential services, and long-term financial needs using the city’s 2026–2030 Strategic Priorities and Strategic Plan as a framework.



The community is encouraged to participate throughout the budget process. The City Council will hold budget discussions on Oct. 20 and Oct. 27, followed by public hearings on Nov. 10 and Nov. 17. Community members may provide feedback during these meetings before the Council considers final adoption of the budget on Nov. 17, 2026.

2027 LODGING TAX GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!

Have an event or project that could bring visitors to Monroe? 2027 Lodging Tax Grant applications are now open! Lodging Tax funds support events, marketing, and tourism-related programs that showcase Monroe and strengthen our community as a destination.

Applications are due Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. The application packet along with more information is available online on the City’s Lodging Tax Grant webpage. 

CITY OF MONROE CRITICAL AREAS UPDATE

The City of Monroe is updating its critical areas regulations. Critical areas include:

• Wetlands
• Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas
• Frequently Flooded Areas
• Geologically Hazardous Areas
• Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas

These regulations are designed to regulate development in areas prone to flooding, landslides, and earthquakes, as well as where development could impact drinking water and critical habitat for endangered plants and animals. Implementing these regulations will protect people, property, and the environment.

To learn more about this project and review the proposed changes please visit the project page.

EVENTS & COMMUNITY LIFE

OCTOBER EVENTS

Thank you to a group of downtown businesses for coming together to host the annual Downtown Trick or Treat event. The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 1-3 p.m.

Participating business along Main and Lewis Streets will be hosting festive fun outside their store fronts. This event is a great way to celebrate the holiday, support local businesses and enjoy some festive fun with your neighbors.

GREAT SHAKEOUT EARTHQUAKE DRILL OCT. 15, 10:15 A.M.

On Thurs., Oct. 15 at 10:15 a.m., the City of Monroe will join communities nationwide in the Great Shakeout Earthquake Drill. The drill involves the “Drop. Cover. Hold.” exercise. This technique protects you during an earthquake from falling objects. Monroe families, schools, and businesses are encouraged to do the same and to develop disaster/emergency plans. Visit The Great Washington Shake Out website to learn more and to register your participation and the city’s Emergency Resources webpage to download “How To” guides, checklists, and resources.

WINTER DOG PARK OPENS OCT. 5

Looking for a place for your pup to exercise and play during the winter months? The Winter Dog Park at The Evergreen State Fair Park offers a covered, off-leash space for dogs.

Enter from U.S. 2 via Cascade View Drive and park in the yellow parking lot. Walk your leashed dog to Judging Arena No. 606, across from the Event Center. Dogs must remain leashed outside the park, and owners are asked to clean up after their pets.

The Winter Dog Park is open Oct. 5 through Feb. 28, dawn to dusk, with select closure dates. Learn more.

PROGRAMS, SERVICES & PROJECTS

WSDOT TRAFFIC ALERT: U.S. 2 SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS BEGIN

Expect delays traveling east on U.S. 2 beginning Oct. 5 and continuing through Feb. 2027. WSDOT contractor crews will begin construction of a roundabout at U.S. 2 and Old Owen Road in Sultan. During construction, traffic will use a temporary bypass lane and traffic signal through the work zone.

Additional pedestrian, sidewalk, signage and roadway improvements are planned for 2027 at 11 locations along a 15-mile stretch of U.S. 2 between Fryelands Boulevard in Monroe and First Street in Gold Bar. Work in Monroe is expected to take place next spring.

Read more about the project. 

FALL IS HERE! LEAF IT OUT OF THE STORM DRAINS

Help prevent localized flooding by keeping leaves and debris off neighborhood storm drains this fall. Check nearby storm drains before and after heavy rain. Pro tip: Keep gloves, a rake, and bags somewhere convenient so cleanup is quick and easy.



Want to do even more? Join Monroe’s Adopt-a-Drain community and adopt a storm drain near you. Our newest adopter even named their drain E.T. Flow Home! A few minutes can make a difference in your neighborhood. Learn more and adopt a drain at wa.adopt-a-drain.org

SKATE PARK MURAL VOLUNTEER PROJECT

Over the next few weeks, weather permitting, visitors to the Monroe Board and Blade Skate Park at Lake Tye Park may notice a new splash of color.

Local artist Charley Wells approached the city with a proposal to volunteer his time to paint a mural at the skate park. With more than 20 years of experience, Wells plans to transform the concrete walls with a welcoming design celebrating local wildlife and creating a flowing theme throughout the park.

We thank him for his time and look forward to watching Wells’ vision come to life and adding a vibrant new feature to the skate park.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

2026 WORKFORCE ACTION SUMMIT

Snohomish County's aerospace and advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and maritime industries are growing fast, and the talent pipelines feeding them are under real pressure. The Workforce Action Summit brings employers, training providers, and industry partners into one room to see how the local workforce ecosystem fits together today, and help name what's working and what isn't.

Who should attend? Manufacturers, aerospace suppliers, hospitals and clinics, behavioral and allied health providers, shipyards and marine trades employers, ports, apprenticeship programs, community and technical colleges, universities, K-12 CTE programs in these sectors, and industry associations.

Learn more and start your registration.

DID YOU KNOW, MONROE?

CUSTOM AMERICA 250TH POSTER

Did you know you can download a free, custom-made poster to commemorate Washington state's America 250 celebrations? The poster is perfect for Washingtonians of all ages to color in and create a special piece of art for America's 250th.

The poster is 6 feet long and about 2.5 feet wide and includes iconic and quirky elements from all over the state.

To download the poster visit America250wa.org, navigate to the Online Store dropdown menu and select Washington State Poster - FREE.

UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

This month's Council Meetings:

• Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 7 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 27, 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. 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.

Some content in this newsletter may have been created with the assistance of AI. All content is reviewed by city staff for accuracy and bias.