Have you visited our Historic District this month? Our mountain town is shining brighter than ever, with a beautifully lit Community Tree, surrounded by warm, sparkling street trees. Shop and dine downtown any afternoon or evening this winter, and you will be greeted with bright streetlight snowflakes and holiday storefronts that showcase hand-painted snowflakes curated by our very own residents.
Seasonal beautification of this magnitude is not possible without the hard work and collaborative efforts of the North Bend Downtown Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing our downtown and supporting local businesses. The result is an exciting, appealing and productive place for residents to live, work and play.
As we move through winter, please continue eating, drinking, volunteering and shopping in North Bend. Local businesses are an essential part of our community, and your participation is valued.
Community Engagement
I saw many of you playing at the Downtown Foundation’s annual Holly Days winter festival this month! An estimated 750 residents and visitors came out on a windy, drizzly December 7th to craft with local nonprofits, enjoy hot cocoa and streetside smores, cheer on community performances, and of course, light the Community Tree with me. As the countdown to the big lighting commenced and local kids danced and sang, my voice blended in with yours, resulting in a collective joy that can only be described as authentic holiday spirit.
I look forward to connecting with you once again in the new year, with the return of my Meet Up with the Mayor series on January 15th. Opportunities for one-on-one connections with residents provide valuable insights and feedback into my understanding of local issues. Stay tuned for details.
The Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank and the Downtown Foundation are hosting a Saturday Night Fever-themed Pub Crawl here in town on January 25th! Together with businesses, participants will be encouraged to dress up, support our local food bank and enjoy unique, hyper-local perks.
In February, I have the pleasure of introducing our city’s third annual Citizens Academy! This eight-week interactive course will give participants an in-depth look into city operations, and hopefully, open a path to civic engagement that suits everyone. Registration filled up quickly this year, but we plan to offer more opportunities so keep an eye out.
Community Development Projects and Parks
This month, our City Council approved an Ordinance adopting the 2024 Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map, as required by the State of Washington to periodically update every 10 years, ensuring consistency with current legislation. After two years of hard work and deep review, we are confident this framework is in line with our community’s vision and goals as well as state requirements. The complete, navigable Comprehensive Plan document will be finalized in January, and we are eager to share it with you.
Part of planning for our future here in North Bend is continuing our work in ensuring a diverse array of housing options. The City’s purchase last year of 230 Main Avenue N will provide rental apartments for local workers, affordable to families making not more than 60% of the King County Average Median Income (AMI). With staff input, the recently selected developer, Related NW, issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) for an architect. As part of the design process, the selected architect will host two public open houses to gather input on the design of the project.
You’ve likely heard about the Master Plans for Taylor and Riverfront Parks, or perhaps you attended one of our planning workshops this past year where we collected your input alongside the City’s consultant, Site Workshop. Master Plans for both parks are now complete! Construction on an initial phase that will address the McClellan Avenue right-of-way and railroad track improvements in front of Taylor Park are anticipated to begin this next year and continue into 2026. Staff are applying for grants to develop park improvements, and once awarded, these grants will be matched with park impact fees and other city resources to permit a series of phased improvements that follow both respective Master Plans.
So much of our work involves planning well into the future. In 2022, the City was awarded a grant to create an integrated transportation network along North Bend Way that is accessible, safe and convenient for people of all ages and abilities to get around town. Called the Complete Streets Plan, North Bend Way will serve as a major connection for neighborhoods, parks, and civic destinations, as well as the primary route for people navigating through North Bend. Many residents attended a series of open houses last summer, sharing valuable feedback with us. Staff are right now applying for grants to fund the Complete Streets Plan.
Park and major road improvement projects rely heavily on local, state and federal grant funding as well as local sources of revenue. As a result, they often take several years to complete. The investment of time and careful attention to these projects are incredibly important for supporting and enhancing our highly livable community.
Infrastructure & Transportation Improvements
The 2024 Sidewalk Gap Removal Program, an ongoing project that connects areas with missing sidewalk segments, is wrapping up for the year. I sincerely hope you and your families are enjoying sunny, windy and rainy walks on the newly built sidewalks along Orchard Drive, Cedar Falls Way and SE North Bend Way. While contractors are wrapping up a few remaining punch list items, the sidewalks are safe and ready for activity!
Sidewalk Gap Removal projects will continue in 2025 with a different group of sidewalk improvements. Future projects are currently in the design phase of work.
Another significant aspect of improving pedestrian safety involves safe street crossings. Aside from a couple final details, crews have completed three new and improved Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crosswalks at:
- The intersection of Ballarat Avenue N and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail
- The intersection of Mt. Si Road and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail
- The intersection of E North Bend Way and SE Orchard Drive
These crosswalks not only serve residents in the immediate area; they provide increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists using the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, as well as better connectivity between Si View Park and our downtown.
And, thanks to the Council’s adoption of the 2025 through 2030 Six-year Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) in June, residents can look forward to some exciting infrastructure improvement projects in the new year, such as:
- A shared use path on State Route 202 with a pedestrian bridge over the South Fork Snoqualmie River near the Wastewater Treatment Plant, with construction anticipated to begin this summer.
- A 1.1-mile, 10-foot-wide asphalt trail that would extend Tanner Trail to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail is in the process of engineering design and grant submittal. Should the City be awarded the grant, construction will likely begin in 2026.
- The widening and reconstruction of NW 14th Street, west of Bendigo Boulevard, with construction anticipated to begin this spring.
- Railroad crossing improvements planned by the Northwest Railroad Museum, with construction anticipated to begin late this winter or early spring.
Budget
This month, the Council adopted the 2025 - 2026 Biennial Budget Ordinance, following three public hearings and several Council budget workshops. This budget reflects our city’s rapid catchup with infrastructure improvements, that are, in turn, enabling smart economic growth:
- The Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan for North Bend, which proposes a $104 million transportation, park and facilities budget
- A $28 million Water Capital Improvement Plan
- A $31 million Sewer Capital Improvement Plan
- A $23 million Stormwater Capital Improvement Plan
The future of our city is bright, and with the support of my excellent staff, hardworking Council and a continued connection with residents, I am truly looking forward to an exciting new year with all of you. From my heart and all of us at the City of North Bend, we wish you a safe, peaceful holiday season.
Sincerely,
Mayor Mary