Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Consultants say Auburn’s purchased 12th Street site can fit phased police headquarters; council to decide budget path Consultants reported a 46,000 sq ft space need for a modern police headquarters and said the city’s 12th Street Southeast site can accommodate a phased or full build; council members pressed staff on interim uses for the existing justice center and budget timing tied to a $7 million first phase and a 0.1% public‑safety sales tax.

Auburn's city council faces a pivotal decision on funding and phasing a new 46,000 sq ft police headquarters, as consultants reveal the potential of the recently purchased 12th Street site.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CommunityEngagement #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

2 weeks ago

Auburn reports $4.9M spent on community programs in 2025; reporting anomaly inflates 'people served' counts The city’s 2025 CAPER shows ~$4.9 million in community investments, with about $3.5M spent on homelessness programs and roughly $822K on affordable housing. Manager Davidson warned a HealthPoint reporting mismatch inflates the reported people‑served figure and left about $480,000 of 2025 HUD funds unspent due to federal timing delays.

Auburn's 2025 report reveals a staggering $4.9 million invested in community programs, yet a significant reporting anomaly has inflated the number of people served, leaving key questions unanswered.

Get the details!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #HomelessnessResponse

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

2 months ago

Auburns new emergency manager, Camille Schutze, outlines FEMA experience, CERT training and flood outreach Camille Schutze, introduced as Auburns Emergency Management Coordinator on the city podcast, described her FEMA background, explained individual vs. public assistance after disasters, and encouraged residents to register for CERT classes (April 20 6 June 13) and other public-education events.

Auburn's new Emergency Management Coordinator, Camille Schutze, is on a mission to empower residents with crucial disaster preparedness skills and FEMA insights—are you ready to get involved?

Learn more here

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #DisasterResponse #AuburnEmergencyManagement #PublicEducation

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

3 months ago

Auburn presents new downtown subarea plan and planned-action ordinance; public hearing set for Dec. 15 Planning staff presented a comprehensive 2024 downtown subarea plan and a companion planned-action ordinance intended to streamline environmental review for qualifying projects; the plan expands downtown boundaries and zoning districts, sets growth targets tied to regional goals, and schedules a public hearing on the planned-action ordinance for Dec. 15.

Auburn is reimagining its downtown with a bold plan that aims to create 19,520 new jobs and 12,112 housing units by 2044—are you ready for the transformation?

Click to read more!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CommunityEngagement #GrowthManagement #CitizenPortal #UrbanDevelopment #AuburnDowntown

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

3 months ago

Auburn council reviews 2026 legislative priorities; surveillance and PFML language draw debate Councilors reviewed a draft list of 2026 state legislative priorities and split over language about restricting limits on ALPR (Flock) camera use and concerns about the state Paid Family & Medical Leave program27s operational impacts; staff will refine language and return the document for approval.

Auburn's council is torn over key legislative priorities for 2026, debating crucial issues from surveillance tech to family leave policies that could shape the future of public safety and workforce rights.

Get the details

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #WorkforceIssues #AuburnPublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

3 months ago

Resident urges Auburn to reject Flock vehicle‑tracking cameras, citing privacy and public‑record concerns At the Dec. 15 meeting Rocky Salvador told the council Flock cameras are 'mass surveillance' that photograph every vehicle, store data on private servers, and pose privacy and safety risks; he referenced University of Washington research and a Washington ruling on public‑record status of recordings.

Auburn resident Rocky Salvador is sounding the alarm against Flock vehicle-tracking cameras, labeling them as "mass surveillance" with serious privacy implications.

Read the full story

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #PublicRecordLaw #AuburnPrivacy #CommunitySafety #SurveillanceEthics #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

3 months ago

Auburn council adopts 2024 Downtown Sub Area Plan, planned SEPA action and zoning change to allow co‑living Council adopted the 2024 Auburn Downtown Sub Area Plan (Ordinance 6997), designated a planned action under SEPA to streamline review (Ordinance 7006), and passed zoning amendments to allow co‑living housing in several downtown zones (Ordinance 6998); council also updated B&O tax code to align with state changes (Ordinance 6993).

Auburn City Council has just taken a bold step to revitalize downtown, adopting new measures that promise to boost affordable housing and streamline project approvals!

Click to read more!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #LandUsePolicy #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal #UrbanDevelopment #AuburnDowntown

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

3 months ago

Auburn officials describe evacuation, shelters and reduced Army Corps releases amid flooding Mayor Nancy Backus and council members described a Level 3 evacuation, opened shelters for displaced residents and said the Army Corps of Engineers temporarily reduced releases at Howard Hanson Dam from about 12,000 to 10,000 cubic feet per second to ease downstream flooding.

Auburn faces a critical Level 3 evacuation as flooding prompts city leaders to open shelters and negotiate reduced dam releases to protect residents.

Click to read more!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CommunitySupport #EmergencyManagement #AuburnFloodResponse #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

4 months ago

Auburn staff say King County grant would let city preserve Seuss Creek Botanical Gardens City staff told the council the King County Conservation Futures program has recommended roughly $2.1 million to buy and preserve the 23-acre Seuss Creek Botanical Gardens, with deed restrictions to keep most of the land as open space and an operating agreement to let the foundation continue programming.

Auburn is set to secure $2.1 million to preserve the beloved Seuss Creek Botanical Gardens, ensuring its unique flora and community programs thrive for generations to come.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #AuburnParks #CommunityGardening #CitizenPortal #OpenSpacePreservation

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

4 months ago

Northbound SR 167 bridge repairs: overnight closures begin Nov. 19; one-lane traffic starts Nov. 20 City hosts say permanent repairs to the northbound SR 167 bridge begin with overnight closures starting Nov. 19 (11 p.m. to 5 a.m.). A 24/7 one-lane configuration is expected to begin the morning of Nov. 20 and 3rd Avenue beneath the bridge will remain closed for the duration of repairs.

Major repairs to the northbound SR 167 bridge are set to disrupt commutes with overnight closures starting Nov. 19 and single-lane traffic from Nov. 20!

Click to read more!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #AuburnCommuters #InfrastructureRepair #CommunityUpdates #TrafficSafety

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

4 months ago

Auburn council approves utility‑rate changes, broadband and sewer franchises, 0.1% sales tax for criminal‑justice purposes, state grants and two police labor p​ Council voted to adopt Ordinances 7,004–7,007 (utility rates and franchises) and Ordinance 7,008 to add 0.1% in sales/use tax for criminal‑justice purposes; it also accepted two state grants (about $50,930 and $90,100) and ratified two collective bargaining agreements covering 2025–2027 for police sergeants and a police support unit.

The Auburn City Council has made significant changes that will impact utility rates, broadband access, and public safety funding—affecting every resident’s pocketbook.

Get the details!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureImprovements #CivicAccountability

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

5 months ago

Auburn considers 0.1% public‑safety sales tax and mid‑biennial budget adjustments to cover rising criminal justice costs City staff presented ordinance 7008 to authorize a council‑levied tenth‑of‑one‑percent public‑safety sales tax under HB 2015, estimated to raise about $2.7M/year; staff said compliance with multiple RCW requirements and CJTC review is required before collections could start April 1, 2026 if adopted by Jan. 15.

Auburn is on the brink of implementing a 0.1% sales tax aimed at boosting public safety and tackling rising criminal justice costs, which could generate an estimated $2.7 million annually!

Get the details!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CriminalJusticeReform #CommunitySupport

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

5 months ago

Auburn emergency manager urges residents to prepare for wetter, windier winter; CERT classes and drills ramp up Auburn27s emergency manager, Matthew Kolpitz, told listeners that a weak La NiF1a signal this winter could bring wetter, colder conditions and more windstorms, and he urged residents to assemble two-week supplies, keep a go-bag ready and participate in community preparedness programs such as CERT and the Great ShakeOut drill.

Auburn's emergency manager warns that this winter's weak La Niña could lead to severe weather, urging residents to prepare with emergency kits and community training.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterPreparedness #AuburnEmergency #CommunityResilience

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

5 months ago

City of Auburn expands bike programs: Ride Revolution classes, Auburn MTB nights and pump track now in use City recreation staff described a suite of biking programs including Ride Revolution (grant-funded teen training), Auburn MTB summer rides, a 140-bike fleet and a new pump track that opened last year.

Auburn is revolutionizing cycling for teens with initiatives like Ride Revolution, offering free bikes and training to empower a new generation of riders!

Learn more here

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #ActiveTransportation #CitizenPortal #AuburnBikePrograms #YouthEngagement #RecreationInnovation

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

6 months ago

Auburn Library Celebrates Successful Summer Reading Program and Upcoming Author Event Auburn Library reports 760 registrations for summer reading and announces Stephen Graham Jones event.

Auburn Library's summer reading program saw a staggering 760 registrations, and the excitement continues with bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones set to visit!

Click to read more!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #LiteracyInitiatives #AuburnLibrary #CulturalEvents

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

6 months ago

David Wright presents King County Library System's Auburn Library update to city council David Wright updates Auburn City Council on library services and community engagement initiatives.

David Wright's inspiring update at the Auburn City Council revealed how the library is transforming into a vibrant hub of creativity and learning, igniting curiosity in the community like never before.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #DigitalAccess #LifelongLearning

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

6 months ago

Auburn Mayor Highlights Compassionate Police Efforts and Public Safety Initiatives Auburn strengthens public safety with new officers, technology, and community-focused programs.

Auburn is transforming public safety with compassionate policing, innovative technology, and a commitment to community well-being—setting the stage for a safer future.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafetyInitiatives #CrimeReduction #CommunityAccountability

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Auburn Honors Lisa Bogard and David for Community Health Leadership Auburn recognizes Lisa Bogard and David for their dedication to community health initiatives.

Auburn's City Council celebrated remarkable community leaders for their unwavering commitment to health and safety, showcasing the power of collaboration in transforming lives.

Read the full story

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CivicCollaboration #AuburnCommunity #CommunityHealth

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Auburn City Council Approves $60K Grant for Public Defense Services Council unanimously endorses resolution for grant funding to assist local public defense costs.

Auburn City Council just approved a $60,000 grant to enhance public defense services, marking a pivotal moment for supporting vulnerable community members!

Learn more here

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #AuburnPublicDefense

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Mayor Backus proclaims WellPoint Appreciation Day for community health contributions Auburn honors WellPoint and David Escamet for nine years of health initiatives support.

Auburn is taking strides toward better health, celebrating WellPoint's nine years of impactful community initiatives and honoring the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe's legacy in the process.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #AuburnHealth #CommunityPartnerships #MentalWellness

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Auburn City Council Approves Multiple Ordinances on Budget and Transportation Fees Council passes ordinance 69 91 amending budget and ordinance 69 92 updating transportation fees.

Auburn's City Council meeting illuminated pressing community issues, as heartfelt testimonials and new ordinances paved the way for growth and change.

Read the full story

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #TransportationPlanning #AuburnCommunity #CommunityDevelopment

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Mayor Lauds Team Auburn for Emergency Management Preparedness Mayor expresses gratitude for emergency management team's commitment to community safety.

Auburn City Hall buzzed with gratitude as officials celebrated the heroes behind emergency management, highlighting their vital role in keeping the community safe and prepared for anything.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #EmergencyReadiness #CommunitySafety

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Students Conduct Emergency Drill with Volunteer Moulage Participants Students engage in final emergency drill using volunteer actors to simulate medical scenarios

Auburn is taking disaster preparedness to the next level with realistic emergency drills that transform enthusiastic volunteers into vital mock victims!

Click to read more!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness #CommunityEngagement #AuburnEmergencyPreparedness

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Matthew Joins Emergency Management Team With Over 20 Years Experience Matthew brings extensive emergency management expertise to his new role starting July 1.

Auburn's city council is taking bold steps to enhance emergency preparedness, welcoming a new director with over 20 years of expertise to tackle unique challenges posed by its mountainous terrain.

Get the details!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Auburn City Officials Detail Emergency Preparedness and Hazard Profile Strategies Auburn officials emphasize disaster preparedness for potential wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.

Auburn officials are ramping up emergency preparedness, keeping a close eye on potential threats like wildfires and earthquakes to ensure the community is ready for any challenge.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterReadiness #AuburnEmergencyPreparedness

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Emergency Managers Matthew and Tyler Discuss Community Preparedness Strategies Matthew and Tyler explain emergency management roles in community crisis preparation and response.

Auburn's emergency managers are redefining community safety with proactive strategies that prepare residents for any crisis—discover the essential insights from their latest meeting!

Click to read more!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityPreparedness #EmergencyResponse

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Kirkland Emergency Managers Reflect on Early COVID Response and Remote Work Challenges Kirkland emergency managers discuss adapting to COVID-19 and transitioning to remote operations.

Auburn officials are taking vital lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance their emergency preparedness and ensure community safety in future crises.

Learn more here!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CrisisManagement #RemoteWork #AuburnEmergencyPreparedness

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Auburn Officials Stress Lahar Preparedness and Emergency Readiness for Residents Auburn emergency officials emphasize lahar sirens and disaster preparedness for residents.

Auburn City officials are sounding the alarm on lahar flows from Mount Rainier, urging residents to be prepared and ready to act when the sirens ring.

Get the details!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #DisasterPreparedness #AuburnEmergency #CommunityResilience

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Auburn Emergency Managers Reflect on Community Resilience Post-Fire Response Community collaboration and emergency management efforts helped residents recover from a recent fire.

Auburn's spirit shone through when a devastating fire displaced 60 residents, revealing how community bonds can transform chaos into compassion.

Click to read more!

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #AuburnCommunity #CrisisResponse #CommunityResilience #EmergencyManagement

Citizen Portal News Washington

@citizenptnewswa.bsky.social

8 months ago

Auburn City Officials Discuss Disaster Preparedness and Community Training Programs City officials emphasize community training to enhance disaster preparedness and emergency response.

Auburn officials are urging residents to get involved in disaster preparedness training to ensure community safety when emergencies strike!

Learn more here

#AuburnKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyPreparedness #AuburnCommunity #CommunityTraining