Will you chip in to support our nonprofit newsroom with a donation today?
Yes, I want to support My MLTnews!
Mayor Steve Woodard emphasized “trust and dependability” as some of the key points in how the City of Mountlake Terrace builds relationships with its residents and business owners during his State of the City address on Wednesday, May 13, at City Hall.
Among those in attendance include 32nd District Sen. Jesse Salomon (D-Shoreline), 32nd District Rep. Lauren Davis (D-Shoreline), representatives for U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, as well as Mountlake Terrace City Councilmembers, city staff and commissioners.
Woodard showed a presentation slide of the building permit counter in City Hall and the city staff who run it. He said 1,566 building permits were issued last year.
“What that represents is trust and dependability,” he said. “What’s happening with those permits is we’re connecting you to processes and systems, not just taking your money because we need to fund [the government]. That is a huge number.”
Woodard also extended “trust and dependability” to law enforcement, pointing out the Mountlake Terrace Police Department’s accreditation by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs since 2011 and noting that “less than 30% of law enforcement across the state is doing that.”
“That’s trust and dependability because there are new sets of eyes looking at what is happening,” he said.
Woodard highlighted several items during his presentation.
Fiscal sustainability and the $4 million gap
Woodard said city staff created the Fiscal Sustainability Taskforce to tackle the City’s $4.2 million gap. The task force met from July 2025 to January 2026 to examine the operating budget, identify underlying issues, evaluate solutions and recommend strategies “to move forward when we don’t lose our beautiful city.”
My MLT news wrote about the task force as a model.
Housing, Main Street, station-area growth
Woodard said there is substantial growth around the Mountlake Terrace light rail station, noting about 970 new units in that area and calling it “a whole new addition to your city.”
He also talked about the completion of a Housing Action Plan to increase housing options and affordability, as well as guide zoning updates and permit streamlining. This plan includes Main Street Phase II, which will upgrade traffic-calming infrastructure, sidewalks, landscaping and accessibility.
Public safety, accountability and community engagement
Woodard said the City held several community engagement events that ran for several weeks, including the eight-week Community Academy and the community safety series that covered fraud, self defense, situational awareness and de‑escalation techniques.
He highlighted upgrades in the police department, including switching from third‑ to fourth‑generation body cameras and use of the SPIDr Tech feedback platform, a system that allows police to give feedback from residents about how the City is operating.
Woodard also mentioned the BlueBridge program that allows officers to “directly help community members in any immediate need” by using donated funds loaded onto debit cards for food, shelter, clothing, fuel, auto repairs or any type of assistance.
Long-term infrastructure, parks and environmental protection
Woodard talked about several completed infrastructure projects, such as the new roof and HVAC system for the police department, a new biofiltration system under 70th Avenue, and replacing a 1960s water main on 226th Place Southwest to “maintain the resiliency and prevent future emergency repairs” in the water supply.
The Mountlake Terrace Library will also get a new roof and HVAC system, thanks to a state fund that funded the remaining $500,000 of the $800,000 project.
“These aren’t just cosmetic changes. These are strategic improvements to make sure the community thrives in moments of dire but also in moments of joy,” Woodard said.
He also noted that the library is the home of the annual “Arts of the Terrace” event that showcases local artists as well as the 45th annual Arts of the Terrace show in 2025, which featured more than 370 works from more than 165 artists. That show saw a 70% entry increase compared to 2024 with 840 submissions from artists as far away as Oregon and California.
Woodard also highlighted community events, including Bubble Play Day, the Third of July celebration, National Night Out, Juneteenth celebrations and the Luminaria Walk at Ballinger Park — events that support the goal of creating a more walkable and active community. He credited city staff, including Events Coordinator Andrew Appelwick, for securing about $48,000 in sponsorships to help fund the events.
The biggest challenge is the nearly 60-year-old Recreation Pavilion which is “at the end of its life cycle,” Woodard said, adding that staff sometimes have to “literally search the globe” for customized failing parts. He said that replacing or reimagining the Pavilion will require regional investment and is “not going to be a problem one city can hold or solve on their own.”
On parks and open space, Woodard mentioned the new trails connecting the light rail station to Veterans Memorial Park, adding that people walking from the light rail “can immediately step back into nature.”
He said the park is getting a new 4,300‑square‑foot plaza with a Miguel Edwards sculpture on 236th Street Southwest, funded largely by federal and regional partners.
“I think people will be jumping with joy [because] we’re going to be adding a restroom there,” he said. “I look forward to that design.”
How residents shape decisions
Woodard mentioned several city commissions and groups that help the Council and city staff be more engaged with Mountlake Terrace residents. These include the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission and its strategic plan, the Community Engagement Plan, and the quarterly “Terrace Talks,” and “Ask Me Anything” with City Manager Jeff Niten in a hybrid format.
Woodard also mentioned the upcoming “Council chats” and “walking talks” to give people more casual access to elected officials.
Key ideas
Woodard said the City Council follows four strategic goals:
- Community growth: having a dynamic city where arts, culture and diversity thrive and residents make connections
- Responsible governance: striving for cost efficiency and transparency, as well as balancing infrastructure maintenance and expansion
- Informed and engaged community: residents should feel heard, empowered and knowledgeable about the City’s actions
- Environmental sustainability and resiliency: minimizing climate impacts, protecting vulnerable populations
“We base just about every decision-making [process] on those four goals and elevate our thinking beyond short term tactics,” Woodard said. “There’s a lot happening in these four square miles that we are all deeply proud of, and we look forward to building a community with you.”
The State of the City can be viewed on the City’s YouTube channel.
Real first and last names — as well as city of residence — are required for all commenters.
This is so we can verify your identity before approving your comment.
By commenting here you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct. Please read our code at the bottom of this page before commenting.