Lauren Chomiak

The 2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan provides a foundational framework for the City of Kenmore to manage and develop its parks, recreation, and open space system over the next six years. This plan ensures eligibility for state and federal funding by outlining strategies to address projected population growth and evolving community needs. Key objectives include inventorying assets, forecasting demand, establishing roles and responsibilities, estimating costs, and gathering public input. The strategic framework focuses on developing and maintaining parks, trails, and waterfront areas while protecting natural resources, enhancing environmental stewardship, improving connectivity through trails, expanding diverse recreation opportunities (both indoor and outdoor), strengthening arts and cultural facilities, utilizing data-informed planning, and establishing sustainable funding sources. The overall vision is to ensure a vibrant, equitable, and resilient park and recreation system for Kenmore's evolving community.

The meeting focused on discussing and shaping a DEI policy. A staff DEI workplace culture survey from June 2022 was presented, explained, and discussed, highlighting strengths such as feeling comfortable at work and fair treatment, as well as growth opportunities related to expressing opinions and safety in disagreeing openly. Employees value their colleagues and appreciate collaboration and respect. Key challenges include clearly communicated processes and adequate staffing. Recommendations include an intentional DEI strategy with transparency, communication, and education on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The DEI Task Force is scheduled to be sunsetted, but the City is exploring options to continue engagement, and the Task Force members might be contacted in the near future about possible future DEI work. Findings will be presented to the Council in July, with a follow-up in September to discuss an equity policy.

This document outlines the Kenmore City Council's priorities for 2026, focusing on fulfilling its core mission and achieving the City's 20-year vision. Key initiatives include ensuring financial sustainability, implementing the Climate Action Plan and promoting environmental stewardship, activating the Lakepointe property for various developments, preserving and increasing housing availability, promoting sustainable economic development, enhancing multimodal transportation, finalizing and implementing the Human Services Strategic Plan, expanding parks and recreation, continuing the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategic Plan, and broadening community engagement.

The committee discussed feedback from an open house, including concerns about the different types of STEP housing and the need for more transparency. They considered survey responses indicating support for simplifying development processes and distributing STEP housing throughout the city. The committee also discussed potential code changes, the definition of criminal history in relation to PSH, and the permit process, particularly regarding public notice. Additional topics included safety and security plans, good neighbor agreements, resident-operator agreements, parking reduction tools, and next steps for the City Council meeting.

The meeting included a presentation of the DEI Community Survey findings, which covered topics such as diverse representation, psychological safety, equitable systems, and community values. The survey results indicated that the strongest positive sentiments were associated with public land use and the Kenmore Police Department. There was also discussion regarding the significance and value of DEI, accountability, understanding community experiences, and investment in DEI strategies. The City of Kenmore received an Association of Washington Municipal Excellence Award for its ARPA response.