Councilmember Craig Reynolds Shares Meeting Recap: 2026-05-19
CITY GOVERNMENTFEATURED
In this column, Council Member Craig Reynolds shares his perspective on recent issues before the Mercer Island City Council as well as insight in to how he votes and shapes city planning and policies.
May 19, 2026 Council Meeting Update
Another Mercer Island City Council meeting is a wrap.
On May 19, 2026, the City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. All seven councilmembers were present, with Councilmembers Anderl, Reynolds, Weiker, and Weinberg participating remotely. Key agenda items included:
AB 6931: YFS Program Update and Youth Matters Report
AB 6929: 2025 Community Member of the Year (Proclamation No. 387)
AB 6928: 2026 Board and Commission Appointments (Resolution Nos 1694 & 1695)
AB 6930: City Planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
In addition, I pulled AB 6933: National Gun Violence Awareness Day (Proclamation No. 388) from the consent agenda, as I had a few words to say about it, and I felt it was important for all seven councilmembers to have on-the-record votes on it. It passed 7-0.
My take on each of these issues is below.
You can offer feedback on these or any city policy issue via email to council@mercerisland.gov. If you have an issue with city services rather than policy matters, please email customerservice@mercerisland.gov.
AB 6931: YFS Program Update and Youth Matters Report
See my advance-write-up of the meeting for an overview of this topic. Suffice it to say that YFS is doing great work, and two MIHS students (Alice Liang and Kirin Lancaster) gave great presentations that inspired me with hope for the next generation.
AB 6929: 2025 Community Member of the Year (Proclamation No. 387)
Fan Yuan was deservedly honored for her amazing work with the Mercer Island Chinese Association, the PTA, the Library Board, and the Mercer Island Preschool Association. Thanks Fan for all you do.
AB 6928: 2026 Board and Commission Appointments (Resolution Nos 1694 & 1695)
We had a number of votes to take, so this took a while, but the process went smoothly. Thank you to everyone who stepped up. For the first time in a while, all races were contested.
Mayor Rosenbaum appointed, and the council unanimously approved, the selection of Carol Berseth and Kipley Olson to the Open Space Conservancy Trust board.
Meredith Lehr and Debbie Bertlin were appointed to the utility board.
Jason Sanio and Damon Jacobson were appointed to the parks and recreation commission.
Katie Kratzer, Jonathan Harrington, and Kay Huang were reappointed to the arts council.
AB 6930: City Planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Not much to say here. The staff updated the council on all the world cup planning that is underway. They have it handled. Advice: Plan ahead. Use the light rail. Plan for lack of parking.
Councilmember Reports
Councilmember Hsieh reported on a number of community events she has attended, inspiring us all with her engagement. Her next community coffee is June 10 at ASA at 11:00 AM.
Councilmember Weinberg reported on his next open brunch: June 20 at HAPS at Noon. He also updated the council on an ST 4 letter of support sent out by the Eastside Transportation Commission.