MI Weekly - 2026-01-21
CITY GOVERNMENT
Jan. 21, 2026
See below for a reprint of the City of Mercer Island's weekly email, the MI Weekly.
Other than minor format changes, all content on this page comes from that email and is credited to the City of Mercer Island.
Council Initiates Strategic Roadmap for Affordable Housing Compliance
Share Your Feedback on Transportation Plan
Take the Mystery Out of Your Water Bill
View Public Art, Photos at Exhibit
Upcoming Parent Lab Focuses on Dads
Pet of the Week: Sablethe Week: Sa
206-275-7600
City of Mercer Island | 9611 SE 36th Street | Mercer Island, WA 98040 US
Council Initiates Strategic Roadmap for Affordable Housing Compliance
At its annual planning session on Jan. 16, the Mercer Island City Council began outlining a path to bring the City’s Comprehensive Plan into alignment with state affordable housing requirements. This effort follows an order from the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB), which requires the City to update its 2024 plan by July 31, 2026. To meet this deadline and avoid state sanctions, the Council is evaluating strategies to increase affordable housing supply, analyze land capacity, and implement anti-displacement measures, specifically exploring how state law (HB 1491) can help streamline this process.
Residents can expect regular updates as the Council reviews refined work plans and implementation options throughout February and March. While the 2024 Comprehensive Plan remains in effect during this revision period, the City is committed to a transparent process that balances community character with state mandates. For a detailed breakdown of the compliance steps and upcoming milestones, visit the project page on Let’s Talk.
Share Your Feedback on Transportation Plan
The City of Mercer Island’s public comment period for the annual update of its Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is now open, and we want to hear from you! The TIP covers the City’s roadway, pedestrian, and bicycle projects planned for the six-year period from 2027 to 2032. Visit Let’s Talk to learn more about the TIP and to submit comments for consideration by April 21, 2026.
Comments received by Feb. 26 will be included in the agenda bill presented to the City Council during its March 17 meeting, when a public hearing will be held. Another hearing is scheduled for the April 21 City Council meeting, where the Council will review the proposed TIP and public comments, provide feedback, and adopt the TIP. For questions, email the Public Works Department.
Take the Mystery Out of Your Water Bill
Water utility customers can now access a range of useful information and features with the introduction of a new, web-based portal called VX Smart. For the first time ever, customers will be able to track their water usage by the hour, allowing them to identify their use patterns and opportunities for reducing their bi-monthly bill. This can also save customers money by detecting leaks quickly – before water bills and repair costs rise.
Customers can also set up notifications – such as leak alerts – and pay their utility bills, all from one convenient location. To access these features, customers will need to set up an account, even if they are currently enrolled in autopay. Just enter the account number and zip code to gain instant access. Learn more about this new portal by visiting the City’s website.
View Public Art, Photos at Exhibit
From now until Feb. 27, the Mercer Island Community and Event Center is hosting a Public Art and Photography Show featuring works from the City of Mercer Island’s publicly owned collection, donated or purchased through the City’s “1% for the Arts Fund” over the years. A reception will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
This exhibition highlights the diversity and richness of the city’s public art collection, offering the community a unique opportunity to experience and celebrate these public pieces of artwork. Among the works of 12 featured artists are depictions of the “Mercer Island Medallions,” a new “Art in Public Places” project that will be installed later this year on the waterfront of Luther Burbank Park, with details and progress to be shared on Let’s Talk.
Upcoming Parent Lab Focuses on Dads
The popular Parent Labs series is back for 2026! These 90-minute interactive programs engage parents in discussions to explore and challenge parenting concepts. The labs, facilitated by staff and counselors from the City of Mercer Island’s Department of Youth and Family Services (YFS), are supported by the 5-step parenting process that is the foundation of the Parenting Mercer Island online tool.
The next Parent Lab, titled “Just for Dads,” takes place on Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mercer Island High School library. Designed for dads and male caregivers of children in middle and high school, the program will help participants learn how to stay connected to their children as they grow and develop.
Learn more and register at the MI Healthy Youth Initiative website.
Pet of the Week: Sable
We are partnering with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) to highlight an adoptable pet each week. Learn more about this pet and many others.
Hi, my name is Sable, and I'm ready for adoption! I'm a 2-year-old female black/white Pit Bull dog (ID #A741395) who loves people, other dogs, and chewing up my stuffies! I also love attention, affection, and lots of cuddles and kisses!
I am spayed, current on vaccinations, and microchipped! My adoption comes with many benefits, including 30 days of opt-in pet insurance through Trupanion. My reduced adoption fee includes a King County pet license (if applicable), which helps facilitate my safe return home should I become lost, and provides additional benefits, including Vacation Pet Alert, Free Ride Home, and more! Visit the pet licensing webpage for more information.
If you and your family are ready to fall in love with my pawesome self, please come down to RASKC to visit me!
Contact RASKC at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or by email. To meet potential pets for adoption, visit RASKC.
Hours: Mon-Fri 12 to 5 p.m.; Sat-Sun 12 to 4 p.m.
Location: 21615 64th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
