MI Weekly 2026-01-28

CITY GOVERNMENT

Craig Reynolds

1/28/20264 min read

Jan. 28, 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.


206-275-7600
City of Mercer Island | 9611 SE 36th Street | Mercer Island, WA 98040 US

Public Notice Regarding Check Fraud and Recovery of Public Funds

The City of Mercer Island is providing notice to the community about a check fraud incident that occurred in early 2025, resulting in a net loss of $50,000 in City funds. Through coordinated recovery efforts and insurance, the City recovered $370,350.94 of the $420,350.94 in stolen funds, limiting the final loss to the cost of the insurance deductible.

The City recognizes its critical responsibility to steward and protect the public’s resources. To maintain transparency and accountability, this notice explains how the fraud occurred, lessons learned, coordinated law enforcement efforts that recovered most of the stolen funds, and immediate corrective actions taken. Read the full notice...

Light Rail Service Begins March 28

Last week, Sound Transit announced that the long-awaited Link Light Rail 2 Line Crosslake Connection will open on March 28, providing direct rail service between Seattle and Bellevue/Redmond via Mercer Island. The project includes a new station located within walking distance of the park and ride lot and Town Center. Read Sound Transit’s official announcement.

The City was represented at Sound Transit's announcement ceremony by (pictured, from left) Councilmember Craig Reynolds, Deputy Mayor Daniel Becker, and Councilmember Julie Hsieh. "This opening marks a historic milestone for Mercer Island, finally providing a reliable, traffic-free connection to the region that many in our community are eager to utilize. As a city, we look forward to the many positive benefits this will bring to residents, businesses, and visitors,” said Mayor Dave Rosenbaum.

Mayor Testifies For Proposed Statewide E-Motorcycle Law

During a public hearing in front of the House Transportation Committee last week, Mayor Dave Rosenbaum testified in support of HB 2374, a bill currently being considered that would define e-motorcycles in state law, making them subject to existing laws and regulations governing traditional motorcycle use.

In his testimony, Rosenbaum highlighted the importance of state legislation to address the dramatic increase in e-motorcycle use, particularly among young people: “As a parent of young children, the safety of young Islanders is consistently top of mind. This bill is an important first step in ensuring children throughout Washington are empowered to access e-bikes as a mobility option, while keeping their safety and decision-making ability in mind.”



City staff worked closely with primary sponsor Rep. Janice Zahn (whose district includes Mercer Island) to draft the bill, which builds on local regulations adopted by the Mercer Island City Council last year and took effect on Jan. 1.

Healthy Youth Forum Returns

The annual MI Healthy Youth Community Forum returns on Monday, Feb. 2, from 7 to 9 p.m., providing an opportunity for parents, educators, community members, and children of all ages to connect, learn, and come together to support the well-being of Island youth.

This year’s event features keynote speaker Dr. Jason Kilmer, a professor in the University of Washington’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, who will discuss the vital roles of parents and the community in youth well-being and substance abuse prevention. The forum will also feature student-led breakout sessions facilitated by Youth and Family Services counselors, enabling students to share their perspectives directly with adult participants. Learn more and register for this year's forum, which will be held virtually via Zoom.

Attend a Breakfast for MI Youth and Families

The MIYFS Foundation’s Annual Fundraising Breakfast will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at the Mercer Island Community and Events Center. Now in its 24th year, this signature event has become a cherished part of Mercer Island’s community calendar.

The MIYFS Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer board that exists to raise funds to support services provided by the City of Mercer Island’s Department of Youth and Family Services (YFS). Comprised of dedicated human services professionals, YFS promotes the social and emotional wellbeing of Islanders of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds by providing assistance that includes individual, family, and school-based counseling, senior services, family assistance programs, and more. Learn more and register to attend.

Pet of the Week: Cupid

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 Cupid, and I'm available for adoption! I'm a 9-month-old female gray/white Labrador Retriever mix dog (ID #A741483). I am still a young pup and have yet to really know my manners. I'm incredibly sweet, affectionate, and full of energy, but I don't know my size and love to jump up on people. Since I love to play, I do best when I have lots of exercise and something to keep my mind busy. I am very much food motivated and will do anything for a snack, which will be helpful when teaching me new skills.

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

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