MI Weekly 2026-02-18
CITY GOVERNMENT
February 18, 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.
City Council Identifies GMA Compliance, Seeks Public Feedback
Reminder: Take the City's Facilities Survey
Join MIPD for 'Coffee with a Cop'
Drivers: Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalks
Resource Fair Seeks to Help Island Seniors
Pet of the Week: Humphrey
206-275-7600
City of Mercer Island | 9611 SE 36th Street | Mercer Island, WA 98040 US
City Council Identifies GMA Compliance, Seeks Public Feedback
On Tuesday, Feb. 17, the City Council continued discussions on the strategy to comply with the Growth Management Hearings Board (GMHB) Order, issued in August 2025, which requires the City of Mercer Island to update its Comprehensive Plan and Development Regulations by the end of July. City staff and consultants provided a detailed presentation.
The GMHB Order requires the City to plan for and accommodate housing across a range of affordability levels by creating sufficient land capacity and adopting policies, incentives, and subsidies to support this development. Additionally, the City must adopt a subarea plan for the area surrounding the Sound Transit light rail station and adopt anti-displacement measures aimed at helping tenants stay in the community as lower cost housing is redeveloped. Read more about the City Council's strategy.
The City Council also reviewed a draft Station Area Boundary, which includes the area within a half mile walk from the light rail station entrances. The GMHB Order requires the City to adopt a subarea plan for this area. The City Council is seeking public feedback on the proposed Station Area Boundary through March 13, 2026. Please submit comments via the City’s Let’s Talk page.
The public is also invited to attend a Community Information Session Webinar on Tuesday, March 10, from 6 to 7 p.m. to learn more about the appeal of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the GMHB Order, and the City’s plan to achieve compliance. Register for the webinar.
Reminder: Take the City's Facilities Survey
The City of Mercer Island wants to hear from you! There is still time to complete a brief survey of Island residents regarding their satisfaction with City-provided services and the City’s approach to facilities planning. Your input can help provide an accurate picture of the community’s views as the City Council considers options to address ongoing facilities needs. Take the survey.
Join MIPD for 'Coffee with a Cop'
Get your morning pick-me-up and get to know your local police officers at Coffee with a Cop on Saturday, March 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the North End Starbucks (7620 SE 27th St).
Newly appointed Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) Chief Michelle Bennett and several officers will be available to chat about what’s happening in the community, address safety concerns, and answer questions. MIPD thanks Starbucks for partnering to host this community-building event. For more information, visit the City’s website.
Drivers: Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalks
Mercer Island drivers, let’s keep our neighbors safe. Remember, motorists must stop for pedestrians in all crosswalks—whether marked or unmarked. This is not just best practice, it’s the law.
When a pedestrian is present, remain stopped until they have completely cleared your lane. In school zones, you must wait until the crossing guard has returned to the sidewalk before proceeding. Also, never pass a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian.
Safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers, stay alert, ditch the distractions, and slow down. Pedestrians, make eye contact with drivers and look both ways before crossing. Let’s ensure everyone makes it home safely!
Resource Fair Seeks to Help Island Seniors
Mercer Island seniors are invited to attend the Third Annual Senior Resource Fair, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. Organized by the City’s Youth and Family Services and Parks and Recreation departments, this free event is designed to be a “one-stop shop” for local resources to help seniors live their best lives.
The event kicks off with a vendor fair featuring nearly 60 organizations focused on health and wellness, lifestyle enrichment, personal safety, and other areas, followed by a break for refreshments. The fair concludes with several featured presentations on riding light rail, preparing for end of life, preventing text scams, transitioning to assisted living, and more. For more information, visit the City’s website.
Pet of the Week: Humphrey
Hi, my name is Humphrey, and I'm available for adoption! I'm a 6-year-old male pit bull dog, white/gray (ID #A742564) who is looking for my forever home. I keep a very clean kennel and am gentle with my stuffed animals. I love walks and will join you on any adventure you take me on!
I am neutered, 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 9803