Public Meetings - Auburn, Washington

The Auburn City Council held a study session on November 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM. The agenda included a presentation on the city’s 2027 legislative agenda priorities and council discussion on the rules of procedure. The WSDOT SR 167 Implementation Plan presentation was removed from the agenda. State legislators attended and participated in the legislative priorities discussion. The council also debated and voted on procedural matters regarding the review of council rules. Discussion Items - 2027 Legislative Agenda Priorities: Megan Udmay, government relations policy advisor, presented the city’s priority issues for the upcoming legislative session. Key priorities included: - East Valley Highway Widening Project: Funding request to improve a critical industrial corridor. - SR 167 Implementation Plan: Legislative adoption and funding of improvements to SR 167 and SR 18. - Tort Liability Reform: Seeking balanced reforms that preserve victims’ rights while improving transparency and proportionate responsibility. - LEOFF 1 Pension Surplus: Asking the state to protect pension funds and recognize local government obligations. - Issues to watch included parks and recreation investment, juvenile justice reform, land use and building code flexibility, paid family and medical leave (PFML) program improvements, and consumer protections against surveillance-based pricing. - State legislators Senator Claudia Kaufman, Representative Christine Reeves, and Representative Jamila Taylor provided feedback. They discussed transportation funding challenges, tort liability reform efforts, juvenile justice resource allocation, and the need for city-specific data on PFML impacts. Representative Reeves emphasized the importance of including all delegation members in transportation project requests. - Council Rules of Procedure: Councilmember Rakes moved to suspend council rule 2.2C (which prohibits final action at a study session) to allow a vote on forming an ad hoc committee to review the council’s rules of procedure. After debate, the motion to suspend the rules passed. Councilmember Rakes then moved to create an ad hoc committee with herself and Councilmember Lott as members, with Deputy Mayor Taylor serving as ex-officio. Councilmember Amher offered an amendment to leave the committee open for any interested council members. Councilmember Baldwin moved to postpone the entire discussion to the November 16 city council meeting. That motion passed. Key Outcomes - Motion to suspend council rules (2.2C) passed, allowing final action on the ad hoc committee proposal. - Motion to postpone discussion on council rules to November 16, 2026 passed. The postponed agenda will include the underlying motion to create an ad hoc committee and the amendment to open nominations. - No final action was taken on forming the ad hoc committee or any rule changes; the matter will be continued at the next regular meeting. Council Reports - Councilmembers reported on community events, including the Veterans Day parade, the Auburn Food Bank Harvest Breakfast, the Sounder Garage construction progress, and the Green River College Foundation scholarship dinner.

The Auburn City Council held a regular meeting on November 2, 2026, at 7:00 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting began with a land acknowledgement of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, a statement from Mayor Backus regarding an incident involving Officer Bryant on October 28, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call. Proclamations were issued for Native American Heritage Month (accepted by Dr. Denise Bill of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe) and Small Business Saturday (accepted by representatives of local business organizations). Councilmember Amer received the AWC Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership. The meeting included four public hearings, public comment, an executive session, a consent agenda, and a contentious discussion on a resolution regarding statewide ballot initiatives. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (7-0) the consent agenda including minutes of October 19 and October 26 meetings, claims vouchers totaling $4,212,086.87 across three lists, payroll vouchers totaling $2,647,527.99, and electronic fund/wire transfers. Public Hearings - Shaw Business U.S., Inc. Franchise Agreement No. FRN23-0001: No public testimony; hearing opened and closed at 7:20-7:21 PM. - NFC Northwest, LLC Franchise Agreement No. FRN26-0001: No public testimony; hearing opened and closed at 7:22 PM. - Ordinance No. 7033 (Property Tax Levy): Establishing levy of $26,282,992 for 2027 collection; no public testimony; hearing opened and closed at 7:22-7:23 PM. - Ordinance No. 7034 (2027-2028 Biennial Operating Budget): Four speakers provided comments. Matt Lanier (Auburn resident, CPA) expressed concerns about depleting reserves (general fund balance decreasing 30%, cumulative reserve fund 60%) and unsustainable spending. Ashley Sprecher questioned inclusion of Flock cameras in budget and opposed surveillance spending. Corr Ash criticized mass surveillance spending (ALPRs, Axon/FUSIS system at $772,500 per year) and lack of evidence of effectiveness. Another speaker named Matt called for investing in community presence over "trinkets and gadgets." Hearing opened at 7:24 PM, closed at 7:32 PM. Public Comments & Testimony - Written comments were received from Nguyen Tran, Monte Turner, Lori Morgan, Matt F, Regen Langholz, and Tim Johnson (read into record). - In-person comments (approximately 15 speakers) focused on two main themes: (1) opposition to police brutality and the incident involving Officer Bryant, and (2) opposition to statewide initiatives I-001 and I-638, urging the council to take a stance. Speakers included Jim Farrell (opposed I-638, supported women's sports), Lori Morgan (questioned timing of resolution), Atlas Turner (expressed fear and called for accountability), Hannah Brenlan (opposed I-638, cited costs and impact on girls), Nick Jenkins (criticized police violence and spending), Vicki Bates (urged council to support LGBTQ youth), Erla Champ-Gibson (called for mental health crisis response teams), Ava Hahn (questioned police advisory committee suspension), Reina Harington (detailed excessive force concerns), Arlee Champ-Gibson (asked for vetting processes and de-escalation training), Ashley Sprecher (criticized police misconduct and surveillance), Rocky (silent protest), Janelle Martin (school counselor, opposed I-001), and others. David Fairchild expressed embarrassment and called for change. Discussion Items - Resolution on "No Hate in Washington State" (Opposing Initiatives I-001 and I-638): Council debated a resolution initially proposed by Councilmember Baldwin on October 19, which had been postponed to this meeting. Deputy Mayor Taylor introduced a striker amendment to replace the original text with a neutral resolution encouraging informed civic participation without taking a position. After extensive discussion (lasting over two hours), the council voted 4-3 to adopt the striker amendment (Councilmembers Baldwin, Lott, and Rakes opposed). A subsequent motion by Councilmember Baldwin to replace the striker with her original language failed 3-4. The final amended resolution, which does not take a position on the initiatives, was approved 4-3. Councilmembers articulated differing views on the role of municipal government in statewide ballot measures, with some arguing it is outside the city's scope and others asserting a duty to protect vulnerable youth. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda approved (7-0). - Resolution on Initiatives I-001 and I-638: Adopted in amended form (4-3), encouraging informed civic participation and affirming respect for all residents, without endorsing or opposing the measures. - Executive Session: Held from 8:24 PM to 9:20 PM to discuss potential litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) (legal counsel present). The meeting adjourned at 10:52 PM.

The Auburn City Council held a study session on October 26, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:04 PM, focusing on the Community Wellness special focus area. The meeting included a presentation from Project Be Free, discussion of multiple ordinances related to telecommunications franchises, the 2027 property tax levy, the 2027-2028 biennial operating budget, and the 2027-2032 Capital Facilities Plan. Extensive debate occurred over the inclusion of a Director of the Office of Equity position and funding for a new police headquarters. Project Be Free Presentation - Executive Director Katya Wojcik presented on the Domestic Violence Co-Responder Program. Key points: - Partnership with Auburn Police since 2025, funded by AWC ($100,000 in 2025-2026, $50,000 for 2026-2027 from AWC, and $198,902 over two years from House Bill 2015 grant). - Policy change in April 2026 mandated officers to refer every domestic violence call to Project Be Free, causing a spike in call rates from 20-40 per month to over 120 per month by June 2026. - In the past year, they filed 119 protection orders and served 360 crisis calls. - Demographics: primarily female; top languages Spanish, Dari, Russian, Farsi. - 77% of clients engage in services; only 1% later declined. - Challenges include housing limitations and complex behavioral health cases. - Plans to expand to the Auburn YMCA once a week and continue prevention efforts. Public Comments & Testimony No public comments were made during the study session. Public hearings on the budget and tax levy are scheduled for November 2 and November 16, 2026. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 7030 (Franchise for NFC Northwest, LLC): Granting a 15-year wireline telecommunications franchise for fiber optic installation in specific areas (Lea Hill, West Hill, near Muckleshoot Casino, and parts of Auburn). Public hearing set for November 2. - Ordinance No. 7036 (Franchise for Shaw Business U.S., Inc.): Granting a site-specific 15-year franchise for existing conduit in West Valley Highway Corridor. Public hearing set for November 2. - Ordinance No. 7033 (Property Tax Levy 2027): Establishing a levy of $26,282,992 (1% increase plus new construction). The levy rate is expected to increase to $1.34 per $1,000 due to low assessed valuation growth (0.67%). Public hearing on November 2. - Ordinances No. 7034 and 7035 (Biennial Budget and Capital Facilities Plan): Director Jamie Thomas presented the proposed 2027-2028 budget, including $125.9 million in 2027 and $130.9 million in 2028 expenditures. The general fund includes new program requests such as $2.5 million debt service for facilities master plan, a rental inspection program, downtown recruitment incentives ($300,000 per year), Axon contract increase ($772,000 per year), and new FTEs for parks and theater operations. The Capital Facilities Plan proposes $31.9 million for non-governmental projects and $74.9 million for general governmental projects, including $87.1 million in LTGO bonds for a new police headquarters and other facilities. - Office of Equity Debate: Councilmember Baldwin argued the budget does not comply with City Code (Chapter 2.28) which requires a Director of the Office of Equity. He noted the department is now under the Mayor's office with a program manager rather than a director. Other council members (Amer, Taylor, Sturgis) countered that the work continues and the code may need updating. Councilmember Lott requested a legal review of the ordinance. Mayor Backus stated that code updates are planned but not yet scheduled. - Police Headquarters Discussion: Councilmember Baldwin expressed concern about committing $55 million to a new police headquarters using the new public safety sales tax ($3.4 million annually) without community input on spending priorities. Other members (Sturgis, Amer, Rakes) supported the headquarters as a long-standing priority. Director Thomas clarified that bond funds are one-time and cannot be used for ongoing programs, and that delaying the building would not free up significant funds for other programs due to the nature of bonding. Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; the meeting was a study session. - Public hearings for Ordinance Nos. 7030, 7036, 7033, 7034, and 7035 are scheduled for November 2, 2026. A second public hearing for the budget is on November 16, 2026. - Councilmember Lott requested a legal review of the Office of Equity Ordinance; Acting City Attorney Byrne agreed to work with the council on this. - Deputy Mayor Taylor announced that a review of Council Rules of Procedure will begin at the November 9, 2026 study session. Council members are to submit two topics for discussion by the end of the week. - Council Reports covered attendance at various community events and committee meetings.

The Auburn City Council met at 7:00 PM on October 19, 2026, in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting featured a detailed presentation on the launch of the new Auburn Municipal Court, public testimony covering transit, e-bike regulations, construction accountability, ballot initiatives, and surveillance technology, and a debate over a council resolution opposing two statewide ballot measures. A procedural motion to postpone that resolution to the next meeting passed 4-3. Several routine ordinances and resolutions were adopted. Consent Calendar - The council unanimously approved the consent agenda (7-0). Items included the approval of minutes from previous meetings, setting public hearing dates for NFC Northwest, LLC and Shaw Business U.S., Inc. franchise agreements, and the approval of payroll and claims vouchers totaling over $5.6 million for claims and $2.8 million for payroll. Public Comments & Testimony - John Neller (Auburn resident) spoke about the need for better transit connections to the Tacoma Amtrak station, specifically asking if the planned rapid ride bus to Kent and Renton would include a stop at the Tacoma Sounder and Amtrak station. - Reina Harrington (Auburn) urged the council to repeal Ordinance 7029, which regulates e-bikes based on capability. She argued it restricts transportation options for low-income residents, endangers cyclists by forcing them into traffic, and is inconsistent with how the law treats automobiles. - Storm Smith (Auburn, age 18) proposed three reforms for road construction management: a 90-day conflict review before major closures, QR-code-based tracking of construction concerns, and a project closeout scoreboard to compare final results against original plans and budgets. - Sarah Edwards (Bonney Lake, Green River College faculty) urged support for a resolution opposing Initiative 638, arguing it targets a tiny minority of trans students while sending a harmful, exclusionary message to the broader LGBTQ+ community in Washington state. - Ava Hanh (Auburn) criticized the city's investment in ALPR surveillance technology, citing a recent federal court ruling against warrantless ALPR searches. She argued this represents an unmanaged legal and financial risk, given bipartisan opposition and the potential for city-funded settlement payouts. - Rocky Salvador (Auburn resident) strongly opposed the city's use of surveillance technology, stating the council had ignored resident concerns and that the systems violate Fourth Amendment protections. He called for the immediate cancellation of surveillance contracts. - Corr Ash (Auburn resident) opposed ALPRs, noting their high cost and low impact on crime rates. She highlighted a proposed increase in the city's Axon contract from $427,500 to $772,500 and suggested the funds would be better directed toward human services. - Virginia Haugen (Auburn resident) expressed concerns about the financial burdens of the new municipal court and transit costs, sharing an anecdote about a traffic ticket and questioning the city's ability to manage the transition of cases from King County. Discussion Items - Municipal Court Presentation: Judge Matthew Leyba and Court Administrator Melissa Patrick updated the council on the transition to the Auburn Municipal Court, launching January 1, 2027. They introduced the new court seal, vision statement, and eight core values. Regarding the Community Court, they explained a reclassification of a probation officer position to begin preparations without requiring new funding in the 2027-2028 budget. For the case transfer from King County District Court, staff presented plans for a potential influx of over 130,000 cases, prioritizing public safety and speedy trials. The city has filed an action in King County Superior Court regarding the transfer, with a hearing on November 13, 2026. - Resolution Opposing Statewide Initiatives I-001 and I-638: Councilmember Baldwin introduced a resolution opposing Initiative 26-001 (parental rights) and Initiative 26-638 (transgender athletes in sports). A motion to postpone indefinitely by Councilmember Stirgus was debated but failed (3-4). Deputy Mayor Taylor then successfully moved to postpone the resolution to the November 2, 2026 meeting, which passed 4-3. The debate centered on the council's role in state ballot measures and the factual accuracy of the resolution. Key Outcomes - Resolution Postponed: The proposed resolution opposing Initiatives I-001 and I-638 was postponed to the November 2, 2026 City Council meeting by a vote of 4-3. - Ordinance 7027 (Development Agreements): Adopted unanimously (7-0). - Resolution 5928 (2027 Fee Schedule): Adopted (6-1). Councilmember Baldwin dissented, citing a lack of formal fee waiver tracking. - Resolution 5930 (VRFA Fee Schedule): Adopted unanimously (7-0). - Resolution 5931 (Taco Maestro Lease Termination): Adopted unanimously (7-0). - Resolution 5932 (2027 State Legislative Agenda): Adopted unanimously (7-0). - Resolution 5934 (Forfeited Property Surplus): Adopted unanimously (7-0).

The Auburn City Council held a special meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, with virtual participation options. The sole agenda item was Ordinance No. 7042, which authorizes an additional one hundredth of one percent (0.01%) sales and use tax to assist children and families, as enabled by state law and previously adopted by King County. Mayor Nancy Backus presided, and all seven councilmembers were present. The meeting was adjourned at 5:39 PM. Public Comments No members of the public provided oral or written comments. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 7042: Mayor Backus explained that the Washington State Legislature allowed counties to collect the tax, and King County adopted it earlier in October 2026. To receive Auburn’s share, the city must adopt the ordinance. She stated she could not in good conscience allow the county to retain the portion collected from Auburn residents, which Director of Finance Jamie Thomas estimated at $75,000–$85,000 for the first quarter, given the great needs in the community. Council discussion covered allowed uses (emergency shelter, childcare, prenatal support, before/after school youth services, workforce capacity building, rental assistance), whether funds would support new or existing services, and how allocations would be determined. Councilmember Baldwin asked about the timeline of King County’s consideration and the budget process; the Mayor replied that King County’s action was not widely known until recently and that spending plans would be brought back to council. Councilmember Lott asked about the proportion of funds going to direct services versus overhead. The Mayor indicated that further decisions would be made via a budget amendment. Key Outcomes - Deputy Mayor Tracy Taylor moved, and Councilmember Hanan Amer seconded, to approve Ordinance No. 7042. The council voted unanimously (7-0) to approve. - Future allocation of the tax revenue will be presented to the council for discussion, likely through a budget amendment to the current biennial budget.

The Auburn City Council held a study session on October 12, 2026, from 5:44 PM to 8:15 PM. The meeting included an update from the new Equity, Engagement, and Outreach Program Manager, discussion on the proposed 2027 fee schedule resolution, and deliberation on the 2027 Legislative Agenda Priorities. Key decisions included consensus on the legislative agenda and direction to staff. Office of Equity, Engagement, and Outreach Update - Program Manager Rita Gray presented her background and 90-day plan. She emphasized building relationships, conducting a needs assessment, and using data-driven approaches. Gray discussed her work on Civics Academy, tribal partnerships, language access, and updating the Community Grant program. - Councilmembers asked about her review of past studies, meeting with council, and the community grant details. Mayor and staff clarified that she would not individually meet with council members at this time. Resolution No. 5928 – 2027 Fee Schedule - Directors from Public Works, Parks, and Community Development presented a 4% across-the-board increase, a 5% hourly rate increase, and specific adjustments for water meters and airport fees. No increases were proposed for traffic impact fees and system development charges. - Discussion included the significant increase in water meter fees due to meter costs, cemetery fees for children's burial plots, and the mayor's authority to waive fees. Councilmember Baldwin requested oversight on fee waivers, suggesting council approval or tracking. Councilmember Amer opposed. A point of order was called to limit back-and-forth. Councilmember Baldwin then made a public records request for 2025 waiver records. 2027 Legislative Agenda Priorities - Policy Advisor Megan Utemei presented a proposed list: a capital request for East Valley Highway widening, three policy priorities (tort liability reform, LEOFF pension surplus, and paid family medical leave reform), and issues to watch (parks funding, juvenile justice, etc.). - Council reviewed 13 additional requests submitted by members. After discussion, consensus was reached to keep the proposed front-page priorities and back-page issues to watch, with the addition of "prohibit surveillance pricing" as an issue to watch, with language to be refined. The agenda will be brought back for adoption next week, and a study session with legislators is scheduled for November 9. Key Outcomes - Staff directed to finalize the legislative agenda with the addition of surveillance pricing on the issues-to-watch list. - Councilmember Baldwin made a public records request for all fee waiver records from 2025. - The 2027 fee schedule resolution will be on the next council agenda for action. - Council reports covered various special focus area updates, including Project Be Free presentation scheduling, emergency management partnerships, and CERT program success.

The Auburn City Council met on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting was conducted in person and virtually, featured several cultural proclamations, a presentation from the King County Library System and the Auburn School District, public testimony on surveillance and immigration enforcement, and unanimous decisions on budget amendments and a resolution supporting the school district's construction bond. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM. Proclamations - Mayor Backus issued proclamations declaring October 5, 2026, as "Diwali—The Festival of Lights Day," October 12, 2026, as "Indigenous Peoples' Day," October 2026 as "Domestic Violence Awareness Month," October 2026 as "Filipino American History Month," and October 2026 as "Hindu Heritage Month" in the City of Auburn. Consul General Prakash Gupta and Priest Acharya Varun Dev Sharma accepted the respective proclamations. - Detective Stephanie Bennett from the Auburn Police Department accepted the Domestic Violence Awareness Month proclamation and highlighted the department's partnership with Project Be Free. Presentations - King County Library System: PhilisAnn Bodle, Regional Manager, reported that KCLS circulated 23 million items in 2025 and has the second highest digital circulation in the U.S. The Auburn Library has over 18,000 active cardholders and saw over 140,000 visitors in 2025. Extended Tuesday and Wednesday hours begin October 18, 2026. Council discussed museum and park passes available through the library. - Auburn School District Bond: Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati and Vicki Alonzo presented on the $491 million school construction bond on the November ballot. They cited severe overcrowding (46 portables across four middle schools), the need to replace Cascade Middle School (60 years old) and Alpac Elementary (55 years old), and build a fifth middle school. The estimated cost is $1.10 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Council discussed school safety and security features, air conditioning, and sustainability elements like solar panels. Councilmember Amer asked about property tax exemptions for seniors, which the superintendent confirmed exist. Consent Calendar - The Council unanimously approved the Consent Agenda (7-0), which included minutes from previous meetings and a series of claims and payroll vouchers. The consent agenda included payroll totaling $5,975,063.65 for the period covering September 3 to September 30, 2026, among other expenditures. Appointments - The Council unanimously approved (7-0) the appointments of Jenny Chen, Joshua Choi, Alise Lee, Izabella Pogosian, and Kristy Rogacheva to the Junior City Council for a term expiring August 31, 2028. Public Comments & Testimony - Storm Smith (Auburn resident, age 18): Expressed full support for the Auburn School District bond, stating that investing in education is critical for the community's future and urging the council to proactively invest in students. - Ava Hahn (Auburn resident): Opposed the city's ALPR (Flock) traffic cameras, citing a 71% misreport rate from LAPD findings and asserting that data from researchers shows Auburn has become more dangerous, ranking as the 12th most dangerous town in Washington in 2024. She requested the council cancel the contract and reinvest in officers or social programs. She also asked if the cameras were being audited. - Virginia Haugen (Auburn resident): Raised concerns about a disbarred attorney allegedly defrauding non-English speaking immigrants. She also spoke in opposition to the School Construction Bond, expressing worry about rising property taxes and the financial strain on residents. - Vicki Bates (Auburn resident): Expressed concerns regarding federal ICE enforcement in Auburn, describing incidents where individuals are detained and their vehicles are left impounded. She requested the council consider a 72-hour grace period before impounding vehicles to give families time to locate and retrieve them. - Reina Harrington (Auburn resident): Spoke in opposition to Flock surveillance cameras, comparing mass surveillance to the Stasi. She argued the city does not control the data and urged the council to ban automated vehicle tracking systems, redirecting funds toward schools and solving property crimes. Discussion Items - Ordinance No. 7031 (Budget Amendment): Councilmember Amer moved to approve the sixth budget amendment for the 2025-2026 biennium. The amendment authorizes staffing and equipment for the new municipal court starting January 1, 2027. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). - Resolution No. 5929 (School Bond Support): Councilmember Stirgus moved to adopt a resolution supporting the Auburn School District's School Construction Bond. Before the vote, Mayor Backus allowed for opposing viewpoints. Virginia Haugen provided an opposing comment citing tax burdens. Councilmembers Baldwin and Stirgus spoke in favor, emphasizing the need for safer, modernized schools and generational civic duty. Councilmember Baldwin shared a personal connection to the Oxford High School shooting to underscore the importance of school security. The resolution passed unanimously (7-0). Key Outcomes - Unanimous Approval: Junior City Council appointments, Consent Agenda (Minutes, Vouchers), and Ordinance No. 7031 (2025-2026 Budget Amendment). - Unanimous Adoption: Resolution No. 5929 supporting the Auburn School District School Construction Bond. - State Audit of Flock Data Confirmed: Mayor Backus and Finance Director Jamie Thomas confirmed the Washington State Auditor's Office will audit Flock (ALPR) camera data, with the audit expected to begin in October and conclude by the end of 2026. - Souss Creek Land Acquisition: Mayor Backus acknowledged the acquisition of the Souss Creek Botanical Garden property from Morris Skagan, funded in part by the King Conservation District.

The Auburn City Council held a study session on September 28, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:10 PM, focusing on Public Works and Community Development topics. Presentations included the 2025 Waste Management Annual Report, the 2025-2026 Auburn Green School Program, a proposed ordinance creating new development agreement regulations, and a budget amendment for the new Municipal Court. Waste Management Annual Report - Han Kirkland, Public Sector Manager for Waste Management, presented the 2025 Annual Report, highlighting community investments (\$11,000 in sponsorships, support for four city events), service to over 19,600 customers, and total tonnage of 66,680 tons collected, with a 26.3% diversion rate (residential 44.1%, multifamily 21.4%, commercial 14.6%). WM reported 75% of customers have online profiles. Outreach included 100 food-generating businesses visited by interns, and two recycle ride events collected 4,452 lbs of electronics, 1,805 lbs of paper, 11 cubic yards of foam, and 975 lbs of textiles. Council discussed rate increases (anticipated due to CPI and King County tipping fees), organic waste outreach, oversized item pickup, and e-waste disposal options. WM will continue collaborating with city staff on multifamily and business organics outreach. Auburn Green School Program - Scott Weide (Assistant Director of Maintenance and Operations, Auburn School District), Jeff Welke (King County Green Schools Program Representative), and Angel Cuonca (Custodial Coordinator) presented the 2025-2026 program. Key accomplishments: a district-wide Green Schools committee formed, all 22 school sites participated (19 with staff/student green teams), a 28% reduction in garbage volume (16,000 fewer gallons per week, or 1.3 fewer gallons per student per week), standardized waste stations with clear signage, and compost containers at each school. All participating schools received King County Green Schools recognition. Council discussed the committee selection process, outreach to the remaining three schools, potential partnership with Green River College, and community outreach. The district plans to expand waste stations to feeder schools and focus on energy and transportation benchmarks in 2026-2027. Development Agreements (Ordinance 7027) - Steve Sturza, Assistant Director of Community Development, presented a proposed new chapter (18.80) codifying development agreement procedures. Key features: 10-year initial term with two extension options, flexibility on land uses, density, building heights, design standards, and impact fees in exchange for public benefits (affordable housing, open space, transportation improvements, etc.). Non-negotiable items include building code vesting, environmental regulations, stormwater requirements, and state/federal requirements. Approval process requires City Council action; minor amendments can be approved by the director. Council discussed public benefit determination, community benefit agreements, prior development agreements (e.g., Copper Gate, GSA site), and implications of agreement expiration. No formal vote; feedback will be incorporated into the ordinance. Municipal Court Budget Amendment (Ordinance 7031) - Judge Matthew Laba and Court Administrator Melissa Patrick presented a \$1,197,600 budget amendment for the new Municipal Court startup in 2026. Categories include audio/visual and technology upgrades, court security (walkthrough metal detectors, hand scanners, lockers), facility refresh (paint, flooring, bench refinishing), furniture and appliances, supplies, and partial staffing (8 FTEs by end of 2026, with 20 FTEs planned for 2027). Accomplishments to date include creation of a mission statement, local court rules (still open for public comment until October 9), court calendar, and software selection. Challenges include potential transfer of 130,000 open cases from King County, facility condition, and cost overruns. Council discussed timeline for full operations (January 2027 with phased calendars), payment processing options, and the absence of Community Court in the budget. A more detailed update is scheduled for the October 12 study session. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken; the meeting was a study session for discussion and feedback. - Council provided direction on the Development Agreements code; staff will refine the ordinance for future action. - Budget Amendment 6 for the Municipal Court was presented; council will discuss it further in the upcoming budget sessions (preliminary budget review on September 29). - The Green School Program will explore partnerships with Green River College and community centers for waste stations. - Waste Management indicated a rate study is underway, with results expected later in 2025. - Council reports: Councilmember Stirgus noted the October 12 special focus area will include a deeper Municipal Court update; Councilmember Amer reported on the finance special focus area meeting held September 14.