Auburn City Council Study Session - October 12, 2026

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.