Shoreline City Council Regular Meeting - May 18, 2026

The Shoreline City Council met on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting included presentations from Einstein Middle School students on a proposed city flag redesign, an overview of the CityWise civic education program, and a discussion of the Affordable Housing Feasibility Study. The Council also held a 30-minute executive session on litigation. The consent calendar was approved unanimously, and the meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Regular Meeting Minutes of April 6, 2026, and Workshop Dinner Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2026. Motion by Deputy Mayor Eben Pobee, seconded by Councilmember Keith Scully, carried 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Christopher Potter (Shoreline resident) questioned whether the housing problem is a lack of inventory or high costs, and advocated for a public ownership (social housing) model, citing Seattle’s recent initiative.
• Frank Cable (Shoreline) asked about construction delays at Brugger’s Bog Park, an abandoned vehicle, and suggested establishing a Veterans Pride Month.
• Sarah Kennedy (Shoreline, CityWise alum) expressed strong support for the CityWise program, praising its role in fostering community and civic literacy.
• Scott Menzies (Shoreline, CityWise alum) thanked the Council for supporting CityWise and emphasized the importance of hyperlocal engagement for democracy.
• Anthony Portugal (Shoreline, CityWise alum) described how the program changed his understanding of city government and praised staff coordination.
• Trish Woolcott (Shoreline, CityWise alum) complimented the program and suggested including content on how written goals become actual policies.
• Written comments were received from Oliver J Moffat, Irvin Hwang (on CityWise), and Logan Schmidt (on Affordable Housing).

Discussion Items

Einstein Middle School Shoreline Flag Proposal

Brent Holland, art teacher at Einstein Middle School, and four students (Amilia Galuska, Alex Petek, Cooper Rogers, Simon Barrett) presented proposed flag designs. Each design incorporated symbols such as 14-point stars for neighborhoods, waves for waterways and Native tribes, and mountains. Councilmembers praised the initiative, the representation of Native heritage, and the thoughtful design. Councilmember Roberts asked about the absence of trees and supported a community-wide process. Councilmember Ademasu supported a student-led effort with staff. Mayor Robertson thanked the students and noted the Council will consider next steps toward a community-designed flag. (Councilmember Roberts left at 7:38 p.m.)

CityWise Civic Education and Engagement Course Overview

Bethany Wolbrecht-Dunn, Community Services Manager, and Mallory Van Abbema presented a recap of the program, which started in 2016 and has completed 10 cohorts. They highlighted curriculum, attendance trends (largest cohort 28, potential capacity 40), and participant feedback requesting meals, childcare, and alumni networking. Future directions include hybrid or bite-sized formats, reconnecting with Shoreline School District, reviving multilingual Community Bridge content, and a formal closing exercise. Councilmembers praised the program and offered suggestions: Councilmember Scully supported expanding without formal KPIs and suggested a hybrid option; Deputy Mayor Pobee asked about alumni tracking; Mayor Robertson suggested partnerships with community organizations and hosting off-site.

Affordable Housing Feasibility Study Discussion

Kevin Ramsey of BERK Consulting presented the study, funded by Council, to provide a strategic, data-driven analysis of affordable housing tools. Two goals were proposed: producing new income-restricted housing at or below 50% AMI, and supporting permanent affordable homeownership for households below 80% AMI. Nine policy tools were outlined: 1) Modify inclusionary zoning for deeper affordability; 2) Expand MFTE to ownership projects; 3) Fee reductions/waivers; 4) New revenue for Housing Trust Fund; 5) Fee on large single-family homes; 6) Affordable homeownership programs; 7) Manufactured/modular construction incentives; 8) Tiny homes on wheels as ADUs; 9) Housing incentive marketing program. Councilmember Scully emphasized social housing concepts, partnering with King County, caution on single-family home fees, and focus on 50% AMI. Councilmember Ademasu recommended lowering AMI targets for homeownership, prioritizing modular construction, pre-approved architectural plans, a Section 8-style subsidy, term-limited staff positions, partial fee waivers, developer roundtables, and addressing lack of 2- and 3-bedroom units. Councilmember Snider asked about unhoused residents; Councilmember Mork requested inclusion of financing and insurance costs and supported pre-approved plans. Deputy Mayor Pobee asked about timeline for the homeownership program—preliminary findings expected in fall. Next Council touchpoints planned for September and December 2026.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 7-0.
• Flag Proposal: Council expressed support for initiating a community-driven flag redesign process, with student input.
• CityWise: Council provided general support for expansion, hybrid options, childcare feasibility, and alumni engagement. Staff will explore partnerships and alternative formats.
• Affordable Housing Study: Council provided direction to prioritize tools that serve households at or below 50% AMI, consider social housing partnerships, evaluate modular construction and pre-approved plans, and assess financial impacts of fee waivers. Staff will return with preliminary findings in fall 2026 and final recommendations by December 2026.
• Executive Session: Held from 8:42 p.m. to 9:05 p.m. for litigation discussion (RCW 42.30.110(1)(i)); no action taken.
• Adjournment: 9:12 p.m.