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.
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.)
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.
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.
Progress. Good evening. I now call to order the Shoreline City Council regular meeting for Monday, May 18th, 2026. Will you please join council for the flag salute? I'd like to leave the United States. Thank you. Would the clerk please call the roll? Mayor Robertson. Here. Deputy Mayor Povey. Here. Councilmember Snyder. Here. Councilmember Roberts. Councilmember Adamasu. Present via Zoom. Councilmember Mort. Present. Councilmember Scully. Present. Welcome everyone. Okay. The next item is approval of tonight's agenda. Are there any objections or comments on tonight's agenda? Seeing none, the agenda is adopted by unanimous consent, which brings us to the report of the city manager, Mr. Ellington. Good evening, Council. We're excited to share that improvements at James Keel Park has been completed. Join us to celebrate on Friday, May 29th from 6 to 7 p.m. at James Keel Park. We're excited to share all the new park amenities with you, including an off-leash dog area, skate features, sports court, park area, and more. Enjoy free refreshments and explore Shoreline's latest investment in our park system. This project was funded by the voter approved 2022 park bond. We're still accepting application for two youth positions folks out there in the audience to serve on the parks recreation and cultural services tree board for the 2627 academic year. Applications can be submitted via the link on the screen. We have three shoreline walk events this week. Explore neighborhoods, parks, and trails on some of the best walking routes in our city. For the most up-to-date walking group information, please visit ShorelineWah.gov. Join Shoreline staff on June 1st at 5 30 p.m. here at City Hall as we raise the pride flag for the month of June. There will be a short program to kick off Pride Month in Shoreline. As a reminder, City facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day. And finally, just a couple of public reminders to share. Also here in the chambers at 7 p.m. The Parks Recreation and Cultural Services Tree Boards. The next meeting is Thursday, May 28th at 7 p.m. in the conference room 303 here at City Hall. And the salary commission will meet on Tuesday, May 26th at 6 30 p.m. Also in the conference room at 303. For more information about these upcoming meetings, please visit ShorelineWaw.gov forward slash calendar.