The North Bend City Council held a workstudy on July 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting covered four primary discussion items: a proposed Parks and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) for a regional aquatics facility, a request to rezone a constrained property for townhome development, regulations on expanding single-family homes in the downtown zone, and funding strategies for downtown activation and revitalization. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM. Parks & Recreation Service Area (PRSA) - Kate Leen of the Snoqualmie Valley Aquatics Collaborative presented a proposal to form a PRSA to fund, construct, and govern a new aquatics facility. The presentation covered the formation process, governance via King County, funding mechanisms (requiring a 60% voter-approved six-year property tax levy), and a $68 million cost estimate for a two-phase facility. - Council discussed the proposed boundaries, coordination with a potential Regional Fire Authority (RFA) ballot measure to avoid voter fatigue, and tax sensitivity. - Outcome: Broad support for exploring the PRSA. Mayor Miller will reach out to the Mayor of Snoqualmie to align on a resolution for formal Council consideration. Rezone Request (Low Density Residential to High Density Residential) - Jeff Yee of Yee Capital Partners requested a rezone of his 24.35-acre property from LDR to HDR. Mr. Yee argued that steep slopes, wetlands, flood zones, and off-site infrastructure costs (a multi-million dollar box culvert and road improvements) made development under the current zoning financially infeasible. - He noted a previous 2006 development agreement for 154 townhomes and proposed approximately 100 townhome units to absorb the high costs. He stated he has spent over $300,000 on pre-development work. - Councilmembers questioned the project's viability for affordable housing given the high per-unit land development costs. Councilmember McFarland was amenable to the formal application process, while Councilmembers Elwood and Joselyn expressed significant skepticism about increasing density at the edge of town. - Outcome: Council directed Mr. Yee to formally submit his request as a docket item for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan amendment cycle. Single Family Non-Conforming Use - Planning Manager Mike McCarty reported on a request to amend non-conforming use regulations in the Downtown Commercial (DC) zone following a denied application for a 50% home expansion. Current code limits non-conforming single-family homes to a one-time 20% increase in gross floor area. - Councilmembers debated the preservation of historic housing stock against property rights. Councilmember Elwood stated strong opposition ("It is a no for me"), concerned about McMansions and changing town character. Councilmember Rustik and Torguson echoed this, suggesting a need for more space should prompt a move. Councilmember McFarland was skeptical the change would solve long-term housing goals. - Outcome: There was a clear lack of council interest in pursuing the code amendment. The item will not move forward. Downtown Foundation Activation & Revitalization - Community & Economic Development Director James Henderson presented on downtown's role as the city's primary economic driver, noting a 74% increase in sales tax receipts over the last 10 years compared to a 6% decrease at the Outlet Mall. - Henderson reviewed the North Bend Downtown Foundation (NBDF) accomplishments and outlined three funding options: 1) Fund the NBDF ($306k for marketing and events), 2) Establish a City Staff Position ($255k total for a full-time exempt employee managing events and marketing), or 3) Contract an Event Manager. - Council Discussion: Councilmember Elwood and Mayor Pro Tem Tremolada strongly advocated for Option 2, arguing the city needs a dedicated "marketing department" to have more control over its economic development strategy. Councilmember McFarland questioned the needed scope and noted the NBDF's resistance to the Main Street designation program. Councilmember Rustik favored the more cautious Option 3. - Outcome: Staff was directed to gather more information on Option 2 (Establishing a City Staff Position) and bring a detailed proposal, including job description and cost-benefit analysis, back to the Council for review at the August 25, 2026 Workstudy for potential inclusion in the 2027 Budget. Key Outcomes & Announcements - PRSA: Mayor to contact Snoqualmie Mayor. Draft resolution to follow. - Rezone: Applicant directed to submit formal request for the 2027 Comprehensive Plan docket. No immediate action taken. - Single Family Non-Conforming Use: Code amendment will not be pursued. - Downtown: Staff to develop detailed proposal for Option 2 (City Staff Position) for the August 25 Workstudy. - Announcements: Councilmember Joselyn reported that the City received $2.2 million in PSRC Rural Town & Corridors funding for the North Bend Way roundabout and $2.4 million for the Cedar Falls shared use trail. He also noted the release of the PSRC's "Build Here, Puget Sound!" housing platform.
