During her first State of the City address on March 19, North Bend Mayor Mary Miller presented a forward-looking summary of changes coming to city in 2024. Here are some highlights from the address.
Infrastructure
Fresh pavement overlays on Ballarat Avenue, Cedar Falls Way and Ribary Way are expected, as well as a connection between West North Bend Way and Bendigo Boulevard, to reduce truck traffic volumes and improve safety and access to I-90.
Three roundabouts — at Mt Si Boulevard and State Route 202, Mt Si Road and North Bend Way, and North Bend Way and South Fork Avenue — will move into the design phase this year, with construction expected for 2025-2027.
The first two phases of the Wastewater Treatment Plant High Priority Improvement Plan are almost complete. The updated plant will decrease odor, improve employee safety and comply with state environmental requirements to protect the Snoqualmie River.
Parks and development
Dahlgren Family Park — with a sand volleyball court and playground equipment — and the widely anticipated Tennant Trailhead Park are slated to open this spring.
In February, the North Bend City Council approved a grant-funded project to restore the Tollgate Farm. Plans involve replacing invasive plants with native ones and improving more than 100 acres of city property.
The citywide 2023 Community Survey results showed that residents are looking for increased economic development.
In response, the city is moving forward on the Wyndham Hotel, an outdoor recreation marketing campaign to market responsible recreation opportunities, and a guide to simplify startup processes and growth for small businesses in the city.
Housing and public safety
Following the November 2023 city council approval of the purchase and sale of the land at 230 Main Avenue, city staff are drafting a request for building proposals for low-income housing at the site. Once proposals are submitted, a housing developer will work closely to provide rental homes for families making 60% of the King County median income.
A satellite police station will soon move into the North Bend Premium Outlets in the city’s newest effort to combat property crimes and traffic violence in the area. The collaboration between the outlet mall owners, the Snoqualmie Police Department and the city is expected to decrease incident response times in the area.
Finances
This year, North Bend will be one of a few cities within Washington conducting a fiscal sustainability analysis. The analysis will examine the city’s future based on a variety of fiscal scenarios, providing the city council with an evaluation tool to see how certain policy changes may affect the city’s finances. The city will also be working to develop the biennial budget for 2025-2026.
In closing, Miller thanked the council, city staff and North Bend residents for their support in her first few months as mayor.
“As we navigate the opportunities and challenges of 2024, let us remember that our greatest strength lies in our unity,” she said. “By working together, we will thrive as the vibrant, resilient, highly livable community that we are.”
