Developing the old lumber mill site, creating a downtown plaza and trying out green initiatives are just some of the potential ways Snoqualmie will change and grow in the year ahead.
The Snoqualmie City Council is now reviewing is 2010 goals and objectives, picking which ones should take priority given the city’s slimmer budget.
The council will sort the goals, many of which carried over from 2009, at several workshops, planned for Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 26. A public hearing to gather citizen reaction is 7 p.m. Monday, June 8, with the final decision coming in June.
While stated goals deal with all areas of city governance, a big chunk of the planning covers economic growth and development.
Downtown revitalization, through infrastructure improvements including street and crosswalk upgrades, wayfinding signs, as well as community-oriented programs such as a farmer’s market, building banners and kiosks, and creating a city brand, may carry over from last year.
While the downtown plan, new sign and zoning codes are in progress, “so much is waiting for the flood map,” said Bob Cole, economic development consultant to the city. Snoqualmie has pursued changes to its FEMA-determined floodway boundary in recent years, in an effort to redefine areas worst-hit by floods. A redrawn flood boundary is necessary for big changes downtown.
While the council has not yet discussed the return on the Snoqualmie Farmer’s Market, Cole is doubtful that it will become a priority. Carnation and North Bend both run summer farmer’s markets. Snoqualmie’s folded last year due to competition and steep gas prices.
North Bend and Carnation already have active, working farms taking part in their markets. Snoqualmie, however, has a draw all its own.
“Our niche is the railroad,” Cole said. “We need to work with them and have events that reinforce the railroad.
Goals for Snoqualmie
As part of the budget process for 2010, the Snoqualmie City Council is reviewing and updating its long-range objectives for development, growth and conservation. The following are among the goals being considered. Some goals may end up being removed or reworded.
Economic goals
Develop a local economy to provide diverse jobs and a sustainable tax base
Investigate options at the former Snoqualmie lumber mill site
Pursue the redesignation of the city’s floodway boundary and an area-wide floodway analysis.
Environment
Enhance local quality of life through conservation and development
Assist the Meadowbrook Farm Board in achieving self-sufficiency at the farm
Stabilize riverbanks at Meadowbrook, Sandy Cove Park
Develop a public art plan
Human services
Pursue an enhanced inner-city shuttle services with Mount Si Community Shuttle, the Snoqualmie Tribe, King County Metro and the Salish Lodge
Pursue partnerships with the YMCA.
City infrastructure
Implement a street tree program
Investigate a pedestrian bridge over the Snoqualmie River
Communication
Increase awareness and encourage public involvement in city affairs and programs
Use new tools to put out more timely city news and information
Find ways to partner with the Snoqualmie Valley School District to improve services to the community
Fiscal management
Use long range planning to achieve a sustainable budget without using one-time revenues
Facilities
Continue to develop a community center plan.
Develop ways to surplus and sell downtown city-owned properties.
Green initiative
Increase efforts in conservation and environmental sustainability
Set a carbon footprint for the city
Economic development
Build downtown gateways
Open riverfront to public access
Develop a Falls Avenue plaza
Create a downtown business incubator
Set up a pole banner program, visitor info kiosks.=
