2025 State of the City Address
"Our Auburn: Building a Shared Future"
Good evening, everyone.
It is a privilege to be here with you tonight to talk about Auburn’s journey over the past year and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges of 2025 and beyond. This evening, we will talk about the strides we’ve made in public safety, infrastructure, economic and community development, and homelessness outreach. We’ll celebrate Auburn’s beauty and resilience, and we’ll honor what truly makes Auburn special - its people. Most importantly, we’ll discuss our shared future and the work we’re building together.
But, before we get started today, I’d like to offer a land acknowledgement and thank the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe for allowing us to use this beautiful venue once again.
On behalf of the City of Auburn, I want to recognize that we are on the ancestral and contemporary lands of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. They have stewarded the land since time immemorial. The City of Auburn recognizes the generational harm done to the Muckleshoot people on the Salish lands through colonization and we commit to ensuring that our governmental partnerships recognize the continued vibrancy of their culture and honor their sovereignty.
This acknowledgement signifies our great respect and admiration for the First Peoples that occupied this land before us and our unwavering desire to continue our collective paths together.
Gratitude and Recognition
I seldom make New Year’s resolutions, but last year I resolved to find joy each day. I have to admit that some days are more difficult than others, but I have remained committed. This year, my focus is gratitude – because I’ve found there is always something to be thankful for.
So let’s begin with a bit of gratitude and thanks:
- To the hardworking city staff and volunteers – thank you for your work and expertise -you are the backbone of Auburn. I am honored to work with and learn from each of you!
- To our dedicated City Council. We may not always agree, but I know you deeply care about Auburn. Would the council members in attendance please stand? And feel better Kate Baldwin! I hope you’re able to get some rest.
- To former Councilmember Larry Brown – thank you for dedicating six years of your servant life to Auburn, one of those as deputy mayor. Larry, you’ve been a steadfast presence in the city, and we’re all going to miss your easygoing and collaborative attitude. I find comfort knowing our friendship will continue, and this is not good bye. Enjoy your retirement, my friend and Go Hawks!
- To our area elected officials, Auburn school officials, and representatives from the Valley Regional Fire Authority – please stand!
- To all of my wonderful friends who have seen me through some very difficult times, celebrated our successes, and especially for those moments when you just let me be Nancy with no talk of politics. You are cherished.
- And of course, to my family, who continuously support me through this journey – the good days and the challenging ones. My incredibly patient husband, Kemon, and our beautiful and kind daughter, Lucky and her partner Macee , my brother Gary and my sister-in-law Chris– thank you for your love, patience, and unwavering encouragement. I know my dream job is not easy for any of you!
Finally, thank you to all of you. Whether you’ve lived here for decades or recently joined our community, your love and support for Auburn inspires me daily. It takes me right back to my resolutions of joy and gratitude. You may know I love quotes, so I’ll start with this one by Valerie Elster “Expressing gratitude is a natural state of being and reminds us that we are all connected.”
Public Safety: A Foundation for Growth
Now, let’s get into the reason we’re here tonight. I’m not going to sugar coat this – many of you in Auburn feel unsafe. We’ve heard this at council meetings, online, and through our "Safe Auburn: Community Conversations." We know the concerns – graffiti, theft, violent crime – and we are taking action.
I’ve lived in Auburn almost my entire life, and it breaks my heart to see the types of crimes that are now commonplace. It hurts my soul when I hear about mothers who have to worry about their kids walking home from school. I know you’re frustrated, too, and I understand why. We are making improvements, and we are prioritizing your safety. Starting with officer hiring.
Since 2019, we’ve hired over 80 new officers. And this year in the budget, your council approved 10 new officer positions, bringing our total number of commissioned officer positions to 128. Our police are well-trained and dedicated to serving Auburn. They do their jobs, they do them well, and they care about the community they serve. I always ask our new officers why they chose law enforcement, and their answers inevitably include that they want to make a positive difference and keep our community safe.
In 2024, crime dropped significantly – calls for service declined nearly 10%, and in some areas, crime fell by 40%. But our work is not over, and two years does not make a trend. Juvenile crime remains a concern. We saw three juvenile-involved homicides last year, which is three too many.
We’re working to change that through stronger enforcement, new programs, and robust partnerships. Over the years, we’ve met with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office numerous times – asking for help. I want to thank Leesa Manion and her team for working to provide accountability to juvenile defendants – especially those that include gun crimes. I haven’t always felt that they were partners, so I want to acknowledge their work in this area!
This year and beyond, our police are also leaning into technology – not just their great training and expertise - to help “catch the bad guys”. In 2024, we installed 20 license plate recognition cameras, or Flock Cameras, that aide in solving crimes from theft to murder, to kidnapping – like a case we had last year in Auburn.
These tools are proving invaluable, and we’re looking to expand them. Flock cameras are used throughout our region, and we work very well with our neighboring cities.
Our Legal Department is now fully staffed with 21 professionals, including a new city attorney, deputy attorney, and senior staff attorney, enabling us to address over 2,400 misdemeanor cases in 2024 alone. That includes our Community Court docket, which has helped hundreds of individuals find treatment and housing in lieu of a criminal record – we’ll talk more about that later.
And of course, public safety isn’t just about law enforcement – it’s also about prevention, education, and community support. One area where Auburn has been leading the way is in mental health awareness and crisis preparedness.
Our R.E.A.D.Y. program teaches mental health crisis response, helping residents bridge the gap until professionals arrive. Thousands have taken part, so far.
To further spread awareness, we are offering a special incentive – watch one of the three R.E.A.D.Y. campaign videos on our website, and you’ll have a chance to win a prize. Visit auburnwa.gov/READY to watch the videos and help make Auburn a stronger, more compassionate community.
Auburn is committed to ensuring that mental health is part of our public safety strategy – because true safety isn’t just about reducing crime, it’s about supporting one another in times of crisis.
That also means supporting and hearing each other face-to-face via our "Safe Auburn: Community Conversations" initiative, which brings residents, law enforcement, and community leaders together to address concerns and build trust. The feedback from these sessions is shaping policies and programs for the years ahead. If you haven’t had a chance to attend, there are more coming, so please stay tuned!
And we’re not stopping there. In 2025, we will continue working with state lawmakers to advocate for changes to juvenile crime and prevention that address local challenges effectively.
Because safety isn’t just about response – it’s about prevention, collaboration, and trust. Let’s take a look at the progress we’ve made, and where we’re headed.
Building a Resilient Infrastructure and Workforce
2024 was a remarkable year of transformation for Auburn’s infrastructure, and we show no signs of slowing down.
Last year, we completed the A Street Loop downtown, linking Division and A Street SE and providing a viable traffic alternative to the busy intersection at A and 3rd Street SE.
We also opened the Coal Creek Pedestrian Bridge, or Game Farm Park Bridge, or even, “Really cool pedestrian bridge” – whichever name you prefer to call it, it’s there, and it’s marvelous. This bridge was built to replace an aging water pipe, it was an innovative solution our Public Works team, and it serves double duty as a relaxing pedestrian bridge, linking two parks for the first time ever. I recommend you take a walk there soon – you won’t regret it, and your dogs will thank you.
Our schools are thriving, with the Auburn School District continuing to lead in innovative programs like financial literacy education. Green River College, named one of the nation’s top 150 community colleges, remains a cornerstone of higher education in our region. I’m very proud and appreciative of the partnerships we have with both.
In late 2023, we implemented 12 speed cameras at 8 different school zones to enforce reduced speed around our children. Since that first month in September 2023, we’ve issued nearly 8,000 warnings and over 37,000 citations. Sounds like a lot, huh? Well, I hope you’re as happy to learn as I was that the non-compliance rate fell off a cliff in the months that followed, which means the system is working – drivers are slowing down near schools. The first requirement of the program is that it pays for itself, and this year and next, we’re looking to expand cameras for general speed enforcement at three additional arterial locations. So being here tonight gives you a great warning to slow down and follow the posted speed limit! You’re welcome!
Last year, we completed the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan with a goal to significantly reduce or eliminate the number of people who are seriously injured or killed while traveling on Auburn’s streets, no matter who they are or how they travel. This plan analyzed the City’s transportation system and crash data from 2018 through 2022 to develop a blueprint to meaningfully advance the goal of the plan through prioritized investments in infrastructure, education, emergency services, enforcement and cultural change.
Late last year we also updated our downtown parking signs to make things, well, a little simpler. You may not have even noticed – and that’s the point. Simpler and easier to understand.
Now, let’s talk about the future for a bit – in 2024 we updated several long-term plans, including our Transportation System Plan Update, a blueprint for the city’s future mobility, ensuring that Auburn grows in a way that is efficient, connected and sustainable over the next 20 years.
This plan integrates streets, transit, active transportation, and freight movement into a multimodal network that enhances mobility, safety, and accessibility while supporting economic growth. Key projects include intersection improvements, street widening, and transit and bike infrastructure upgrades to reduce congestion. The plan aligns with regional growth strategies and state regulations to keep Auburn a vital hub in South King and North Pierce County.
As Auburn expands, infrastructure must keep pace, balancing housing, jobs, and transportation. Investments in public transit and connectivity will enhance accessibility and economic opportunity.
Auburn’s Utility System Plan Updates ensure essential services like water, sewer, and storm drainage, grow with the city. A 2024 update accounts for projected growth through 2044. The Water Plan outlines $214 million in investments over 20 years for a reliable supply, while the Sewer Plan allocates $59 million for capacity and efficiency. The Storm Drainage Plan includes $39.5 million for drainage improvements and water quality enhancements.
These plans guide long-term policy and operational decisions so we can continue to provide safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible utility services for all.
At our municipal airport, we’re not just a hub for aviation – our facility is rich with history and community pride. Since 2021, local artist Myron Curry has been transforming the airport with murals that honor Auburn’s aviation legacy, featuring local pilots – both real and from the movies, historic aircraft, and the region’s deep connection to flight. With five murals already completed, a new mural in 2025 will celebrate Women in Aviation, rounding out this powerful visual tribute on the airfield side of our hangars.
And let’s not forget the new compass rose, painted last year by members of the Seattle chapter of the 99s, a name inspired by the 99 female pilots who came together in 1929 because of their love of aviation. Compass Roses like this first appeared on ship navigational charts as early as 1300, and now, the Auburn Airport is a proud to carry on this long standing tradition.
These works of art do more than decorate – they create a “sense of place” as a tribute to the past, and an inspiration for the future.
Beyond aesthetics, the airport is preparing for major growth. In 2024, the City finalized an agreement to develop the South Ramp, adding at least 35,000 square feet of new hangar space over the next five years. This is a crucial investment, as Auburn’s airport has one of the longest hangar waitlists in the region – some pilots waiting up to 15 years for a spot.
Technology is also taking off at the airport, yes, pun intended! Soon, a new Automated Weather Observation Station will provide pilots with real-time weather data for safer flight planning.
Why is this airport so important to our community and the region? Well, the economic impact of this little general aviation airport is nothing small – it creates 232 jobs within the Puget Sound region and has an economic impact of $43.1Million per year. Not too shabby.
Oh and let’s not forget – this year the airport began live-streaming the runway, giving pilots an idea of the weather conditions before they even arrive.
On our Maintenance and Operations side, our crews have been busy across the city responding to tens of thousands of SeeClickFix requests. Everything from litter, graffiti, potholes, downed street signs, fallen trees, storm drainage, encampments, you name it, they’re there. If you haven’t downloaded the app, I really encourage you to do so – just scan the QR code behind me, or open your app store and search see click fix. If you see it, we want to hear about it.
The app was particularly handy during the intense wind storm our region experienced late last year. Across the city, our crews were quick to remove downed trees and work with Puget Sound Energy to restore power to thousands of residents.
Not to mention the great work our team does during snow and ice conditions keeping our main roads open and drivable to ensure that emergency services have access to meet the community’s needs.
Infrastructure isn’t only concrete and steel. For the past two years, our Human Resources department has been training and building the next generation of city employees through the NextStepAuburn internship program. Let’s check in on the program and hear why it’s such a great fit for the City of Auburn.
I absolutely love seeing the next generation of Auburn workers. Perhaps some will even be a director one day, filling the enormous shoes of two dedicated department directors who have retired, or are retiring by week’s end. I’m talking of course about former Director of Administration Dana Hinman, and current-but-soon-to-be-golfing-full-time Parks, Arts & Recreation Director Daryl Faber. Dana and Daryl, your commitment to Auburn is as unwavering as your senses of humor. We’ve had some wonderfully fun times together that I will always cherish! So, as you enjoy your retirement, know that an entire city owes you a huge debt of gratitude. Please don’t forget us! Daryl, I know we’ll see you around the fairways of the Auburn Golf Course.
Planning the future of Auburn
OK, this is the part where you need to get out your phones. Usually, I’d be offended if I was up here and you were focused on your phone, but right now, I’m encouraging it!
All you have to do is text “Auburnwa” to the number “22333”. That’s right, Auburnwa. And then as we go through this next section, simply text to that same number the letter of the multiple-choice submission. So, if you want to select A, what do you text? Yes, A. But don’t text anything right now. First, a story.
Auburn is growing, that much we can be sure of. Quick show of hands, who remembers having to sit in traffic snarls along Auburn Avenue and A Street 20-30 years ago? Yeah, me neither.
All of that growth means the need for proper planning. But before we look ahead, as our planners have been doing for many, many years, I want to take a look back for a moment, to see how we got there.
I think it’s really important for everyone in this room and all watching at home to know, the decisions we make today have long-lasting impacts. Not just on the lives of our visitors and residents, but the literal skyline and footprint of this city. So, get those phones ready.
Here’s how this is going to work. We’re going to show you a handful of photos from Auburn’s past. Some are from a decade-plus ago, some are from just a few years ago. Your task is to guess where in Auburn this is today. Seems easy, right? Well, it took me awhile on a couple of them.
I’m going to show you a slide with the selections, and then a series of photos, which will have the choices on there. At any point during the before photos section, text in your answer with A, B, C, or D. Just A, B, C or D, not the full name.
Trivia Time!
OK, I hope you thought that was fun. Thank you for indulging me!
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I hope what you gathered from that fun little exercise, is that Auburn just ain’t the same as it used to be. Since 2010, our diversity has grown significantly. In 2010, about 70% of Auburn’s population – 49,000 people – identified as white only. By 2023, that number moved to 53%, a 25% decrease in majority. Meanwhile, our Hispanic, Asian, and Black populations grew by 40%, and households identifying as two or more races increased by 116%, while our Native American only households hovered at around 2.3%.
That’s all to say, we’re diverse and becoming more so as the years progress, and our planning and future needs to reflect that.
To mirror this growth, Auburn adopted a new Comprehensive Plan in 2024, planning for 12,000 new residential units and 19,500 new jobs by 2044. This means greater housing options like duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units, or what we used to call mother-in-law units, citywide, while maintaining neighborhood character and expanding affordable, walkable communities.
A major win for transit was securing nearly $80 million in federal funding for the RapidRide I Line expansion. This upgrade to Metro Route 160 will provide more frequent service, improved sidewalks, and real-time arrival information, serving 14,000 daily riders with buses every 10 minutes at peak hours, connecting Auburn to key regional destinations with fast, reliable service.
Development is booming. The Copper Creek Development on Lea Hill could bring over 100 new homes to the area. And who here hasn’t seen that great, big gravel pit near Game Farm Wilderness Park? A proposed development could add anywhere from 2,000 to 8,000 residential units, commercial spaces, and necessary infrastructure.
In our industrial and manufacturing sector, an international building products company is poised to occupy a new development spanning 50 acres at the Auburn 18 Business Park – the former GSA site. The company expects to bring a significant number of jobs to the City over multiple shifts per day – that will help chip away at the 19,500 new jobs we must create. Construction on the new development is scheduled to start in the second quarter of 2025.
Auburn is also leading on climate resilience, adopting policies ahead of the 2029 state requirement. Efforts include protecting public health from extreme heat and air pollution, upgrading stormwater infrastructure, expanding the urban tree canopy, transitioning to electric city vehicles, and investing in renewable energy.
And of course, downtown Auburn is undergoing a transformation, with new mixed-use developments and a wave of new restaurants and businesses making the city’s core a hub of activity and culture. And let’s not forget the new Auburn Avenue Theater – but more on that in a little bit.
Let’s check in.
Raising Community Through Arts, Play and Events
Auburn’s Parks, Arts & Recreation Department had an outstanding 2024, enhancing quality of life for residents of all ages. And what’s next year this and beyond is only going to get better.
The department expanded youth and teen programs, including 50+ summer camps, dance and STEAM classes, and innovative teen cooking courses. Special events like Petpalooza and the Veterans Parade drew strong attendance, while new facilities like the Cedar Lanes Pump Track and upgraded playgrounds elevated outdoor recreational opportunities.
I’m not exaggerating when I say this – the pump track at Cedar Lanes is probably the best municipal park pump track in the State of Washington. I’d like you to know that I’ve been there, rode one of the bikes – and in heels - so don’t underestimate me. I wouldn’t recommend that you ride in heels, but I do encourage you to ride it for yourself!
All joking aside, this new track is state of the art, and as you can tell from the photo behind me, incredibly fun. No, we did not pay those people to smile. It’s just THAT fun.
If cars are more your speed, yes, pun intended, the exciting Pacific Raceways is just a short drive away, offering world-class racing events, like the National Hot Rod Association’s Northwest Nationals, held here each year in July. This past year had record attendance and perfect weather as hundreds of talented drivers took to the track. Some of you may know that I grew up out at that track in the 60’s & 70’s. It holds a special place in my heart. My brother began racing motorcycles in the late 60’s, and moved to racing faster cars after that. Little sister (me) had to join in, and I caught the bug racing my high school car – which I still have. Being at the track was what our family did for fun. So, you’ll understand why I look forward to watching the Christmas tree light up to begin each round of drags.
Last year, athletic programs thrived, particularly youth soccer and volleyball, while pickleball's popularity surged with hundreds of participants. Senior services expanded significantly, with over 43,000 visits to the Senior Center and new partnerships, events, and meals served. Fitness programs saw nearly 500 members, and biking initiatives reached over 1,200 participants through camps and school programs.
The arts scene flourished at the Postmark Center for the Arts, offering diverse events, new grants, and the "Second Saturdays" free program series. Major milestones included the conceptual design for a new Auburn Avenue Theater and expanded facilities for performing and visual arts. The Auburn Farmers Market achieved over $500,000 in sales, emphasizing local economic vitality and food access.
Parks maintenance efforts enhanced aesthetics and sustainability, planting wildflowers, trees, and installing seasonal decorations, while Clean Sweep volunteers contributed significantly to the beautification or parks and green spaces. The Auburn Golf Course and Mountain View Cemetery also recorded outstanding participation and financial success. The Cemetery’s Forest Walk expansion has been a huge achievement, and, the views can’t be beat.
Over 50 summer camps provided safe, engaging opportunities for children, while Rec n’ Roll visited 15 locations, serving over 1,000 kids. Teen initiatives like Late-Night @ the Rec and cooking courses flourished, creating meaningful connections and giving some of our youngest residents something to do during summer. That’s a win for all of us!
Looking ahead to 2025, we will build on this momentum by expanding bike programs, revitalizing some of our parks, and growing our arts and culture initiatives.
Like the kind you can expect to find on the bottom floor of the Postmark Center for the Arts – that’s right, there’s a basement. In just a few short months, it’ll be filled with equipment for screen printing, painting, tap dancing and more. You should expect to see classes opening in the spring – I can’t wait for you to all see it and experience it.
We’re also taking back downtown with a few Friday night block party events throughout the summer, with drinks, food, entertainment and fun – we’ll have more to share soon, so keep your eyes peeled – this is something I’ve wanted for a long, long time, and I think you’ll enjoy it.
And then of course, there’s the big one – the Auburn Avenue Theater. Or should I say, sadly, what was the Auburn Avenue Theater. Last year in late fall, the walls finally came down. The ceiling was removed, the stage was scrapped, the rubble hauled away, and the ground flattened. Decades and decades of joy, laughter, sweat and tears, gone. But it’s certainly not forgotten, and for those anxious about the future of performing arts in Auburn, I’m here to tell you, there’s nothing to be worried about.
Give us some time, but I can say confidently – in a couple of years, the State of the City address will be held downtown again. In a new state of the art theater – not that we wouldn’t love to come back to Muckleshoot again. You’ve been such an amazing partner.
Auburn’s beauty, its dedication to arts, events and performance, is a reflection of its people, and I’m excited to see how we’ll continue to grow together, one show at a time.
Let’s take a look.
Auburn - A Place to Call Home
Like any city, at its core, Auburn is about people. People who eat here, people who work here, people who play here, and people who live here. Sometimes that means in houses or apartments, and sometimes that means outside.
Because like most cities in our region, Auburn has a homelessness problem. I’ll be the first to admit it. But unlike some cities in our region, Auburn also has a homelessness solution. It’s one that we employ each and every day. And it’s one that is working.
And it’s one that is growing.
Last year, we talked about the expansion of our anti-homelessness department, which is now our Human Services department. It employs two full-time outreach workers; a peer support specialist who works with clients addicted to opiates and who manages our clean and sober housing initiative; a community development block grant coordinator, who oversees federal funds tied to housing repair and more; and of course, our Human Services Director Kent Hay, who does a little bit of everything.
This past year, our team contacted 472 people, and we housed 205. I think it’s easy to read a number like that and just let it wash over you. But in just a few minutes, you’re going to learn why that number is more than just the sum of its parts.
Because in Auburn, we don’t just put someone in housing and call it a day. We work with our clients who are ready for housing, who are ready for that next step, and who are ready to get out of homelessness. When we house someone, we ensure that they stay housed. And if they don’t, we don’t forget about them. We get them the services they need to get them out of homelessness.
Kent and his team would be the first people to tell you that at the City of Auburn and in our region, we’re never going to solve or end homelessness. If someone tells you they can, they’re not being truthful with you. What we can do instead is manage it – and Auburn manages it very, very well.
That’s why late last year, our City purchased the entire strip mall at 2814 Auburn Way North, where for years we’ve been operating the Auburn Resource Center. This year, everything will expand – literally. Construction is underway to open the floor plans in our resource center, shelter, and community court space, with the goal of integrating wrap-around services to the hundreds of clients our teams work with each and every year.
We’ve got a rebrand in the works, new signs going up, and this coincides right alongside the expansion of our Community Court. In partnership with the South Correctional Entity, or SCORE Jail, and King County District Court, we’ve opened our court to allow in-custody hearings, meaning those in custody in SCORE can work on their addiction and better their lives, and join the other community court graduates who have made the difficult step towards sobriety.
Our plan is working, our team is growing, our services are expanding, and that’s because it’s effective.
And don’t just take it from me.
Last year, on this very stage, we introduced you to a man named Aaron Baker. Aaron had struggled with sobriety for most of his life, and it wasn’t until he met our Anti-Homelessness Team that his life finally turned around. It’s never too late to make a change, and Aaron’s story exemplifies that in every way. Let’s check in on how he’s doing.
Conclusion
Like I said when I first stood up here tonight, 2025 is about gratitude, so I want to express my warmest thanks to you all.
For allowing me the opportunity to stand here tonight, and for allowing me to share insights into our great city – what we’ve accomplished, and where we’re headed.
In Auburn, the future we’re building together is bright. We’re building and investing in public safety, and inviting the community in for conversations and solutions. We’re committed to making Auburn safer for all. Despite challenges, which the Puget Sound region is experiencing collectively, we’re engaged and ready.
Our downtown is growing, revitalizing and enhancing. More businesses are on the way, and public spaces are being transformed. By this time in 2028, hopefully sooner, you should see a new state-of-the-art theater in downtown.
Our staff are busy planning – planning for the next 5, 10, and 100 years. Planning for growth, expansion, housing, livability, environment, and more. The decisions we make today will have a profound impact on our children and grandchildren, and that’s a responsibility we do not take lightly.
And of course, our human services team is ensuring our unhoused don’t remain unhoused. Our services are expanding because they are working, and soon our Auburn Resource Center will be one of the largest and most robust one-stop-shop services in South King County.
I am proud to stand here as your mayor, working alongside all of you to make Auburn a city we’re proud to call home. Together, we are building a shared future.
Thank you for your time, your passion, and your partnership. Let’s continue to make Auburn the best it can be.
One last quote for the evening by author William Arthur Ward - “Gratitude can transform common days into Thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.
Good night, Auburn, and thank you for the joy and the blessings!