Special to the Reporter
Mercer Island City Council adopted the 2024 comprehensive plan update at its Nov. 19 regular meeting.
Cities are required to periodically review and update their comprehensive plans as part of the Washington State Growth Management Act — adoption of the update concludes the city’s periodic review, which has been underway since 2021. The full text of the updated comprehensive plan is included in Ordinance No. 24C-16. The updated comprehensive plan will become effective on Dec. 31.
The adoption of the 2024 comprehensive plan update follows significant efforts. More than 20 planning commission meetings, 15 city council meetings, and several parks and recreation committee meetings helped prepare a new open space zone; at least 10 joint planning commission/city council housing work group meetings were conducted to update the housing element given new requirements established in state law; and more than 10 joint planning commission/city council economic development work group meetings were utilized to develop a new economic development element; amongst others.
The updated comprehensive plan sets policy direction that will guide the city as it plans for the next 20 years. Now that the city has updated its comprehensive plan, it will begin implementing the goals and policies through projects, programs, and updated development regulations. The next periodic review is expected in 2034.
This 20-year horizon plan focuses on land use, housing, transportation, utilities, capital facilities, shoreline master program policies, economic development and parks and open space.
PARKING TICKET FEES, UTILITY RATES CHANGES
In other city news, starting on Jan. 1, 2025, parking ticket fees will jump from $20 to $54. All existing Town Center Commuter Parking Permits will expire on Dec. 31. These changes were made following city council’s adoption of an ordinance in September, which will increase the availability of parking and make way for future changes to improve parking in Town Center.
Also, the city will increase water rates by 8%, sewer rates by 4.5%, and storm water rates by 8% for 2025. City council’s adoption of the 2025 Master Fee Schedule implements city staff and the utility board’s recommendation to make the changes, which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
According to the city, rates are entirely based on the costs to operate, maintain and reinvest in the utility systems. Staff and the utility board evaluate the adequacy of current rates while balancing the operating and capital investment needs with the goal of minimizing customer impacts for the upcoming year.