Join the City for a free community Egg Hunt, at North Cove Park, on Saturday, April 4, 2026, 10 AM - 12 PM, for ages 0 - 10. The community should be aware of increased pedestrian traffic and activity around the North Cove Park area.

Visit the event's page for the most up-to-date information: https://lakestevenswa.gov/EggHunt

Mayor’s Minute I hear this question a lot:Why does it feel like the City Council allows unrestricted growth? In many cases, it’s because growth decisions are increasingly being mandated by the state, not chosen locally. Right now, state legislation moving through Olympia, SB 6026 and its companion HB 2480, would further limit a city’s ability to guide where and how growth occurs. While intended to increase housing, these bills restrict local authority to require ground floor retail or commercial space in areas planned for jobs and services. Here’s what that could mean locally: Imagine the south side of 20th Street SE. Today, it is zoned commercial to support small businesses, services, and employment. Under this state mandate, that entire stretch could become five-story apartment buildings with no ground floor retail. No storefronts. No walkable services. Just housing. Even with recent amendments, the relief for cities is minimal. Private building amenities like gyms or leasing offices could count as commercial space, and cities with employment shortages or recently adopted comprehensive plans receive little flexibility. Lake Stevens supports housing. We simply believe communities work best when cities retain the ability to plan balanced, livable neighborhoods rather than follow one size fits all state mandates. If you agree that local voices should matter in land use decisions, I encourage you to sign in CON. 🔗 SB 6026https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=6026&Year=2025 🔗 HB 2480https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2480&Year=2025 Click “Sign in to Testify,” select CON, and submit. No testimony required. That’s the Mayor’s Minute.- Brett 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Lake Stevens Historical Museum & Retail Building groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, January 27, 2026! 

Together, we are taking a significant step towards preserving our history for future generations while revitalizing downtown and creating space for local businesses. Construction is expected to be completed October 2026.

For more information, visit the project webpage.

Road Closure Notice: starting Monday, February 2, 2026, to approximately Friday, February 6, 2026, there will be a full road closure along Hartford Drive between Grade Road and 131st Avenue NE. For questions call: 425-622-9403.

Due to increased algae activity, the City of Lake Stevens is advising a “when in doubt, stay out” approach at Davies Beach and along the western shores of Lake Stevens. Some algae can be harmful to people and pets. If water looks scummy, discolored, or has a strong odor, avoid contact. The city will continue monitoring conditions and provide updates as available. Thank you for your patience.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE PARK BOARD, CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION AND SALARY COMMISSION 

The City of Lake Stevens is seeking to fill vacancies on: 

Salary Commission - Two VacancieS: oNE MID-TERM EXPIRING 12/31/2026 AND ONE FULL TERM EXPIRING 12/31/2028 

The Salary Commission sets salaries for your city officials based on reasonable standards. This enables them to then continue to promote the values of this community with confidence and the support of the city they serve. The Salary Commission meets every year between January 1st and November 1st. 

Park Board - One Vacancy EXPIRING 12/31/2029 

Lake Stevens' parks are outlets for community recreation and provide access to natural resources. The Parks & Recreation Board focuses on the functionality and accessibility of our parks and outdoor spaces and advises the City Council regarding park acquisition, recreation programming and development, and the design and operation of parks and recreation facilities. The Parks and Recreation Board meets on the second Monday of every other month at 6 p.m. in a hybrid format.  

Civil Service Commission - One MID TERM VACNACY EXPIRING 12/31/2029 

The Civil Service Commission executes the City of Lake Stevens Civil Service Rules and Regulations in connection with the selection, appointment, and employment of Police Officers, Police Records Supervisor, Police Records Specialists, Evidence Technician, and Community Service Officers. The Civil Service Commission meets every month, or as needed. 

No person shall be appointed a member of such Commission who is not a citizen of the United States, a resident of the City of Lake Stevens for at least three years immediately preceding such appointment, and an elector of Snohomish County. At the time of any appointment not more than two Commissioners shall be adherents of the same political party.  

Applications are available on the City’s Boards & Commissions web page. Copy of Application for Membership.

Applications may be saved and submitted via email to deputyclerk@lakestevenswa.gov or delivered to the City Clerk at City Hall, 1812 Main Street, Lake Stevens, or mailed to City Clerk, City of Lake Stevens, Post Office Box 257, Lake Stevens, WA 98258.  

For questions, please email the Clerk’s Office at deputyclerk@lakestevenswa.gov.  

Deadline for applications is Monday, February 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. 

Are you planning an upcoming event and are looking for a venue? Stop by one of The Mill's open houses on Thursdays, February 12, May 7, August 13 or November 12, 2026, 6 - 8 pm, at North Cove Park.

The Mill on Lake Stevens (The Mill) is a multi-use, two-level building, and available to rent for a variety of social and business events. Rentals are on a first come, first serve basis; to check availability and book your event through the online reservation system, visit our website https://www.lakestevenswa.gov/themill and click the Reserve The Mill Online or Check Availability 24/7 button. 

Contact the Parks Department at 425-622-9406 or events@lakestevenswa.gov for more information about rentals at The Mill.  

Join the Lake Stevens Police Department for their annual Polar Plunge, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9:00 am, at North Cove Park. This is a fun and fast jump into the lake to raise money for Special Olympics Washington. 

There is a registration fee to join the team, and proceeds benefit Special Olympics Washington. For more information, visit: https://polarplungewa.com/

Click here to download the flyer.

Have you considered improving your problem solving and facilitation skills? The city is offering Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification sessions in Spring 2026. Learn how to identify a problem, understand what is causing it, and improve the way things get done. This course is open to anyone, and it is applicable to work in every industry. 

Classes will be on Wednesdays starting on February 25 to May 20, 2026, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at The Mill, 1808 Main Street, Lake Stevens. There will be no classes on March 18, April 8 & 29, and May 13. The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification course cost $790. 

Interested? Registration is open! For more information visit: https://lakestevenswa.gov/682/Lean-Six-Sigma-Training or contact Lori Erickson at lerickson@lakestevenswa.gov or 425-359-2955.

To support its Phase II improvement construction project, Frontier Heights Park will be closed from Monday, November 3, 2025, with an anticipated project completion in February 2026. 

Project equipment will be dropped off on Friday, October 31, 2025, but will not impact use of the park.

Visit the park's project page for more information and sign up for updates. 

Read about the upcoming changes to the City's business license fees...

Welcome to the city's informational page, Splash! Sit back and take a deep dive into what's going on around the lake. Check back weekly for new updates.

Mayor's Office

• On Monday, January 26, 2026, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, community members are invited to join Mayor Brett Gailey at the Starbucks (next to MOD Pizza) at Frontier Village in Lake Stevens. Bring your questions or comments and chat over your favorite beverage with the Mayor. It’s a casual setting that provides the perfect opportunity to get to know your Mayor while discussing City-related topics that are important to you. 

Human Resources

• The city is hiring Police Officers to fill current vacancies and have an expedited hiring process for entry level, entry level advanced, and lateral officers. Lateral police officers are eligible for a hiring bonus up to $25,000 and $5,000 for moving expenses. Apply today at https://wa-lakestevens2.civicplus.com/377/Police-Officer-Testing-Process.
• The city is hiring for the position of City Engineer. The recruitment will remain open until filled. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lakestevenswa/jobs/5093933/city-engineer?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
• Ready to build problem solving and facilitation skills? The City of Lake Stevens is offering a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification course from February 25 to May 20, 2026. Learn how to identify a problem, understand what is causing it, and improve the way things get done. This course is open to anyone, and it is applicable to work in every industry. Registration is currently open! Visit https://lakestevenswa.gov/682/Lean-Six-Sigma-Training for more information and to register.
• Ready to advance your Lean Six Sigma skills? The city is offering the Black Belt certification course in fall 2026. Classes are on Tuesdays, September 15 to November 3, 8:30 am to 12:00 pm, at The Mill. To learn more, visit: https://lakestevenswa.gov/682/Lean-Six-Sigma-Training

Finance

• The city passed its most recent financial and accountability audit from WA state. This transparency and accountability are critical to maintaining public trust. It also ensures fiscal compliance to safeguard taxpayer dollars. The end result saves taxpayers’ money and delivers services more efficiently. To learn more, view our Financial Statement report and Accountability report.
• The City Council adopted its 2026 budget at the December 2, 2025, council meeting.  Some of the highlights from the budget include funding for our local Volunteers of America, traffic safety initiatives, and IT infrastructure upgrades. For more information, visit our budget webpage: https://lakestevenswa.gov/97/Budget

Municipal Services

• The City of Lake Stevens is seeking to fill vacancies on: Salary Commission, Park Board, and Civil Service Commission. For more information and to apply, visit: https://lakestevenswa.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1049. Deadline for applications is Monday, February 2, 2026, at 5:00 pm.

Public Works  

• Interested in learning about capital projects Lake Stevens is working on? Visit: https://lakestevenswa.gov/476/Capital-Projects. Check back regularly for updates or sign up to be notified when new information is added.

Parks and Recreation

• The city is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or organizations to serve as the Farmers Market Manager for the 2026 season and beyond. To be considered, the proposal (RFP) must be submitted by 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.  No submittals will be accepted after this date and time. Visit the Bid Postings page for more information: https://lakestevenswa.gov/bids.aspx?bidID=139
• Are you planning an upcoming event and are looking for a venue? Stop by The Mill's open house Thursday, February 12, 2026, 6 - 8 pm, in North Cove Park. For more information: https://www.lakestevenswa.gov/themillopenhouse
• To support its Phase II improvement construction project, Frontier Heights Park is closed with an anticipated project completion in February 2026. https://lakestevenswa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1018

• If you have lost an item at a city park, email Parks@lakestevenswa.gov or call (425) 622-9406 to inquire about your item.

Planning and Community Development

• Exciting news for Lake Stevens! Construction of the Lake Stevens Historical Museum & Retail Building begins January 19, 2026. This project will preserve our heritage, revitalize downtown and create space for local businesses. The groundbreaking ceremony is January 27, 2026, at 3:00 pm, at 12404 Mill Spur Road in downtown Lake Stevens. Join us as we celebrate this milestone for our community! For more information: https://lakestevenswa.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1050
• New Business License Fees will become effective January 1, 2026. For more information, visit: https://www.lakestevenswa.gov/727/2025-Permit-Fee-Schedules
• Every year, citizens can request amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and its implementing ordinances through a process known as "docketing," outlined in RCW 36.70A.470(2). The deadline for 2026-citizen initiated amendments is January 31, 2026. For more information, please visit the docket website.

Police Department

• Join the Lake Stevens Police Department for their annual Polar Plunge, on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9:00 am, at North Cove Park. This is a fun and fast jump into the lake to raise money for Special Olympics Washington. There is a registration fee to join the team, and proceeds benefit Special Olympics Washington. For more information, visit: https://polarplungewa.com/
• The LSPD is forming a community partnership where all residents and businesses with cameras on their property, if interested, can register them with our department. Participation in this partnership is completely voluntary.  All registered information will be protected but may be subject to public disclosure by state law. The LSPD will not have direct access to your cameras. If you find that you do have relevant footage, you will be provided a link to upload it directly to our evidence system. If you are interested in participating in this community partnership or want to learn more about the program, please visit our webpage https://lakestevenswa.gov/765/Register-a-Camera
• Unused medications in the home are a primary source for drug abuse. Do you know how to get rid of old medicine safely? It’s not secure in the trash, and you should never flush them down the toilet. LSPD now has a safe, easy way to dispose of unwanted medications. Stop by the police department at 1825 South Lake Stevens Road and look for the green box about the size of a trash can inside the lobby. The rest is easy and best of all, it’s free! Let's make our community safer together. The LSPD lobby is open Monday through Friday from 9 am - 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm.
• The LSPD has partnered with SNO911 to enhance safety for Private Schools and Daycares within the City of Lake Stevens. Through this partnership, facilities can now receive Rave Alerts for nearby police activity. These alerts can help schools and daycares make informed decisions about activating their emergency lockdown procedures based on real-time information. Private Schools and Daycares to sign up, click here.
• Lake Stevens has been recognized as the 10th safest city in Washington for 2025! Safewise ranks cities based on crime data calculated from the FBI. Check out the SafeWise website for more information: https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-washington/#city10

In Other News

• Starting January 1, 2026, the city will implement a new 3% service fee. This is to cover the expenses associated with processing credit card payments. To avoid this fee, you can pay in person with a check. Please note, the city does not accept cash.
• Attention high school seniors! The Arlington Garden Club is requesting scholarships applications. Students graduating from the high schools or alternative high schools in these districts are invited to apply: Arlington, Stanwood, Darrington, Lakewood, Marysville, Lake Stevens, and Granite Falls. The scholarship will go to students who are interested in a degree in horticulture, agriculture, biology, forestry, animal husbandry, or environmental science. The scholarship is up to $2,500 per student. The deadline to apply is April 15, 2026. For more information, including the application, visit: https://arlingtongardenclub.org/scholarship-program

City Meetings 

• Tuesday: City Council at 6:00 pm. For more information visit: the City Council Agenda and Packet
• Visit the City Calendar for city meeting information.