Arlington official outlines growth, budget stress and 2026 priorities at State of the City
March 13, 2026 | Arlington City, Snohomish County, Washington
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A city presenter delivered Arlington’s State of the City, saying the community of roughly 23,000 residents is on a “strong path forward” while adjusting to slower sales‑tax revenue and inflation.
The presenter said the city’s 2025–26 budget was built around three priorities — public safety, fiscal sustainability and economic development — and that the council will set the next priorities at its spring retreat for the upcoming two‑year budget cycle. “I’m honored to share the state of the city with you,” the presenter said at the start of the luncheon.
On revenue, the presenter said sales tax accounts for about 34% of the general fund and that the city receives roughly 7.7% of Snohomish County property tax. The speaker described steps taken during a recent revenue slowdown, including spending cuts to maintain minimum reserves, and outlined the city’s reliance on two principal funds: the general fund (for police, executive, finance, IT and community development) and enterprise funds (airport, water and sewer fees).
The presenter listed grant‑supported projects completed or advanced in 2025 — including airport improvements, transportation and culvert work, cybersecurity, recycling and digital modernization, mobile health services, cemetery upgrades and additional airport projects — and said the city is pursuing more state and federal grants to keep community projects moving.
Housing and development were framed as ongoing priorities. The presenter said the city is advancing affordable housing programs, updating code enforcement to improve clarity and customer service, and pursuing subarea planning to guide thoughtful growth in line with the comprehensive plan. The speaker also highlighted the Cascade Industrial Center (CIC) as a 4,000‑acre regional employment core for aerospace, biotech and manufacturing.
The presenter closed by noting the city’s investments in parks, events and volunteer engagement and invited residents to use the city website to review project maps, sign up for meeting notifications and submit service requests.
What’s next: the city council will finalize strategic priorities at a spring retreat and proceed with capital projects scheduled for 2026.
The presenter said the city’s 2025–26 budget was built around three priorities — public safety, fiscal sustainability and economic development — and that the council will set the next priorities at its spring retreat for the upcoming two‑year budget cycle. “I’m honored to share the state of the city with you,” the presenter said at the start of the luncheon.
On revenue, the presenter said sales tax accounts for about 34% of the general fund and that the city receives roughly 7.7% of Snohomish County property tax. The speaker described steps taken during a recent revenue slowdown, including spending cuts to maintain minimum reserves, and outlined the city’s reliance on two principal funds: the general fund (for police, executive, finance, IT and community development) and enterprise funds (airport, water and sewer fees).
The presenter listed grant‑supported projects completed or advanced in 2025 — including airport improvements, transportation and culvert work, cybersecurity, recycling and digital modernization, mobile health services, cemetery upgrades and additional airport projects — and said the city is pursuing more state and federal grants to keep community projects moving.
Housing and development were framed as ongoing priorities. The presenter said the city is advancing affordable housing programs, updating code enforcement to improve clarity and customer service, and pursuing subarea planning to guide thoughtful growth in line with the comprehensive plan. The speaker also highlighted the Cascade Industrial Center (CIC) as a 4,000‑acre regional employment core for aerospace, biotech and manufacturing.
The presenter closed by noting the city’s investments in parks, events and volunteer engagement and invited residents to use the city website to review project maps, sign up for meeting notifications and submit service requests.
What’s next: the city council will finalize strategic priorities at a spring retreat and proceed with capital projects scheduled for 2026.
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