Councilmembers flag loud 250th event, propose youth vocational camps

Council Member Helms told the council he was among presenters at the Washington State 250th committee on April 9 and described activities the local 250th Celebration Committee is planning. He said the committee will host a Revolutionary-era event on May 2 that will include cannon and musket firings and "will create loud noise," and that flyers are being distributed to inform residents and local businesses.

Council Member Jackson reported on the Cities and Schools meeting, noting efforts to connect youth to career programs and that the Running Start program has increased to about 2,700 students. Jackson also mentioned regional developments including a new performing arts theater in Auburn, a near-complete transfer station, and a hotel opening in the coming months; the next Cities and Schools meeting is scheduled for July 15, 2026.

Mayor Kave suggested creating summer camps for high school students focused on vocational trades as an alternative to college to help spark career interest. None of these items produced formal council action at the April 13 meeting; the comments were presented as informational reports.