Last week Councilmembers Beaumont, Fisher, Fulcher, Hanford, Scarboro, and Walker met with our State Senator Brad Hawkins and Representatives Mike Steele and Keith Goehner of the 12th Legislative District to discuss a few important topics as part of the Association of Washington Cities advocacy efforts. These topics included funding to #Finish522, support for a grade separated rail crossing, and more state resources for mental/behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Thank you to our state delegation in the 12th Legislative District and Representatives Low and Eslick of the 39th Legislative District for supporting the City of Monroe and our residents.

Senator Hawkins said, "I had a great discussion with the Council and staff on a variety of issues, including City efforts towards the updated municipal campus, community mental health supports, and the State Route 522 project. It’s always great to connect with Monroe officials on issues. I really enjoy visiting with them. We have a strong connection and helpful communications. It’s a great partnership.”

I hope you all enjoy this week's edition of Monroe This Week which features details on:

• Vacancies on City boards, commissions, and committees
• Vendor applications for the Community Egg Hunt
• Business assistance opportunities
• Personal safety instruction for youth
• The 3rd Annual Chocolate Crawl this weekend

Please reach out to me with what may be on your mind about and for Monroe. I can be contacted at GThomas@MonroeWA.gov.

Yours in Service,

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas 

"IMAGINE MONROE" AS A CITY BOARD, COMMISSION, OR COMMITTEE MEMBER

The City of Monroe is fortunate to have community members serve on its boards, commissions, and committees. These volunteers show they care about Monroe by working with others and sharing their insights about issues in the community. From our park and trail system, to economic development policies and more, these insights are ultimately shared with myself and the City Council for policy, priority, and budgetary consideration. Monroe’s appointed representatives are compassionate and thoughtful in the work they do and committed to Monroe’s Vision Statement.

There are vacancies on the following advisory boards. 

• Park Board
• Community Human Services Advisory Board
• Civil Service Commission
• Salary Commission
• LEOFF-1 Disability Board
• Ethics Board



I encourage you to learn about a board you may be interested in serving on and to submit an application. If you have specific questions, reach out to Jodi Wycoff, our City Clerk, at 360-794-7400 or cityclerk@monroewa.gov. 

COMMUNITY EGG HUNT VENDOR APPLICATIONS OPEN

Are you a local business or organization interested in becoming more involved in the Monroe community? If so, consider hosting a booth at the Monroe Community Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30. This is a free opportunity to host a booth and to meet your community. No sales are allowed at booths but we encourage booths to organize a fun activity for kids and families. This is also a great opportunity to distribute free information and/or resources. Each year we see over 2,000 attendees at this event which continues to grow. If you are interested in participating, submit a booth application to kdarrow@monroewa.gov by March 14.

RESOURCES & ONE-ON-ONE ASSISTANCE: SCORE

SCORE Greater Seattle is a group of experienced business professionals who volunteer to provide guidance to those wishing to start up a new small business or to grow or improve the profitability of existing small businesses.

SCORE Greater Seattle volunteer business mentors are dedicated to providing the best possible service. Face-to-face or online, SCORE mentors are able and willing to aid in the success of small businesses.

Find a mentor: https://www.score.org/seattle/local-mentors

Take a workshop: https://www.score.org/seattle/local-workshops

PERSONAL SAFETY FOR OUR YOUTH

Officers from the Monroe Police Department recently concluded another session of 'Personal Safety' instruction for 8th graders at Park Place Middle School. They are continually amazed by the enthusiasm demonstrated by every student during the lesson. In the photo, you can see SRO Robertson, Officer Winfrey, Officer Schuermeyer, and Officer Van Eaton. Their dedicated efforts and time investment ensure the ongoing success of this program.

DON'T FORGET: 3RD ANNUAL CHOCOLATE CRAWL THIS WEEKEND

Celebrate with a multitude of merchants and vendors along Main Street as The Monroe Chamber of Commerce holds their 3rd annual Chocolate Crawl - no tickets necessary this year! There will be yummy food trucks, sidewalk sales, and more. Additional information on participating businesses and restaurants will be released soon! The event will take place on Feb. 17 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

The City Council will next meet in a Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format; members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings either in-person at our temporary location (Monroe School District Administration Building, 14692 179th Ave SE) or remotely via the Zoom remote meeting platform. Participation information will be posted with the Feb. 20 agenda, which can be accessed by clicking the button below.