I'm issuing a Proclamation recognizing June 2023 as Pride Month here in Monroe. The movement toward equality for LGBTQ+ Americans was born on June 28, 1969 in New York City following the Stonewall Uprising, and because of the strong dedication of the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement, more LGBTQ+ Americans are living their lives openly today than ever. While the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement has achieved progress, there is more work to be done by each of us to realize equality for every person, for all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, and should be free to live without fear of prejudice, discrimination, and violence. In the United States, the month of June is commonly recognized as “PRIDE Month” and is a time to learn about, commemorate, and celebrate LGBTQ+ Americans in our Monroe community. The Monroe Equity Community will host “Monroe PRIDE” at Sky River Park on Sunday, June 11, 2023 from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. There will be art, music, vendors, activities, and more. I encourage all residents to read the full text of the proclamation and to learn more and take steps to be more inclusive in accepting and supporting our LGBTQ+ neighbors.

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

• Lodging Tax Advisory Board applications
• Updating payment information in our new utility billing system
• The Monroe Business Newsletter
• The progression of the US2 Shared Path
• A grant received by the Monroe Arts Council from Snohomish County
• Week 5 of Building Safety Month
• A new MegaBus connecting the US2 Corridor

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 

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: LODGING TAX ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is to review grant applications and make recommendations to City Council regarding allocation of local lodging tax funds, and to review and comment on any proposed imposition of lodging tax, increase in the rate of lodging tax, repeal of an exemption from lodging tax, or change in the use of revenue received from lodging tax. 

Organizations representing businesses collecting the lodging tax (hoteliers), and organizations involved in activities authorized to be funded by the lodging tax, and local agencies involved in tourism promotion may submit recommendations to the City Council for membership on the committee. The committee members representing business and persons involved in activities shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to a majority vote of the City Council. The term of membership shall be through June 30 of the year following appointment; provided, that a member’s term shall not expire until the appointment of a new member is effective.

If you are interested in serving on the LTAC, please submit an application to Jodi Wycoff, City Clerk at CityClerk@MonroeWA.gov no later than June 16, 2023. You can find the application here.

AUTOPAY & QUICK PAY UTILITY CUSTOMERS: UPDATE PAYMENT METHOD INFORMATION

Last month, the Utility Department successfully switched online payment vendors. To ensure accounts continue to be paid properly, Auto Pay and Quick Pay customers should update their payment information by July 28. A notice is included in June’s utility bill statements that provide more details. Thank you to the over 600 customers who have re-entered their payment method information. 

If you are interested in the ease and convenience of online bill paying, give us a call at 360-794-7400 or visit our website. It’s quick and easy to get set up.

MONTHLY MONROE BUSINESS NEWSLETTER

Each month our Economic Development Office publishes “Monroe Business” – a newsletter about our efforts - and regional and state initiatives - to recruit, retain and expand businesses in the city. We are committed to these core missions through strategic planning, input from our Economic Development Advisory Board (EDAB) and feedback from businesses who call Monroe their home. 

The May edition of “Monroe Business” was just published and shared with more than 1,200 subscribers. In the edition, you’ll learn that our EDAB seeks your input on Historic Downtown, the Monroe Arts Council received pandemic recovery funding, about a training opportunity on government contracting assistance, and event information.

To subscribe to receive “Monroe Business,” click here.

US2 SHARED PATH PROJECT WRAPPING UP

Last Thursday was a big day for the US2 Shared Path project, with the arrival of the pedestrian bridge. As a reminder, the project includes the construction of a paved path along the north side of US-2, from 179th Avenue SE to Cascade View Drive. The red brick patterned asphalt looks great, and we're excited to see the finished product soon.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY AWARDS PANDEMIC RECOVERY GRANT TO MONROE ARTS COUNCIL

Snohomish County facilitated the Arts and Culture Recovery grant application to provide relief to arts and culture organizations, businesses, and other entities adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The $1.6 million available would help these organizations continue activities that support public benefit as well as enhance community engagement through mid-to-large events and festivals held in Snohomish County. The Monroe Arts Council was one of the selected recipients with a grant of $5,000. The Monroe Arts Council was formed in 2003 with the mission of stimulating the growth of the visual, literary, and performing arts, to enhance the community through art in public places, and to preserve the historic legacy of Monroe. For more information, visit the Arts Council's website.

MAY WAS BUILDING SAFETY MONTH - CITY RECOGNIZES IMPORTANCE OF SAFE BUILDINGS

As I mentioned in a recent edition of Monroe This Week, the theme of Building Safety Month 2023 is “It Starts with You”. The International Code Council (ICC) has designated each week of May as a different building safety theme to help raise awareness. This week's theme was "Solving Challenges Together" and addresses some of the issues that we face as a global community including extreme weather events and water scarcity. Their website dives into building resiliency solutions around the world, how modern building codes support stability, and more.

Last month, I issued a Proclamation recognizing the month of May as Building Safety Month. I encourage you to read the full text of the Proclamation and check out the ICC's resources for the week.

MEGABUS CONNECTS US2 CORRIDOR

A new Megabus route will connect Seattle to Leavenworth, and will have stops in Everett, Monroe, and Skykomish. There are two east-bound and two west-bound trips each day, with Seattle-to-Leavenworth trips starting at 8:30 and 9:15 a.m., and both return trips leaving at 1:00 p.m. For those traveling from Skykomish to Monroe, departure times are 1:40 and 2:00 p.m., and cost $23 - $26.

The Megabus route is operated by Northwest Stagelines, which has provided a similar service for many years. For schedules, locations of stops and to book tickets go to Northwest Stagelines.

UPCOMING CITY COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

The City Council will next meet in a Regular Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 13. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format; members of the public may participate in Monroe City Council meetings either in-person at City Hall or remotely via the Zoom remote meeting platform. Participation information will be posted with the June 13 agenda, which can be accessed by clicking the button below.