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Hybrid U.P. City Council Meeting, June 15, 2026
Published: Jun 15, 2026
Councilmember Cunningham Discusses Commission Representation, Legislative Support, and Garden Tour
Councilmember Cunningham provided an update on the ad hoc committee tasked with evaluating the need for council representatives on city commissions. The committee decided to let the commissions themselves determine this need, with council members spending the summer attending commission meetings to gather feedback. They have developed specific and general questions for the commissions, providing them in advance for thoughtful review. Cunningham also mentioned attending a re-election kickoff for State Legislator Mari Levit, emphasizing her work for the city and community. She also reported on attending her first UP Garden Tour, highlighting the beautiful yards and homeowners' dedication, and thanked Mayor Pro Tem McCleskey for guidance.
Councilmember Boykin Shares Excitement for AWC Conference, Community Events, and Fatherhood
Councilmember Boykin expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Association of Washington Cities (AWC) conference, noting the opportunity for learning and innovation from other elected officials. He reflected on Duck Days, emphasizing the appreciated community engagement, the excitement of children, and the importance of safe events, thanking behind-the-scenes staff and partners. Boykin also commented on the 'Partner UP' event at Chambers Bay, highlighting the picturesque location and the value of business-leader collaboration. He expressed strong anticipation for the 'Coffee with Council' event, calling it an opportunity for residents to connect and discuss city matters, praising Councilmember Grassi's initiative. Boykin concluded by sharing his personal excitement for Father's Day.
University Place Issues Juneteenth Proclamation, Celebrates Economic Freedom Initiative
The City Council acknowledged and celebrated Juneteenth by presenting a proclamation. Councilmember Boykin introduced Jerome Davis, founder and CEO of Way Out Kids, highlighting his work in music education, multimedia platforms, and community outreach. Davis is the executive producer of the Juneteenth celebration 'A Road to Economic Freedom,' which draws over 20,000 attendees and supports over 160 small businesses. The proclamation recognized Juneteenth as the oldest public celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S., commemorating African American freedom and the pursuit of education and opportunity. It also served as a reminder of the ongoing need for social equality and progress. Davis emphasized that true freedom is economic freedom and outlined how the Juneteenth event fosters this by connecting attendees with healthcare, banking, trades, and small businesses. He invited the community to the upcoming Juneteenth celebration on June 19th at LeMay Car Museum, featuring artists, a car show, food trucks, and a kids' zone.
University Place City Council Reviews Strong First Quarter 2026 Financial Report
The City of University Place's first quarter financial report for 2026 shows that general government revenues exceeded budget estimates by 11.03%, while expenditures were 16.18% below budget. Specific revenue highlights include general sales tax up 12.60% and utility taxes up 21.59%. Real estate excise taxes were slightly below estimates by 6.85%. Investment interest revenues significantly exceeded estimates due to elevated interest rates and higher cash balances. Miscellaneous revenues were boosted by the sale of surplus assets. Police and public safety revenues were 2.05% below estimates, with mixed performance across sources, while expenditures were 6.29% below budget, partly due to deferred special overtime. Development services fees were significantly below estimates by 67.72%, attributed to project timing and payment schedules, with expenditures also below budget by 19.81%. Sales tax revenues were 12.60% above budget, and real estate excise taxes were 2.71% higher than the previous year. State-shared revenues slightly exceeded estimates, though fuel tax was lower. Utility taxes, particularly natural gas, were significantly above estimates, while cable television and telephone taxes were below. Franchise fees exceeded estimates. TBD fees were below estimates. The finance department is monitoring economic conditions, potential state revenue cuts, and exploring options for debt payoff, with further details to be provided. Council members expressed appreciation for the finance department's management.
Councilmember Wood Discusses AWC Conference, Housing Growth, and Fiscal Challenges
Councilmember Wood reported on attending the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) conference, highlighting its educational value for council members on topics like finance and legal issues. She praised Duck Day as a well-executed event, acknowledging the significant behind-the-scenes work. Wood mentioned her participation in the SHAPE Executive Board, which reviewed the operating budget and will present a recommendation to the council. She also noted a presentation by the City of Sumner on housing growth. Regarding legislative updates, Wood stated that the state is facing a challenging budget with limited opportunities for new funding. She also attended a Transportation Policy Board meeting for PSRC, where the board passed its federal administrative review. Legislative reports indicated a difficult state budget, prioritizing mandatory increases over new programs. Federal discussions include potential funding increases for the National Highway Transportation Fund via EV and hybrid fees, and anticipated cuts to public transit and capital investment grants. Wood expects more information on federal and state grant programs in the fall.
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