EvergreenHealth Executives Meet with State Legislators

 

EvergreenHealthEvergreenHealth18,052 followers18,052 followers3d • Edited • 3 days ago • Edited • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD:  "In November, we welcomed several state legislators to our Kirkland campus as they prepare for the upcoming session in Olympia!🎈 (Larry Springer was one.)

These visits allowed us to share our role as a public hospital district, highlight our services, and discuss community investments.

Like many hospitals across Washington, EvergreenHealth faces significant financial challenges due to recent state and federal policy changes. We appreciate the opportunity to engage with our elected leaders on these issues and are grateful for their continued support and commitment to quality care."

Pictured: 48th LD Representative Osman Salahuddin, CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, Director of Women's & Children's Services Tessie (Hughes) Foley, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer Chris Bredeson, MBA, FACHE,  and Chief Financial Officer William Howe

[EvergreenHealth is now partnering with Children's Hospital of Seattle to facilitate and expand care on the Eastside.] by

Redmond Encourages Residents to Apply For Vacant Council Position

 

Redmond Encourages Residents to Apply for City Council Position #1 Vacancy

The City will host an optional Council Information Session at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2. for community members to ask questions and learn more about the responsibilities of being a Councilmember. Meet in Council chambers. 

REDMOND, WA – The City of Redmond today announced the official process and expected timeline for filling City Council Position #1, encouraging community members interested in public service to apply for the role, which is vacant following the resignation of Councilmember Osman Salahuddin.

The vacancy will be filled by a replacement voted on by members of the current City Council; Mayor Angela Birney will cast the deciding vote in the event of a tie. The City Council reviewed recruitment procedures at last night’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

The application is currently open and can be found here.The application period will run through noon on Friday, Jan. 2, with Council reviewing applications on a rolling basis.

Councilmembers serve as the legislative branch of the City of Redmond’s government, providing direction to the Mayor on policy goals and objectives for long-term vision based on community values and needs. Council is responsible for adopting the City’s budget, setting fees, accepting grants, and overseeing financial and performance measures; adopting codes, zoning, and standards in city law and regulations; approving contracts, real estate transactions, claim settlements, and interlocal agreements; approving pay ranges and union contracts; advising the Mayor to support staff implementation of policies; and representing the majority position of the Council to the public.

The first round of in-person interviews will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 13, followed by final interviews with the top 4 candidates and Council voting on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Should a majority vote be reached on Jan. 20, the final preferred candidate will be sworn in that evening.

Redmond Lights Returns To Downtown Park

 Redmond Lights Returns to Downtown Park, Expands to Overlake

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Lights, the City of Redmond’s annual winter celebration of art and light, will illuminate Downtown Park once again this year and, for the very first time, will expand its footprint to the Overlake neighborhood’s Esterra Park, as well. The community can enjoy the free, month-long art installations at both locations from Dec. 6, 2025, to Jan. 5, 2026. A Kick-Off Event will take place from 4 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, at Downtown Park.

“I look forward to joining our community in experiencing the wonder of Redmond Lights again this year,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This year will be especially magical with new art and light exhibits at Esterra Park, in addition to the beloved traditions that bring us together this season.” 

NEWS FLASH!! Council Passes Motion To Rebuild Teen Center At Same Location

Council decided on November 19, 2025 the OFH will be rebuilt.

"Community engagement will be conducted as the rebuilding project progresses to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and that the voices of teens guide the creation of a new teen center."  - COR

"After an extensive community engagement process, study of financial and other implications of different options, and reviewing the stakeholder group recommendation and focus group results, the Council passes the following motion to provide formal direction on the Old Firehouse Teen Center facility: 

Rebuild the teen center on the same location. Prioritize expedience in construction, centering teen voices in the design process, and including music performance space and a dedicated recording studio to continue the Old Firehouse Teen Center legacy."

SOURCE:  AM No. 25-184 Business Meeting Agenda, 11/18/2025

AM No. 25-184

Type:

Consent Item

Status:

Agenda Ready

File created:

10/14/2025

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

11/18/2025

Final action:

Title:

Approval to Rebuild the Teen Center on the Same Location. Prioritize Expedience in Construction, Centering Teen Voices in the Design Process, and Including Music Performance Space and a Dedicated Recording Studio to Continue the Old Firehouse Teen Center Legacy

Attachments:

1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Old Fire House Facility Recommendation Process, 3. Attachment B: Community and Stakeholder Outreach and Involvement, 4. Attachment C: OFH Stakeholder Group Final Report, 5. Appendix A - Stakeholder Group Charter, 6. Appendix B - Stakeholder Group Meeting Materials, 7. Attachment D: Redmond OFH Engagement - Community Focus Groups Summary

-

UPDATED 12/9/2025: 2026 Redmond Executive And Non-Union Compensation Plan

In all the Council and Mayor meetings I've watched never once did they deliberate on staff salaries and benefits.  Perhaps they don't want to cut off the hands (staff) that feed them. 

After the Human Resources Director gave her Pay Plan presentation, Councilmembers Nuevacamina and Kritzer calendared a 12/9 study session.  Thank you Council.

2026 Executive Pay Plan not counting, COLA (3.8%), bonuses, merit increases, health insurance, retirement, perks. Staff broke this link on 11/19/25: 

Effective January 1, 2026.  Maximum annual band is quoted.  Source for red 2024 bonuses was Public Record Request.    

Chief Executive Officer:  MAYOR  

Chief Operating Officer:  $312,579.17  (Runs Office of the Mayor?)

Deputy C.O.O. $273,238. NEW

Deputy Executive Director:  $218,863.34 (L.M.) [2024 bonus: $7,776.60]

  -- L. M. ?  [Council requested a review of the organizational chart.]

Fire Chief: $273,328.24   

Deputy Fire Chief: $244,740.55

Police Chief: $273,328.24  

Deputy Police Chief: $244,740.55 (B.C.) [2024 bonus: $23,700,60]  Promoted from Captain.

City Attorney:  $273,328.24  

Deputy City Attorney:  $244,740.55

Supervising Attorney:  $202,982.98 

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (P.P.) $155,857.02 [2024 bonus: $7,204.20]

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney (S.S.): - *2025 salary and title not quoted in the Plan when first presented by Human Resources.  [2024 bonus: $3,602.19]  Omission

Paralegal (NEW):  $112,714.38 

Total annual salaries, ~$1.1M+$150,000 + benefits

Public Works Director:  $255,958.34,  (promotion.) 

Deputy Public Works Director:  $244,832.88, 

 

Parks & Recreation Director:  $255,958.24  (promotion) 

Deputy Parks Director: $218,863.34. 

*Second Deputy Parks Directer (D.T.) - 2025 salary and title was not quoted by Human Resources in their Plan presentation. [2024 bonus $7,461.60] Omission.   

C.I.O. Director: $247,745.68,  Deputy C.I.O. $224,832.88

Deputy TIS Director (CM), - 2025 title and salary not quoted in original Human Resources Pay Plan presentation. [2024 bonus $9,145.99]  Title later changed to Deputy IT Director.  Omission. 

Finance Director:  $247,745.68,  

 Deputy Finance Director: $218,863.64 [2024 bonus: $5498.13]

 Financial Analyst (non-representative) 

Human Services Director: $247,745.68  

Deputy Human Services Director $218,863.34

HR Analyst, $140,682.28

HR Generalist (NEW) $138,241.91

HR Manager, $171,008.42

Consultant: CabotDow Associates

Total Annual Salaries: $890,000 + benefits

Director Planning and Community Development:  $247, 745.63  This is an understated salary.  Director Carol Helland "runs the government" in a large way.  She Chairs the Technical Committee for all projects. She directs 2 deputies, all the Vision 2050 planners, Development project planners, affordable housing and homeless initiatives, human  services, has written a white paper on Overlake Village, past president of ARCH, directs code changes and amendments, attends community meetings.  

According to a 2024 Public Record Request Director Helland. was not given a bonus or a promotion to a higher band.  Whereas, the Director of Parks and Director of Public Works is slated for promotion this year and Director Helland is not..  

 IMO the Human Resources Director has lost credibility. She calls her job an "art"  using  union contracts as the starting point for salary and COLA decisions system-wide.  She is now proposing a "generalist"  to complement  her consultant and three and a "generalist" in her department?

  -- Deputy Director Planning and Community Development: (S.A.) $218,863,34. [2024 bonus: $5,647.20]

 * -- Deputy PCD Director (Jason L.)  The title and 2025 salary for this position was not  quoted in Human Resources original Pay Plan presentation. [2024 bonus: $9,893,40] Omission. Transparency.                      

1 CEO, the Mayor

1 COO

2 Chiefs

6 Directors

15 Deputies 

4 Attorneys

5 NEW 

SOURCES: AM 25-1814 (altered by the city to AM 25-188) 

 2026 Union Pay Plan not counting health insurance, COLA (3.8%,) merit increases, retirement, and perks and more.  (City staff broke this link on 11/19)

 

Effective January 1, 2026.  Maximum annual pay band quoted: 

For the complete list of "non represented" employees go HERE:

City Clerk:  $171,088 

Assistant City Clerk

HR Analyst, $140,682.28 (consultant was hired)

HR Generalist (NEW) $138,241,91

HR Manager, $171,008.42

Police Captain:  $223,697.30

Police Support Civilian Commander, $202,982,98

Police Support:  $161,480.77

Police Sergeant: $161,257.54 ( 2025 Teamsters Local Union No. 117) 

Police Corporal: $140.695.24 (2025 Teamsters Local Union)

Police Officer: $122,158.48 (2025 Teamsters Local Union) mid-point

City Engineer Manager:  $211,794.58

City Engineer:  $211,794.58

Security Compliance Manager:  $211,794.58

Chief Policy Advisor:  $202,982.98

Supervising Attorney: $202,982,98.

Construction Manager  $180.412. 01 

Managers (16)  Parks, Finance, Utilities ($189,811.79) Emergency Preparedness, Project Management Office Manager ($202,982,98) Planning $189,966,78)  and more.

Supervisors (12) Attorney: $202,982,98.  In general:  $138K - $180K 

 

Paralegal:  $112,714.38 (NEW)  

DEI Program Advisor, $140,684.20  (Position moved up and to the Executive Department.) 

Behavioral Health Professional, $132,248.11

Administrative Assistants (secretaries):  $70,758,38, (minimum annual band) $83,141 (mid-point annual band)  $95,524 (maximum annual band)

SOURCE, AM 25-1814. Council Business Meeting Agenda, 11/18/2025.  (altered to AM 25-188; link broken by staff on 11/19/25.) 

AM No. 25-188   These links were broken by staff on 11/19/25

Type:

Staff Report

Status:

Agenda Ready

File created:

10/29/2025

In control:

City Council

On agenda:

11/18/2025 (compensation subject to Council approval.)

Final action:

Title:

Proposed Updates to the 2026 Pay Plans

Attachments:

1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Presentation, 3. Attachment B: Ordinance - 2026 AFSCME Pay Plans, 4. Exhibit 1: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “A”, 5. Exhibit 2: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “AF-S”, 6. Attachment C: Ordinance - 2026 Executive Pay Plan, 7. Exhibit 1: 2026 Executive Pay Plan “E”, 8. Attachment D: Ordinance - 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plans, 9. Exhibit 1: 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plan "N", 10. Exhibit 2: 2026 Non-Represented Supplemental Pay Plan “N-S”, 11. Attachment E: Ordinance - 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan, 12. Exhibit 1: 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan “G-S”, 13. Attachment F: Ordinance - 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan, 14. Exhibit 1: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan “EO”, 15. Attachment G: Ordinance - 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan, 16. Exhibit 1: 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan “P”

UPDATED 12/4/25: Redmond Elected Officials Compensation, The Budget

 

Labor and benefits typically constitute ~ 55% - 70% of the operating budget for a municipality the size of Redmond.  Council's primary responsibly is budget policy so why don't they deliberate more fully on labor and benefit expenses?  Perhaps, they don't want to "cut off the hands (staff) that feeds them?"  by 12/4 UPDATE:  Council is deliberating on December 9, 2025 with a Consent on January 6th.  Thank you President Kritzer and Councilmember Nuevacamina for initiating the review.      Effective January 1, 2026: Council Member Monthly salary:  Annual $28,234.80. [$27,600 in 2025] Council President* Annual:  $28,234.80 [$27,600 in 2025] salary: *Council President receives an additional $200 premium per month.  (Salaries are not including health insurance with perks, COLA (2.3%) travel, phone, educational conferences, community events.) Mayor Monthly Salary:  Annual Salary:  $173,914. (not including COLA (2.3%,) health insurance with perks, retirement, phone, transportation, education conferences, community programs, and sundry perks.)  [$170,000 in 2005]  Source:  Altered from AM No. 25-1814 to AM No.25-188, 11/18/2025 Exhibit 14: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan.  (Staff broke this link on 11/19/25.) AM No. 25-188   Staff broke all these links on 11/19/25 Type: Staff Report Status: Agenda Ready File created: 10/29/2025 In control: City Council On agenda: 11/18/2025 Final action: Title: Proposed Updates to the 2026 Pay Plans Attachments: 1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Presentation, 3. Attachment B: Ordinance - 2026 AFSCME Pay Plans, 4. Exhibit 1: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “A”, 5. Exhibit 2: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “AF-S”, 6. Attachment C: Ordinance - 2026 Executive Pay Plan, 7. Exhibit 1: 2026 Executive Pay Plan “E”, 8. Attachment D: Ordinance - 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plans, 9. Exhibit 1: 2026 Non-Represented Pay [broken]Plan "N", 10. Exhibit 2: 2026 Non-Represented Supplemental Pay Plan “N-S”, 11. Attachment E: Ordinance - 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan, 12. Exhibit 1: 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan “G-S”, 13. Attachment F: Ordinance - 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan, 14. Exhibit 1: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan[broken] , 15. Attachment G: Ordinance - 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan, 16. Exhibit 1: 2026 Police  Commissioned Pay Plan “P”

EvergreenHealth Earns National Safety Award

  

EvergreenHealth Earns 14th Consecutive ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group   

 

KIRKLAND, WA—EvergreenHealth has been awarded an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for the 14th consecutive time by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit upholding the standard for excellence in patient safety in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.

 

“This recognition honors the collective work and vigilance of our physicians and staff and affirms the trust our patients place in us,” said EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP. “EvergreenHealth remains one of the very few hospitals in our region to receive consistent ‘A’ grades. This distinction reflects our leadership in patient safety and our dedication to delivering care our community relies on.”

"Autumn Carpet"

 

Credit John Reinke, Redmond, WA.

UPDATED: Pat and Kitty Vache' Food Bank

 

 Redmond Market Volunteers

Trace, the Redmond Market manager said food insecurity from the SNAP cuts brought in twice the normal traffic.  Even with Trump reducing program funding from 50% to 30% the pain will persist. 

Pat Vache', retired Councilmember of 16 years, circulated around the work spaces including the produce line and managing the grocery carts. The produce is fresh and abundant:  bib & romaine lettuce, eggs, tomatoes, oranges, apples, rosemary, sage, chives, onions, carrots, cabbage, celery, fresh grapes, potatoes, bananas, radishes, cucumbers, squash, avocadoes, and more! 

Caned goods, rice, cereal, are stocked on all the shelves throughout.  The bagels and baguettes are popular. A holiday section is in the works. Diapers, aspirin, soaps and other sundries are available.  Food donations are accepted.

The deli was stocked with frozen salmon steaks, frozen strawberries, fresh raspberries, smoothie mix, sandwiches, vegetable trays, beef & pork steaks, decorated cakes and more! Much of the deli food came from "rescuing it" from grocery stores before they threw it out. 

Pallets of the bulk food arrive from commercial companies and are stored in the deep freeze and expansive refrigerator.  It's all an amazing coordinated effort; and a true blessing to work with Trace, and Zola in produce.  

Our "customers" and their children always leave with an appreciative smile on their face. Thank you Pat Vache' for all that you do, including finding the site for Hopelink Services and this market!

-- Bob Yoder, 11/5/2026

UPDATED 11/16: King County Election Outcomes Affecting Redmond

credit KIRO

STATE 148th LD  

Osman Salahuddin 10,974,   68.24%

Dennis Ellis              5,078,   31.58%

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE 

C. Zahilly    133,804,    51%  Winner

C. Balducci 129,459,    49%

KING COUNTY REPRESTATIVE

Sarah Perry     21,438, 66.8%

Bob Wotton    10,545, 32.9%

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL

Melissa Stuart  4,431,  75%

Kay Asai          2,796,   25%

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL

Vivek Prakriya 3,971,  62%

Steve Fields     2,405,  38%

REDMOND CITY COUNCIL

Menka Soni                  7,590, 56.82%

Jeralee Anderson          5,679, 42,52%

LAKE WASHINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT DIRECTOR #4

Aspen Richter, 19,408,  72.99%

Kim Martin,       7,092,  26.58%

EVERGREEN HEALTH HOSPITAL COMMISSIONER #5

Robin Campbell     54,680,  73,65%

Gary Harris            18,936,   25.75%

Candidate names in red are projected winners.  Votes are counted every day with results posted on the King County Elections website at 4:30 p.m.  

National "Take a Hike Day", Redmond Contains 59 Trail Miles

Redmond Watershed Preserve

Monday, Nov. 17 is National ‘Take a Hike Day’, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by exploring Redmond’s lush trails and natural spaces! Cooler temperatures mean fewer bugs, quieter trails, and colorful landscapes that will brighten your winter spirit.

Our top winter hike picks to celebrate ‘Take a Hike Day’ in Redmond include the 800-acre Redmond Watershed Preserve, a nature preserve (accessible by bus) with beautiful fall foliage and diverse habitats, the Farrel-McWhirter Loop that connects to Juel Park for a post-hike picnic or round of disc golf, and the Redmond Powerline Trail for those looking for a full day adventure. If the idea of hiking in November is new to you, check out the packing list and other resources for trail safety from the Washington Trails Association.

Redmond contains 59 miles of public trails, of which 39 miles are owned and operated by the City. Learn More About Every Trail.

-- City of Redmond, 11/3/25

ADHD Awareness Month

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month

The many faces of ADHD

Do you know that one third of children with ADHD develop Adult ADHD?  

Video on teen ADHD (with brief information on Tourette's tics)  4 m. 

Data and Stats on ADHD - Center for Disease Control.

NAMI Eastside webinar on ADHD, sponsored by EvergreenHealth, 1 hour.

-- Reported by Bob Yoder, 10/31/2025  

The Hopelink Food Banks Are Open

The produce at Hopelink is fresh and abundant.  Enroll today!

 By now you've seen or heard recent news about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and how the program could be impacted by the continuing federal government shutdown. Many of you have already reached out asking how to help, and we’re so grateful. Many have also asked, “What exactly do these changes mean, and how will they affect people here in King County?” You can read our full statement here.

Due to the many hardships our community members are facing with food security, starting on Monday, Nov. 3, Hopelink will provide additional food during visits to Hopelink Food Markets. If you have any questions or would like to enroll in the Hopelink Food Assistance program to shop for free groceries, please call your nearest Hopelink Center.  Information on the Redmond Hopelink center is HERE. 

-- Hopelink, 10/31/2025

Utility Rates to Increase 9.30% in 2026

"In 2026, PSE is proposing a 9.30% increase in electricity rates, adding about $11.20 more per month for a typical residential customer using 800 kilowatt-hours. Natural gas rates would rise by a smaller 2.07%, or about $1.51 per month for the average customer.

PSE points to several drivers behind these increases, including upgrades to the Baker River hydro project, deployment of advanced distribution systems to support EVs and rooftop solar, new clean energy from the Beaver Creek wind farm, wildfire prevention measures, and rising operating costs.

The result is higher bills for households, but also long-term investments in cleaner energy, safety, and *grid modernization." 

--  Puget Sound Energy, 10/11/2025

Sewer / stormwater rates in Redmond will increase, as well.  In addition, *AI requires a tremendous amount of power with no end in sight. Federal funds for relief can't be expected, with Trump.  At a recent City Council meeting President Kritzer noted King County is organizing all their cities to meet on this problem. Living in Redmond is unaffordable for many. Now this.    

-- Bob Yoder, 10/31/2025

Police Communications Manager

Communications Manager for the City of Redmond Police

Improvements to Pool Access / Candidates Stuart, Fields, Salahuddin, Anderson

Happy to see Council cares about improving access and programing for the citizens of Redmond, not just swim teams.  Redmond citizens spent over $8 million in taxes to renovate the pool.  

Councilmember Stuart and Fields participated in the conversation later on.  (CM Fields was virtual; CM Stuart holds office hours in the library twice a month on Thursdays.)  

Environmental Sustainability Action Plan updates.  CM Kritzer suggested review of tree give-away program. No discussion.  Questionable success?    The city delivered air purifiers in response to wildfires.  CM Stuart participated in discussion.

Old Firehouse Teen Center sub-committee, focus group/stakeholder meetings reviewed.  Tons of updates. Tons of citizen updates (mostly from adults.)  November 12 study session to give final report on rebuild vs. renovation.  November 18 more engagement by Council!  Lots of "thank you's" from CM Kritzer. Winter will delay decision progress.  CM Fields commented.  CM Stuart asked for website updates.

Parks Volunteer Program update from new FTE.  Very bureaucratic process. Implement Q-2, 2026.  CM Stuart is excited but wants more data on the website for citizenry.  Green Redmond good opportunity to volunteer (not under auspice of the Volunteer Program.)

Redmond Lights starts December 6th.  Downtown Park events.  $68,000 in sponsorships. CM Stuart asked how many installations in Esterra Park (Overlake.)  None.  Wants a city event there.  

Derby Days recap:  35,000 in attendance.  800 tons of waste diverted.  CM Stuart thinks the size of curb space should double.  Suggests promotion by Grand Marshall.  Star power from World Cup relationships.

CM Anderson did not participate in this Council Committee meeting or the Study Session that followed in the evening. All candidates but Anderson participated in Study Session.  Anderson "participated" by wearing a purple dunce hat (or witch hat) at the Study Session meeting.

-- Bob Yoder, opinion, 10/27/25

EvergreenHealth Commission Educational Session

 MINUTES:  

EvergreenHealth Educational Session meeting, August 1, 2025, 7 AM 

Present:  CEO, Commissioners, Staff

• Plymouth Housing - the model, performance, the intent
• UW Clinical professor discusses problems with the U.S. Healthcare systems compared to other countries. 
• Levy lid lift benefits. 

Meetings are held in the Surgeons and Physicians Pavilion #Tan 250 and are open to the public. 

-- Bob Yoder, 10/26/25

Meadow Park Replacement Construction

The City names their construction work at Meadows Park a "replacement."  It seems more of a renovation with the extensive new beddings and shrubs they are planting around the courts. Note the rich, dark soil in the foreground.  Total cost is $593, 910.   

Date of photos, 10/24/2025

Click picture to enlarge.

EXTRA: Alaska Wildlife Refuge Open To Oil And Gas Drilling

 Trump administration finalizes plan to open pristine Alaska wildlife refuge to oil and gas drilling

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The Trump administration on Thursday finalized plans to open the coastal plain of Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to potential oil and gas drilling, renewing a long-simmering debate over whether to drill in one of the nation’s environmental jewels.

U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced the decision Thursday that paves the way for future lease sales within the refuge’s 1.5 million-acre (631,309 hectare) coastal plain, an area that’s considered sacred by the Indigenous Gwich’in. The plan fulfills pledges made by President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans to reopen this portion of the refuge to possible development. Trump’s bill of tax breaks and spending cuts, passed during the summer, called for at least four lease sales within the refuge over a 10-year period.

...............................................................................................................................

-- Seattle Times, 10/23/25

Reservoir Park Sport Court Replacement

When finished the project will have three tennis courts (one lined for pickleball) and a basketball hoop.  A worker said he's been bombarded by people asking why the sports court would cost $1.8 million.  According to the supervisor, a potable water reservoir of 3,100 gallons rests under the courts.  The lid was 50 years old, deteriorated and had to be replaced, not restored.  That costs money.     

Estimated time of completion is 2026.