Residents gather in council chambers to talk taxes, trees and rezones at busy Edmonds Council meeting - My Edmonds News

Edmonds City Council approved a 1% increase in property taxes for 2026 during a recent meeting that drew significant community interest. Residents voiced their support for preserving tall trees, urging the council to include them in a critical areas ordinance update. This meeting served as a platform for citizens to discuss their priorities, reflecting a growing concern for environmental sustainability in urban planning. Council members recognized the challenge of balancing development with ecological conservation, emphasizing the need for thoughtful policy-making. The decision to raise property taxes aims to address budgetary needs while considering community feedback.

This dialogue illustrates the active engagement of residents in local governance, ensuring their voices influence future initiatives. As urban areas continue to expand, the emphasis on preserving natural resources becomes increasingly critical. Local officials are likely to face ongoing discussions around these issues as they develop city policies.