Accomplishments During Mayor Ross’ First Term

"Serving as mayor of Snoqualmie has been one of the greatest honors of my life. We have made real, measurable progress over the past four years, and I’m running for re-election to continue that momentum.  protecting what makes Snoqualmie special and delivering results that matter to our residents. But our work isn't finished. From ensuring public safety to managing growth responsibly, I’m running again to keep delivering results that matter to our residents and local businesses.”​ 

• With strong community support, voters approved a public safety sales tax in 2024, enabling the City to maintain essential police and fire department staffing, invest in new equipment, and expand training. 
• We achieved full staffing in the police department, leading to faster response times, a stronger presence in neighborhoods, and combined with legislative changes, resulting in a 10% reduction in crime in 2024.  
• The Fire Department achieved reaccreditation and launched a five-year strategic plan, while the Police Department continues working toward accreditation and building its community policing efforts. 
• Emergency preparedness has been strengthened with upgrades to the Emergency Operations Center.  
• Since 2018, Snoqualmie continues to rank in the top 10 of Washington’s safest cities.  

The City is implementing a capital plan that prioritizes quality of life for our residents and long-term sustainability. 

• Major projects include the Community Center expansion with aquatics facility, the River Trail, Sandy Cove restoration, a citywide playground replacement program, and the splashpad. 
• The City secured a $5 million state grant for repaving the Snoqualmie Parkway, a key regional connector, completed under budget and saving our residents millions of dollars. A request to transfer jurisdiction to WSDOT was submitted to reduce future maintenance costs for residents. 
• Ongoing utility upgrades, road repairs, and water system investments are reinforcing long-term reliability. 

• Through the implementation of the Munis ERP system, the City has modernized its internal operations, streamlining budgeting, payroll, human resources, asset management, and predictive maintenance. 
• Plans are underway for improvements in utility billing, project accounting, and contract      management. This transition has enhanced efficiency, transparency, and service delivery while positioning the City for long-term cost savings and smarter infrastructure planning.

• To ensure growth aligns with the city’s actual land capacity and protects critical environmental areas, Mayor Ross led the successful effort to reduce Snoqualmie’s 2044 housing growth target from 1,500 to 719 units, which was approved by the King County Growth Management Planning Council.
• To help local workers, families, and seniors afford to live in Snoqualmie, the City continues to advance workforce/affordable housing solutions.  The Mill Site development will include additional workforce housing, with 22% of units reserved for those earning between 60–80% AMI. The City has also issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to identify a development partner for a new workforce housing project.

Snoqualmie continues to lead in sustainability:

• Arbor Day Foundation awarded the City for the 15th year in a row, the "Tree City USA" award and the "Sterling Tree City" award after receiving the Growth Award for 11 consecutive years for demonstrating high levels of tree care and community engagement.
• Key efforts include trail expansion, water conservation projects, and the development of a new Climate Element for the Comprehensive Plan to address future environmental resilience.

 Mayor Ross has championed economic development initiatives that support tourism, attract investment, and strengthen business retention, ensuring Snoqualmie remains a vibrant, business-friendly community. 

• Hold regular meetings and economic development commission roundtables with business owners help the City understand local needs, support business retention, and identify opportunities to strengthen operations, workforce access, and long-term economic sustainability.
• Support strategic development projects: Northwest Railway Roundhouse, Pacific West Rail Model Train Museum, Mill Site redevelopment, Snoqualmie Valley Health expansion. 

The City launched its first Strategic Plan initiative. This process will engage residents, local businesses, and community partners to help shape a five-year roadmap that defines Snoqualmie’s priorities and guides future investments. The Strategic Plan will ensure the City’s direction reflects community values and supports long-term sustainability. 

Prioritized employee development and wellness by creating entry-level positions, expanding opportunities for internal promotion, and reducing overtime, resulting in improved retention and career growth. In 2024, we promoted 11 employees and earned WellCity status for our commitment to employee health and wellness, which also provides cost savings on medical premiums 

 We’ve strengthened communication by expanding press releases, social media updates, and digital newsletters. These efforts, combined with tools like the new Munis online portal for utility billing, parks reservations, and permit tracking, have increased transparency and made it easier for residents to access services, stay informed, and engage with their city government.