Bothell City Council Meeting - October 27, 2026

The Bothell City Council held a special meeting on October 27, 2026, with study sessions on the downtown subarea plan, annual comprehensive plan amendments, and the proposed 2027–28 biennial budget. No procurement awards, bids, or contracts were approved. In the downtown discussion, council members considered transportation priorities, public spaces, and possible future uses of the EFG site, while raising concerns about the draft plan’s treatment of Main Street and asking staff to revise the materials and provide a fuller council discussion. Staff described a flexible, performance-based approach to future transportation improvements; the plan and related amendments are scheduled for further review and public hearings in November, with adoption targeted for December.

On the budget, staff presented a proposed 0.1% criminal-justice sales tax increase to support public safety, public defense, municipal court, and rapid-response work. Several council members indicated support, but no vote was taken; action is scheduled for November 10. Staff also explained that bond financing is being considered as an option for capital projects, including the Bothell Way multimodal project, with the Safe Streets levy identified as a potential repayment source. The council did not approve a bond issuance, and staff said any financing decision would return to council for approval. At a council member’s request, staff will bring back funding options for a utility-box art-wrap program. The meeting also included annual updates from Cascadia College and the King County Library System and a Diwali proclamation; no related city purchasing actions were identified.