Early involvement matters in Sammamish decisions
By the time something reaches a permit counter or a final vote, the big choices are usually already locked in.
This week I spent time in Olympia with mayors from across Washington, and back home in Sammamish in meetings where residents were asking us to “stop” something already too far along in the process.
What’s happening
In Olympia: I participated in the Association of Washington Cities Mayors Exchange. Mayors from cities across the state compared what’s working and what’s not.
One Big Point: Cities need to get a handle on their budget early. Many cities are facing tough choices related to cuts or taxes, or both. We’re one of them.
Back in Sammamish: At our Tuesday study session (Feb. 10, 2026), we discussed several items where timing matters, including the Town Center work ahead and what can and cannot be changed once commitments exist. This includes the SE 6th Street work that already has a signed Development Agreement (Resolution R2025-1093).
Why it matters
If you want to shape an outcome, you have to show up while options are still open.
That applies at the state level and locally:
State policy decisions can create real cost and implementation pressure for cities. Being involved early helps ensure lawmakers understand local impacts.
Locally, once agreements are signed or permits are submitted, the city’s role shifts to administering the rules that already exist.
Between the lines
Here’s the clearest example from this week.
Issaquah School District right-of-way permit: I received many emails asking Sammamish to stop the clear cutting and mitigate traffic concerns related to a new school just outside our city border. At the meeting, staff made clear that the city cannot hold back a right-of-way permit to get concessions from the school district. If the application meets the code, the city issues the permit.
In Short: by the time a ROW permit is in front of us, we usually are not shaping the project. We are implementing adopted standards.
This is why early engagement matters. At all levels of government.
My view
When residents engage early, they have more influence. When the city engages early in Olympia and in regional planning, we have more influence too.
Early involvement does not need to be complicated:
Attend open houses when projects are still being defined.
Meet with your councilmembers before decisions are made.
Send succinct emails early, focused on the specific choices in front of us.
Tune into study sessions and provide comment when direction is being explored.
What happens next
For the benefit of our city, I will be very active regionally. I’ll keep showing up in Olympia and forums where policy is being shaped.
Locally, I’ll keep pushing for clearer communication so residents know when engagement is most impactful. Keep a watch on this blog and follow my Facebook page..
I’ll also keep making time for in-person conversations, like Coffee with the Council (typically the first Saturday each month). I also plan to launch Office Hours soon so you can schedule one-on-one time with me.
Final thoughts
A lot of people only hear about decisions when its too late. I get the frustration. I feel it too.
The practical takeaway is this: if we want better outcomes, we need to engage earlier. That’s where direction is set. Later stages are usually about filling in the details.