Results: What Should Edmonds Be?
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Keep Edmonds Vibrant
Keep Edmonds Vibrant! is a group of residents committed to ensuring our city’s long-term financial resiliency and vibrancy. We came together out of deep concern that Edmonds is currently on a path towards financial insolvency, and that without policy change to generate new and sustaining revenues, our city will be less vibrant tomorrow than it is today.
Upon hearing of proposals to entertain the sales of certain community assets – namely, the Frances Anderson Center and Hummingbird Hill Park – we organized and rallied our community. Our message was simple: any temporary boon from the sale of these assets wouldn’t fix our long-standing structural budget deficiencies. Worse yet, the sale of these assets would be permanent, and the proceeds would eventually dry up.
We organized an online email petition that was delivered to every city councilmember and to the mayor. In just over 72 hours, 7200 emails were sent by Edmonds residents, underscoring the value we all place on these cherished amenities.
In our view, cuts alone won’t solve our structural budget deficiencies. Going forward, we must grow and diversify our revenue base, advocating for a budget that enables Edmonds to thrive—not just survive.
What Should Edmonds Be?
About the campaign
What Should Edmonds Be? was a civic imagination initiative hosted by Keep Edmonds Vibrant from April 16 - May 27, 2025. Through in-person focus groups and online conversation, we invited our community to share their unique ideas for the future of Edmonds with the hope of contributing to a long-term, strategic planning effort that affords Edmonds the opportunity to thrive for generations to come.
In-person workshops
On April 16, 2025, we hosted our first in-person focus group on the topic of vibrancy. Approximately 30 community members attended. We asked the following three questions for participants to reflect and share on:
- What makes Edmonds special?
- Where does Edmonds stand to improve?
- What are my non-negotiables? (What am I not willing to give up?)
On April 30, 2025, we hosted our second in-person focus group on the topic of revenue generation. Approximately 30 community members attended. We asked participants to share their opinions on 25 unique revenue-generating proposals and to offer new ideas that hadn’t previously been considered.
Online conversation
Upon completion of these two workshops, we populated participants’ comments, formulated as statements, into Polis, a digital tool designed for “gathering, analyzing and understanding what large groups of people think in their own words” to share with the broader Edmonds community. This conversation was open to the community from May 9 – 25, 2025.
Polis: FAQs
“An open-source, real-time system for gathering, analyzing and understanding what large groups of people think in their own words, enabled by advanced statistics and machine learning.” – Polis’ developers
Polis is an an open-source software package that helps groups find common ground on complicated issues by collecting and organizing people’s opinions on statements about a topic.
Participants read short statements about a topic and vote to “agree,” “disagree,” or “pass” on each one. At any time, if they feel an idea is missing from the conversation, they can write and submit it to be voted on by other participants.
Polis has been used by many community groups, governments, and academic researchers across the world, including recently in Bowling Green, KY.
How are statements shown to participants?
Polis uses a “comment routing” algorithm to decide which statements to show each participant. It’s designed to efficiently map out where participants agree and disagree, with a preference for showing newer, more controversial ideas. This semi-random approach is designed to avoid an echo chamber effect, where participants might tend to see statements most similar to their own views, in acknowledgement that response time will be limited (especially as the number of statements grows over time), and that similarities in patterns of participant response can be leveraged to use response time more effectively.
What does Polis do with statements?
Polis doesn’t understand what statements mean. It just tracks how people vote on them, and looks for patterns, without making any subjective evaluations or classications of the ideas that people share. Polis does not use natural language processing, or generative AI tools (like large language models) in any aspect of its operation.
By focusing purely on voting patterns, Polis can find unexpected areas of agreement and help groups move beyond simple yes/no divisions toward more nuanced solutions that work for most people. This makes it useful for exploring how community members think about complex issues, and finding paths forward that most people can support.
Were all submitted statements included in the conversation?
Submitted statements were reviewed by our volunteers for compliance with our moderation policy. Comments that were redundant, unclear, personal attacks, contained multiple ideas, or were off topic were not included.
Why use Polis?
As more people participate, Polis groups together those who tend to vote similarly, and identifies statements that most people agree on. It also keeps track of “opinion groups”—clusters of participants who tend to vote similarly across many statements. These groups reveal distinct perspectives within the community. Polis then highlights statements that receive broad agreement both within and across these groups, making it easier to see where consensus and differences exist.
What are “opinion groups”?
Opinion groups are groups of participants with similar voting patterns. They’re automatically created and classified by Polis, with no human input. Each opinion group has voted distinctly from other groups. They are named with arbitrary letters (“A”, “B”, “C”…)
Conversation topics
We asked participants to vote on statements, and suggest ideas, in response to two questions:
- Revenue generation: “What strategies should Edmonds pursue to increase City revenues?”
- Long-term vision: “What should Edmonds be like in 50 years? What should change? What should stay the same?”
Results
Revenue generation
“What strategies should Edmonds pursue to increase City revenues?”
Majority support
Here’s what most people agreed with. 60% or more of all participants voted one way or the other, regardless of whether large amounts of certain minority opinion groups voted the other way.
Show/hide table
StatementOverall500A307B193
18We could generate additional revenue by allowing more more ground-floor business/retail opportunities in strategic locations
82%6%11%(428)
75%9%15%(249)
92%1%6%(179)
22I am open to increasing the current park impact fees and transportation impact fees paid by developers of new homes/commercial spaces
73%12%14%(424)
67%15%17%(252)
81%8%9%(172)
24We should allow gambling within city limits, so that we can tax it
18%65%15%(422)
17%68%14%(246)
21%61%16%(176)
35I am open to additional revenue being generated from charging for admissions to our public parks
3%91%4%(430)
1%94%3%(254)
6%88%4%(176)
37I am open to additional revenue being generated from selling city-owned amenities (e.g. Frances Anderson Center, parks/greenspace, Wade James Theatre, etc.)
7%86%6%(426)
7%86%6%(250)
7%85%6%(176)
42Charge for downtown Halloween trick or treating or other big events
10%76%12%(344)
8%80%10%(189)
12%72%14%(155)
55I would be open to encouraging more large businesses, especially along 99.
76%8%14%(348)
69%10%20%(194)
85%5%8%(154)
77Buy Bitcoin as reserves for the city, and use AI to modernize and reduce workforce to increase efficiencies
2%77%20%(334)
3%74%21%(186)
0%81%18%(148)
87Parks need to remain free so everyone can enjoy them.
94%2%3%(346)
94%2%3%(194)
94%2%2%(152)
150Attract more quality retail and restaurants including in areas outside the core downtown such as Five Corners.
84%6%9%(215)
77%10%12%(125)
93%1%5%(90)
Opinion groups
500 – or 84% – of the 598 total participants fell into an opinion group1. For the “revenue generation” topic, two opinion groups emerged: A and B.
1 Opinion groups are groups of participants with similar voting patterns. They’re automatically created and classified by Polis, with no human input. Each opinion group voted distinctly from other groups.
Group A (n = 166, median age 45-54) had a higher proportion of participants aged 55-64 compared to Group B (n = 103, median age 45-54), and a lower proportion of participants aged 35-54.
Group A: 307 participants
Statements which make this group unique, by their votes:
Show/hide table
StatementOverall500A307B193
87Parks need to remain free so everyone can enjoy them.
94%2%3%(346)
94%2%3%(194)
94%2%2%(152)
14We should charge for parking on public streets
40%45%13%(427)
17%68%13%(247)
72%13%13%(180)
51Let’s generate revenue thru increased vehicle tax and paid parking
39%40%19%(344)
14%64%20%(193)
71%9%18%(151)
67Charge for street parking in the downtown business district.
48%42%8%(340)
23%65%10%(193)
80%12%6%(147)
53Let’s generate revenue by raising property taxes.currently lower than similarly wealthy burbs. Ex. Oak Park IL 3.39 compared to Edmonds 0.88
41%39%18%(342)
19%61%18%(192)
70%12%18%(150)
Group B: 193 participants
Statements which make this group unique, by their votes:
Show/hide table
StatementOverall500A307B193
67Charge for street parking in the downtown business district.
48%42%8%(340)
23%65%10%(193)
80%12%6%(147)
14We should charge for parking on public streets
40%45%13%(427)
17%68%13%(247)
72%13%13%(180)
51Let’s generate revenue thru increased vehicle tax and paid parking
39%40%19%(344)
14%64%20%(193)
71%9%18%(151)
43I think charging for parking in our downtown core during peak hours could help increase revenues
54%30%15%(345)
31%48%20%(192)
83%7%9%(153)
124More revenue means raising taxes. This is a good thing, and the price we pay for living in a wonderful city. Taxes should be progressive.
56%22%21%(336)
34%36%28%(187)
83%4%12%(149)
Areas of uncertainty
Across these 500 participants, there was uncertainty about the following statements. Greater than 30% of participants who saw these statements “passed”. Areas of uncertainty could be opportunities to promote education and open dialogue.
Show/hide table
StatementOverall500A307B193
127Frances Anderson Center is often mentioned as a scare tactic. How about selling the Arts annex next to the sewage plant? Seems like surplus.
34%23%42%(330)
34%24%40%(179)
33%21%45%(151)
85Most of the options provided are regressive tax. I would prefer if we increased our property taxes and find ways to remove the 1% tax levy.
32%26%40%(349)
17%40%41%(196)
51%8%39%(153)
23We should increase the utility connection fee
29%33%36%(421)
16%44%38%(245)
47%18%33%(176)
139hire staff that can enforce codes/laws! this will over generate revenue surpassing their salaries.
44%15%40%(320)
36%22%41%(177)
53%7%38%(143)
31I am open to additional revenue being generated from introducing an Employee/Head Tax, similar to Lynnwood
33%29%36%(419)
20%44%35%(242)
51%9%38%(177)
All statements
Group votes across all statements, excluding statements that were moderated out.
Show/hide table
StatementOverall500A307B193
87Parks need to remain free so everyone can enjoy them.
94%2%3%(346)
94%2%3%(194)
94%2%2%(152)
150Attract more quality retail and restaurants including in areas outside the core downtown such as Five Corners.
84%6%9%(215)
77%10%12%(125)
93%1%5%(90)
18We could generate additional revenue by allowing more more ground-floor business/retail opportunities in strategic locations
82%6%11%(428)
75%9%15%(249)
92%1%6%(179)
286Attract or allow charter boats, dinner cruises, or sightseeing tours operating from Edmonds Marina and establish docking and landing fees.
79%10%10%(144)
77%9%13%(83)
81%11%6%(61)
283Impose a registration fee or additional tax on short-term rental properties (Airbnb, etc)
78%12%8%(141)
68%18%12%(80)
91%4%3%(61)
55I would be open to encouraging more large businesses, especially along 99.
76%8%14%(348)
69%10%20%(194)
85%5%8%(154)
288“Adopt-a-Park” or community fundraising program: City-led charity drives for parks, trails, and rec centers allowing business sponsorships.
76%10%13%(143)
71%8%19%(82)
81%13%4%(61)
287Allow companies to sponsor playgrounds, trails, festivals (with signage). Eg, a bicycle manufacturer sponsoring a new trail segment.
74%14%10%(142)
70%14%15%(85)
80%15%3%(57)
22I am open to increasing the current park impact fees and transportation impact fees paid by developers of new homes/commercial spaces
73%12%14%(424)
67%15%17%(252)
81%8%9%(172)
165Hire a grant writer! The last council nixed it from the budget, but a grant writer pays for themself over and over and frees up city staff.
73%8%18%(220)
69%10%20%(127)
78%5%16%(93)
20I'm open to additional revenue being generated from adding school zone speeding cameras to more schools
70%23%6%(431)
60%31%8%(250)
83%12%3%(181)
285Lease (not sell) underutilized city property for public-private partnerships like mixed-use housing/retail at market rates.
69%11%18%(143)
60%18%20%(86)
82%1%15%(57)
17I am open to additional revenue being generated from increasing motor vehicle license fees from $40 to $50
69%21%9%(439)
53%33%12%(256)
90%4%5%(183)
33I am open to additional revenue being generated from annexing Esperance (currently unincorporated)
68%9%21%(425)
61%13%24%(246)
78%3%17%(179)
68Tap into volunteer talent to support the city
68%11%19%(347)
71%9%19%(199)
65%14%20%(148)
116The buildings along our waterfront are woefully underutilized.These should be high end dining, boutique hotels, etc not random small offices
67%17%15%(340)
55%25%18%(187)
82%6%11%(153)
193Edmonds is an Art Hub in Wa, we could create a Gala event with art donated by some of our very best galleries/artists/private collectors
68%11%20%(215)
71%6%21%(123)
64%18%17%(92)
103Incorporating north Edmonds into the city for additional tax revenue
66%8%25%(343)
61%10%27%(195)
72%4%22%(148)
45Let’s generate revenue by developing 5corners to include retail and housing (while keeping existing business) and deprioritize parking lots
66%17%16%(347)
53%26%20%(195)
83%5%10%(152)
63I am open to additional revenue generated from increasing the renewal fee for business license permits if tiered by revenue.
65%17%17%(340)
50%29%19%(187)
83%2%13%(153)
46Let’s generate revenue to allow for more mixed used zoning so that neighborhoods can have small businesses like local grocery, craft, cafes
63%15%20%(335)
48%26%25%(182)
81%2%15%(153)
123All businesses should pay market-rent rates for City buildings/facilities, except 501(c)3 tenants, which should pay below-market rent.
62%11%26%(339)
51%14%33%(192)
76%6%17%(147)
15We should have stronger enforcement of parking violations
61%19%18%(435)
49%29%20%(251)
78%5%15%(184)
332Generate revenue by increasing port fees/per boat fees for marina.
61%14%23%(141)
48%20%30%(82)
79%6%13%(59)
129It may make sense to redevelop our city buildings to meet the city needs - then rent the extra space accordingly.
61%10%27%(329)
53%15%31%(182)
71%5%23%(147)
205Raise new revenue through multiple methods across city government to ensure that we close the budget gap and are put in a stronger position
60%7%32%(242)
52%10%36%(137)
70%1%27%(105)
28I am open to additional revenue being generated from an increase in the retail sales tax rate (Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, and Mukilteo all currently have higher sales tax rates)
60%25%13%(423)
43%38%17%(247)
85%6%8%(176)
122We should incorporate Esperance into the City of Edmonds
60%9%29%(344)
55%13%30%(193)
65%5%29%(151)
236All waterfront property owned by the Port of Edmonds should not be tax exempt.
59%10%30%(215)
56%13%30%(123)
63%7%29%(92)
133More festivals/events to raise revenue
58%17%23%(328)
55%19%24%(183)
62%15%22%(145)
98As a business, I am willing to pay a bit more for renewals, BUT don’t want to see taking more from us as being the first solution.
59%8%31%(348)
62%8%28%(196)
55%9%35%(152)
41Build a hotel and/or increase mixed use on waterfront
59%23%17%(342)
43%34%21%(192)
78%9%12%(150)
279Explore the costs/benefits of free shuttle connecting downtown, 5corners, light rail to increase commerce and improve access to mobility.
58%32%9%(141)
53%37%8%(82)
64%25%10%(59)
27We should install more red-light cameras in high traffic areas
57%30%12%(422)
43%41%14%(246)
75%14%9%(176)
21I'm open to additional revenue being generated from running school zone cameras 24/7 (similar to other cities)
55%33%11%(433)
43%42%14%(253)
71%21%6%(180)
104I am open to paid street parking but allowing for one parking pass per household so they may park for free downtown.
55%30%13%(336)
44%38%17%(187)
69%20%9%(149)
54I would be open to hotels along the waterfront
55%28%16%(347)
41%39%19%(194)
72%14%13%(153)
60Increase development and permitting fees
53%26%19%(345)
46%31%22%(195)
64%20%15%(150)
155Issue bonds that residents could buy to support our city.
53%15%30%(210)
51%12%36%(121)
57%20%22%(89)
124More revenue means raising taxes. This is a good thing, and the price we pay for living in a wonderful city. Taxes should be progressive.
56%22%21%(336)
34%36%28%(187)
83%4%12%(149)
232Create pathways not hurdles to building permits. Allowing for growth.
53%18%27%(208)
54%21%24%(119)
52%15%31%(89)
29I am open to additional revenue generated from increasing the renewal fee for business license permits
52%24%22%(424)
38%37%24%(248)
73%6%19%(176)
19I am open to additional revenue being generated from permitting more homes in strategic areas
52%26%20%(418)
38%37%24%(244)
73%12%14%(174)
282Partner with neighboring cities or the county to jointly provide non-police services (finance, IT, HR, permit processing, 911 dispatch, etc)
51%10%37%(145)
42%8%49%(83)
64%12%22%(62)
107Charge market-rate for city facility rentals, but include incentives for discounts to make sure you’re not excluding groups that want to be here.
51%15%32%(338)
44%18%36%(192)
60%12%26%(146)
136Allowing more housing and small businesses can raise revenue, reduce squeezing current residents, and keep $ in Edmonds.
51%18%29%(334)
38%26%34%(185)
67%8%24%(149)
43I think charging for parking in our downtown core during peak hours could help increase revenues
54%30%15%(345)
31%48%20%(192)
83%7%9%(153)
30I am open to additional revenue being generated from introducing a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax, similar to Issaquah or Bellevue
49%19%31%(424)
34%28%36%(247)
68%6%24%(177)
16I am open to additional revenue being generated from the sale of the current City Hall building (5th & Main St.), and rezoning it for mixed-use (commercial, housing, or hotel use)
45%32%21%(422)
36%38%25%(247)
60%24%16%(175)
32I'm interested in relocating the Edmonds Police Department to a more centrally-located location, and selling the existing land/buildings, to generate revenue
44%29%26%(429)
34%35%29%(253)
57%19%23%(176)
139hire staff that can enforce codes/laws! this will over generate revenue surpassing their salaries.
44%15%40%(320)
36%22%41%(177)
53%7%38%(143)
57I’m open to increasing property taxes
47%34%18%(344)
26%53%19%(195)
73%9%16%(149)
36I am open to additional revenue being generated from selling naming rights to city-owned buildings and parks
43%37%18%(425)
41%37%20%(247)
46%37%15%(178)
67Charge for street parking in the downtown business district.
48%42%8%(340)
23%65%10%(193)
80%12%6%(147)
121I’m open to increasing property taxes but only after exhausting all other revenue stream ideas.
43%29%27%(335)
34%38%27%(185)
54%18%28%(150)
253Need thorough analysis of regionalization/partnerships for public services: create South County police, parks, street maintenance, etc.
42%14%42%(147)
40%14%44%(89)
44%15%39%(58)
316We need to be very careful about adding taxes that will actually lead to lower sales tax revenue.
45%10%43%(142)
55%3%40%(84)
31%20%48%(58)
171Crowd fund donations for graffiti removal
39%26%34%(218)
33%26%39%(126)
47%25%27%(92)
110Ask Edmonds citizens to help the city recover from deficits with a one time donation
39%42%18%(342)
41%38%20%(188)
36%48%15%(154)
81More retail, not more housing!
39%28%31%(349)
45%21%33%(193)
32%37%30%(156)
100Rather than charging for parking on public streets, I want paid parking lots or a central garage, with street parking remaining free
43%32%24%(348)
56%22%20%(196)
25%44%29%(152)
48Sell little used properties & reserve the rights to approve of any developments on the parcels.
37%27%35%(345)
33%32%33%(193)
42%20%36%(152)
53Let’s generate revenue by raising property taxes.currently lower than similarly wealthy burbs. Ex. Oak Park IL 3.39 compared to Edmonds 0.88
41%39%18%(342)
19%61%18%(192)
70%12%18%(150)
34I am open to additional revenue being generated from permitting and franchising Limebikes and scooters
36%48%15%(426)
31%53%14%(247)
42%41%15%(179)
14We should charge for parking on public streets
40%45%13%(427)
17%68%13%(247)
72%13%13%(180)
108Sell advertising space in public places
35%44%19%(343)
36%42%21%(195)
34%47%18%(148)
127Frances Anderson Center is often mentioned as a scare tactic. How about selling the Arts annex next to the sewage plant? Seems like surplus.
34%23%42%(330)
34%24%40%(179)
33%21%45%(151)
61Allow more housing in all areas to diversify and increase the tax base
35%41%22%(339)
21%55%22%(187)
52%25%22%(152)
234Create a destruction permit similar to Portland, OR where older homes must be deconstructed and usable materials sold and reused
32%26%41%(212)
28%33%38%(124)
37%18%44%(88)
31I am open to additional revenue being generated from introducing an Employee/Head Tax, similar to Lynnwood
33%29%36%(419)
20%44%35%(242)
51%9%38%(177)
51Let’s generate revenue thru increased vehicle tax and paid parking
39%40%19%(344)
14%64%20%(193)
71%9%18%(151)
117Maximize revenue in the Bowl commercial area by taxing storefronts that discourage foot traffic (offices, realty, nuptial, jewelry)
31%37%30%(341)
20%47%31%(192)
46%24%28%(149)
85Most of the options provided are regressive tax. I would prefer if we increased our property taxes and find ways to remove the 1% tax levy.
32%26%40%(349)
17%40%41%(196)
51%8%39%(153)
26I am open to additional revenue being generated from raising the utility tax
31%44%24%(425)
17%58%24%(250)
52%23%24%(175)
25We should charge market-rate rents to Wade James Theatre, Boys and Girls Club, Museum, Waterfront Center and other tenants who pay below-market rent.
28%52%18%(422)
24%55%20%(248)
35%48%16%(174)
23We should increase the utility connection fee
29%33%36%(421)
16%44%38%(245)
47%18%33%(176)
166I'm open to charging a very nominal entrance fee, like $1 per person, to big events (Saturday market, Arts Festival) to go to City.
26%60%13%(218)
18%66%14%(123)
36%51%11%(95)
184Can reduce need for revenue by shrinking our oversized and overfunded police department, but for +revenue, progressive taxation > regressive
22%39%37%(209)
14%46%38%(121)
32%30%36%(88)
170Train volunteers to give parking tickets so that the revenues from that activity exceed the cost of staffing the work
20%62%17%(215)
18%70%11%(125)
23%51%25%(90)
24We should allow gambling within city limits, so that we can tax it
18%65%15%(422)
17%68%14%(246)
21%61%16%(176)
275Small neighborhood parks should levy a “neighborhood park tax”, to pay for an amenity that those without neighborhood parks don’t have
16%58%25%(143)
10%65%23%(82)
24%47%27%(61)
42Charge for downtown Halloween trick or treating or other big events
10%76%12%(344)
8%80%10%(189)
12%72%14%(155)
37I am open to additional revenue being generated from selling city-owned amenities (e.g. Frances Anderson Center, parks/greenspace, Wade James Theatre, etc.)
7%86%6%(426)
7%86%6%(250)
7%85%6%(176)
35I am open to additional revenue being generated from charging for admissions to our public parks
3%91%4%(430)
1%94%3%(254)
6%88%4%(176)
77Buy Bitcoin as reserves for the city, and use AI to modernize and reduce workforce to increase efficiencies
2%77%20%(334)
3%74%21%(186)
0%81%18%(148)
Long-term vision
“What should Edmonds be like in 50 years? What should change? What should stay the same?”
Majority support
Here’s what most people agreed with. 60% or more of all participants voted one way or the other, regardless of whether large amounts of certain minority opinion groups voted the other way.
Show/hide table
StatementOverall313A136B177
11We should be a city where residents are informed and engaged in civic affairs
92%0%6%(273)
90%0%9%(122)
94%0%5%(151)
13We should maintain our current public amenities (e.g. Frances Anderson Center, public parks, Wade James Theatre, Yost Pool, Edmonds Center for the Arts, etc.)
92%1%6%(262)
93%0%6%(117)
91%2%6%(145)
14Edmonds should be viewed by people of all ages to be an attractive place to call home
87%2%10%(270)
75%6%17%(118)
96%0%3%(152)
26We should keep our public facilities and greenspaces in good health and maintenance
97%0%2%(270)
95%0%3%(121)
98%0%1%(149)
27We should promote and foster local business variety
92%0%7%(271)
86%1%11%(120)
96%0%3%(151)
Opinion groups
313 – or 79% – of the 396 total participants in the “long-term vision” conversation fell into an “opinion group”2. For the “long-term vision” topic, two opinion groups emerged: A and B.
2 Opinion groups are groups of participants with similar voting patterns. They’re automatically created and classified by Polis, with no human input. Each opinion group voted distinctly from other groups.
Group A (n = 45, median age 55-64) had a higher proportion of participants aged 45-74 compared to Group B (n = 52, median age 45-54), and a lower proportion in the 25-34 age group.
Group A: 136 participants
Statements which make this group unique, by their votes:
Show/hide table
StatementOverall313A136B177
44Height limits should be an ongoing priority
63%16%20%(204)
86%4%8%(92)
44%25%29%(112)
45Keep the small town feel
77%10%12%(200)
92%1%6%(94)
64%17%17%(106)
103don't ruin our single family residential yards with DADU's and other forms of density.
49%29%21%(128)
74%6%19%(62)
25%51%22%(66)
79Keep the bowl area close to as is for the next 50 years.
49%29%21%(203)
71%10%18%(94)
30%45%23%(109)
80Same small town charm in the Bowl,larger businesses along HWY 99.
74%9%15%(191)
86%2%10%(83)
65%14%19%(108)
Group B: 177 participants
Statements which make this group unique, by their votes:
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StatementOverall313A136B177
29our residential zones should have more options to open neighborhood retail as we slowly densify to enrich neighborhood connection/character
70%12%17%(205)
40%26%32%(93)
95%0%4%(112)
19Edmonds should promote the growth and development of neighborhoods in strategic areas of the city to allow for more homes and ground-floor retail/commercial
68%14%17%(272)
43%31%25%(122)
88%0%10%(150)
28Edmonds should work to create more residential and mixed use hubs around our public amenities like green spaces and waterfront
66%11%22%(199)
38%25%36%(91)
89%0%10%(108)
30walkable, bikable, quiet, clean air and housing options at various price points throughout all neighborhoods
78%7%14%(202)
56%15%27%(93)
96%0%2%(109)
82Edmonds should be a place where our kids can afford to live - and where people who work here can afford to live!
75%10%14%(192)
51%21%26%(82)
93%1%4%(110)
Areas of uncertainty
Across these 313 participants, there was uncertainty about the following statements. Greater than 30% of participants who saw these statements “passed”. Areas of uncertainty could be opportunities to promote education and open dialogue.
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StatementOverall313A136B177
32We should incorporate integrationist policies. There should be at least BIPOC ppl proportionate to the national average demographic data.
37%17%44%(199)
12%34%52%(89)
58%3%38%(110)
55In an era of AI we will want HIGH QUALITY amenities to attract visitors from Seattle metro area
36%20%42%(202)
24%31%44%(93)
46%11%41%(109)
118We should pay 30-40% less for police service and match Shorelines per resident cost
30%22%47%(133)
19%31%48%(66)
40%13%46%(67)
22We should pursue more public/private partnerships
54%9%36%(266)
44%7%47%(119)
62%10%27%(147)
127We should adopt Ranked Choice Voting to make city elections more representative
39%14%46%(128)
22%19%58%(63)
56%9%33%(65)
All statements
Group votes across all statements, excluding those statements which were moderated out.
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StatementOverall313A136B177
26We should keep our public facilities and greenspaces in good health and maintenance
97%0%2%(270)
95%0%3%(121)
98%0%1%(149)
13We should maintain our current public amenities (e.g. Frances Anderson Center, public parks, Wade James Theatre, Yost Pool, Edmonds Center for the Arts, etc.)
92%1%6%(262)
93%0%6%(117)
91%2%6%(145)
11We should be a city where residents are informed and engaged in civic affairs
92%0%6%(273)
90%0%9%(122)
94%0%5%(151)
27We should promote and foster local business variety
92%0%7%(271)
86%1%11%(120)
96%0%3%(151)
37We should ensure quality education for all students regardless of income or background
90%2%7%(202)
90%4%5%(91)
90%0%9%(111)
14Edmonds should be viewed by people of all ages to be an attractive place to call home
87%2%10%(270)
75%6%17%(118)
96%0%3%(152)
69Redevelop FirdaleVillage.It could be attractive, boutique shopping/dining plaza if there was focus on curating a high quality mix of tenants
83%3%13%(199)
84%3%12%(91)
82%3%13%(108)
75Don’t allow downtown to be rebuilt completely like Kirkland. Encourage small businesses to remain and avoid allowing chain restaurants
80%9%10%(196)
85%6%7%(89)
76%11%12%(107)
33As a Black person, I hope Edmonds feels safe for Black people soon!
81%2%17%(200)
72%3%23%(88)
87%0%11%(112)
140Trees are planted as part of all sidewalk improvements and our leaf canopy grows.
80%8%10%(82)
78%12%9%(33)
81%6%12%(49)
43Safety should be a top priority
78%5%15%(201)
81%5%13%(92)
76%5%18%(109)
76Yes, Edmonds is unique. ! We need to accommodate more people but consideration must be given to the uniqueness (small town, easy to walk…
77%5%17%(195)
83%3%13%(89)
72%6%20%(106)
45Keep the small town feel
77%10%12%(200)
92%1%6%(94)
64%17%17%(106)
59Sales tax base is the real long term solution. We can work to develop on 99, in Firdale, in Perrinville, and on fill-in places downtown.
76%5%17%(203)
72%6%20%(92)
80%4%15%(111)
12We should have strong local journalism
77%3%19%(276)
66%5%27%(121)
85%1%12%(155)
80Same small town charm in the Bowl,larger businesses along HWY 99.
74%9%15%(191)
86%2%10%(83)
65%14%19%(108)
8We should prioritize and support our creative district and arts culture
74%10%14%(271)
70%10%18%(124)
78%10%10%(147)
30walkable, bikable, quiet, clean air and housing options at various price points throughout all neighborhoods
78%7%14%(202)
56%15%27%(93)
96%0%2%(109)
85Highway 99 neighborhoods will no longer be ignored and we will have parks and other amenities.
76%4%18%(181)
59%9%30%(81)
90%1%9%(100)
138We increase access to waterfront/beach wherever possible.
75%7%17%(80)
61%11%26%(34)
84%4%10%(46)
61With a focus on safe and walkable streets. Too much traffic and accidents. Speeding around our small downtown is crazy.
71%8%19%(205)
64%13%21%(94)
77%4%18%(111)
9We should have land use code that maintains downtown waterfront views from public buildings/spaces
69%9%20%(266)
73%4%22%(116)
67%13%19%(150)
98In 50 years, I hope that Main Street looks much the same as it does now, and there are no tall buildings near the waterfront.
71%13%14%(128)
84%1%13%(65)
58%25%15%(63)
74Urbanize and create more affordable housing opportunities in north Edmonds and Hwy 99 where there is room without subdividing existing land
69%10%19%(201)
75%9%14%(95)
64%12%23%(106)
82Edmonds should be a place where our kids can afford to live - and where people who work here can afford to live!
75%10%14%(192)
51%21%26%(82)
93%1%4%(110)
41We should use tax dollars to improve and add parks and amenities beyond the Bowl
71%9%20%(200)
53%16%29%(91)
85%2%11%(109)
70The Port should be charged a proportional amount for police/fire/EMS services.
68%4%27%(199)
61%7%30%(91)
74%1%24%(108)
15Edmonds should have geographic representation (legislative districts) on city council to avoid overrepresentation from any one particular area
70%10%18%(272)
52%19%27%(119)
84%3%11%(153)
25We should have city-staffing levels that are not disproportionately lower than cities of comparable size and location
67%8%24%(269)
53%12%33%(121)
78%5%16%(148)
54Attract more local tourism from Seattle and the Eastside by advertising Edmonds events
66%17%15%(202)
53%25%21%(92)
77%11%10%(110)
110Fund the Beach Rangers and Ranger station at Olympic Beach. Declaring a marine sanctuary w/out enforcement is pointless!
64%6%29%(129)
62%8%29%(62)
65%4%29%(67)
71We should invest more into public parks and community services
67%8%24%(197)
49%14%36%(91)
82%2%15%(106)
67We should learn how to incorporate urban density with open spaces and greenery so that people would be less afraid of development!
68%12%19%(199)
46%25%28%(89)
86%1%11%(110)
29our residential zones should have more options to open neighborhood retail as we slowly densify to enrich neighborhood connection/character
70%12%17%(205)
40%26%32%(93)
95%0%4%(112)
44Height limits should be an ongoing priority
63%16%20%(204)
86%4%8%(92)
44%25%29%(112)
19Edmonds should promote the growth and development of neighborhoods in strategic areas of the city to allow for more homes and ground-floor retail/commercial
68%14%17%(272)
43%31%25%(122)
88%0%10%(150)
47Edmonds NEEDS a boutique hotel. It’s the perfect location for one
63%12%24%(199)
54%17%27%(90)
70%8%21%(109)
126We should have more neighborhoods like "downtown" (dense, amenity-rich) across Edmonds.
64%14%20%(131)
43%23%32%(64)
85%5%8%(67)
23The City or Port should redevelop a portion of its waterfront into a mixed-use (residential, hotel, and business/retail) district
62%18%18%(278)
47%27%25%(123)
75%10%13%(155)
21We should pursue policies to increase and diversify our property tax base
63%7%28%(271)
43%14%41%(121)
80%2%18%(150)
28Edmonds should work to create more residential and mixed use hubs around our public amenities like green spaces and waterfront
66%11%22%(199)
38%25%36%(91)
89%0%10%(108)
97Edmonds should be livable for people who are not very wealthy
62%10%27%(136)
43%18%38%(65)
80%2%16%(71)
58Edmonds should be a place that’s affordable for single income families to buy homes and live
61%12%26%(206)
45%22%31%(96)
74%2%22%(110)
155I hope we have higher tree canopy coverage.
59%11%29%(93)
53%17%29%(41)
63%7%28%(52)
139We limit mega-homes that fill their lot, leaving yards that are "landscaped" with a patch of astroturf.
56%13%29%(81)
61%14%23%(34)
53%12%34%(47)
143It's so charming here due to the hard work of dedicated city staff. We should continue to prioritize the staff who make our town beautiful!
58%9%32%(77)
50%14%35%(34)
65%4%30%(43)
68We should have more red light/speeding cameras in appropriate locations to enhance safety
57%23%18%(196)
51%31%16%(89)
62%17%19%(107)
16Edmonds should invest in safer, wider sidewalks to promote increased walkability
60%16%22%(276)
42%28%29%(123)
75%7%16%(153)
87Need to develop historic preservation district Downtown is like Main Street USA at Disney Land. New codes will be needed to preserve DT
56%11%32%(128)
62%4%32%(61)
50%17%31%(67)
20We should have a much bigger and more diverse sales tax base
59%9%31%(276)
43%14%42%(120)
71%5%22%(156)
94Need to add low-cost housing for seniors to match low-income seniors.
58%9%32%(143)
42%17%40%(70)
72%2%24%(73)
99Make it a Beach Town--self sustaining.Use the Sounder to connect us to the greater area.
55%11%32%(129)
53%9%37%(64)
58%13%27%(65)
108More bus routes / more frequent bus times in areas outside of 99 & the bowl! more bus-able city please!!
61%15%23%(142)
36%26%36%(68)
83%5%10%(74)
42Areas outside of the Bowl/North Edmonds are often neglected when it comes to parks and preserving green space
59%9%32%(200)
40%16%42%(91)
74%2%22%(109)
48Current tax exempt properties should pay some taxes
55%7%37%(205)
50%11%38%(96)
59%3%36%(109)
154Connecting pedestrian & bike trails throughout the entire City
63%18%18%(88)
33%38%28%(39)
87%2%10%(49)
35We should be able to walk to the grocery store
57%18%23%(200)
35%32%31%(97)
79%4%15%(103)
22We should pursue more public/private partnerships
54%9%36%(266)
44%7%47%(119)
62%10%27%(147)
34We should have more routes and more frequent public transit
59%16%24%(206)
33%30%36%(96)
81%4%13%(110)
72If paid parking is implemented, use funds to offset cost of a downtown shuttle on weekends. Consider asking the Chamber to share in the cost
51%21%27%(199)
38%29%32%(93)
62%14%23%(106)
122We should use zero-based budgeting protocol so every budget cycle starts with every dept justifying every expenditure
48%12%38%(129)
53%11%34%(63)
43%13%42%(66)
186An Edmonds that doesn’t throw its undesirables along Highway99, which also happens to be where majority low-income BIPOC live.
59%5%34%(52)
25%12%62%(24)
89%0%10%(28)
17We should have a free bus/shuttle within Edmonds to make it easier to get around
51%26%21%(266)
35%39%24%(118)
64%16%18%(148)
24Edmonds should allow more homes in areas beyond Highway 99
54%15%30%(270)
29%29%41%(120)
74%4%21%(150)
79Keep the bowl area close to as is for the next 50 years.
49%29%21%(203)
71%10%18%(94)
30%45%23%(109)
121We should demand that all staff have annual/measurable enhanced productivity and efficiency goals
46%20%33%(128)
45%16%37%(66)
46%24%29%(62)
31We should keep our downtown vibrant and historic, but still encourage new development and taller buildings that fit with the character
53%33%13%(207)
28%57%14%(96)
74%13%11%(111)
103don't ruin our single family residential yards with DADU's and other forms of density.
49%29%21%(128)
74%6%19%(62)
25%51%22%(66)
119We should hire a City manager to get control of costs and increase staff efficiency
43%11%45%(130)
42%6%51%(64)
43%16%39%(66)
83more density of housing downtown. No Tree canopy loss. enforcement of existing laws.
46%21%31%(192)
18%43%38%(86)
69%4%25%(106)
127We should adopt Ranked Choice Voting to make city elections more representative
39%14%46%(128)
22%19%58%(63)
56%9%33%(65)
64The downtown retail core of Edmonds should be car-free.
40%43%16%(202)
21%61%16%(92)
55%27%17%(110)
18We should invest in protected bike lanes to make the city safer for kids to bike
45%32%21%(269)
17%54%28%(121)
68%14%16%(148)
55In an era of AI we will want HIGH QUALITY amenities to attract visitors from Seattle metro area
36%20%42%(202)
24%31%44%(93)
46%11%41%(109)
118We should pay 30-40% less for police service and match Shorelines per resident cost
30%22%47%(133)
19%31%48%(66)
40%13%46%(67)
32We should incorporate integrationist policies. There should be at least BIPOC ppl proportionate to the national average demographic data.
37%17%44%(199)
12%34%52%(89)
58%3%38%(110)
184We can love it here, but Edmonds is not unique. It didn’t develop its ‘neighborhood character’ by stagnating. It came to be thru development
34%16%50%(50)
9%31%59%(22)
53%3%42%(28)
Takeaways
One Edmonds, two groups
Both topics (revenue generation and long-term vision) saw the emergence of two distinct opinion groups, characterized by unique voting patterns across many questions. Across both topics, groups were roughly distinguished by age (one younger, one older.) Plainly stated, participants tended to belong to one of two “camps” on ideas for both Edmonds’ fiscal priorities and long-term vision:
One group tended to evaluate Edmonds’ future with an openness to growth, change, and adaptation. These participants are open to expanding business districts, allowing more commercial and residential development, and exploring untapped revenue streams as a way to keep Edmonds financially solvent. They’re more willing to accept near-term change if it leads to long-term sustainability.
One group was more protective of Edmonds’ existing characteristics. Objectives like preserving “small town charm” and maintaining restrictions on where businesses and homes are located saw substantial support among this group: fiscal solutions that avoided changes to the community’s economic composition and visual identity were preferred.
While one group supported ideas like attracting large businesses and increasing development in targeted zones, the other approached these proposals cautiously.
Despite their differences, both groups shared a strong rejection of proposals to sell public assets or charge admission for parks. They appeared to agree community amenities are core to Edmonds’ identity.
Despite differences, collective support for a range of revenue generation policies
- A number of revenue generation ideas received supermajority support. Others – including ideas related to taxation, fee structures, parking, and land use policy, among other topics – received robust majorites.
Implications for a future levy: group differences and opportunity
A future property tax levy will likely be shaped by these group dynamics. For example, for statement 57 in the revenue conversation (“I’m open to increasing property taxes”), support was sharply divided: Group A showed strong support (73% approval), while Group B was much less favorable (26% approval), for a total support rate of 47% across both groups. Notably, 18% of all participants across both groups were undecided. This sizable undecided segment presents a real opportunity for Council and advocates: a strong, targeted campaign could move the needle. Starting with 47% support is a solid foundation from which to engage and persuade the undecided, indicating that passage of a levy is a realistic goal with effective outreach.
Methods
We worked diligently to invite a broad range of community members to participate in What Should Edmonds Be?, from our in-person workshops to our online conversation. We shared our campaign across physical (flyers, in-person conversations) and digital (social media, email) touchpoints, reached out to community groups like PTAs & interest/service-based organizations, and published op-eds announcing our efforts in local news outlets, including My Edmonds News.
Age demographic collection
Shortly after launching the online conversation, we started asking participants for their age brackets to use as a rough proxy of our success in engaging a range of community members. In total, we tracked age brackets across 376 participants.
Census data: American Community Survey, 2023
Limitations
While our results offer valuable and novel qualitative & quantitative insights into community preferences, and reflect a diverse range of perspectives, they are not statistically representative of the broader Edmonds community.
There are many inputs into the legislative decision-making process. We invite the Edmonds community to consider our results as a complement to other artifacts of public will, including the 2024 community budget priorities survey procured by the City of Edmonds.