The regular meeting of the Shoreline City Council on October 14, 2024, commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and the excusal of two council members for personal reasons. Mayor Roberts and Deputy Mayor Mark led the meeting, which included a unanimous approval of the agenda.

City Manager John Norris highlighted recent accolades for Shoreline, noting its recognition as one of the top 50 best places to live for families and the sixth best place to retire affordably in the United States, according to Fortune.com. These rankings reflect the city's commitment to community well-being and livability.

Norris also announced upcoming community events, including the annual Hamlin Halloween Haunt on October 18, featuring family-friendly activities, and two shoreline walks scheduled for October 18 and 19. He reminded residents of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services meeting on October 24 and the next City Council meeting on October 21.

The meeting transitioned to a study session on the proposed 2025-2026 biennial budget, presented by Norris and staff. The budget totals over $406 million and is balanced across all funds. It reflects the city’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, evidenced by a stable double-A-plus bond rating and a history of unmodified financial audits.

Key highlights of the proposed budget include increased funding for human services, implementation of the climate action plan, and resources for organizational development and equity training. The budget also supports ongoing staffing needs and capital projects, although some requests for new full-time positions were limited due to budget constraints.

The council will continue to review the budget over the next several weeks, with opportunities for public input and discussion. The meeting concluded without public comments, and the consent calendar was approved unanimously.