City Council Endorses Steps Toward Annexation

The Mill Creek City Council took a major step on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, toward annexing southern neighborhoods, a move that could increase the city's population by more than 50%. In a 6-0 vote, with one abstention from council member Vince Cavaleri, the council authorized city staff to begin work with county officials and the Boundary Review Board to draft an annexation plan.

Details of the Proposed Annexation Area

The proposed annexation covers neighborhoods near 180th Street Southeast and 192nd Street Southeast, stretching east toward 35th Avenue Southeast and west toward North Creek Park. The area contains an estimated 11,700 residents, which would add to Mill Creek’s current population of about 21,000, based on 2025 census data. A map of the targeted annexation area can be found on the city’s website.

Next Steps in the Annexation Process

Tuesday’s vote does not finalize the annexation but allows planning to begin. In December, the council will consider whether to pursue annexation via a public vote or through an interlocal agreement with Snohomish County. After that, the council would need to approve a final ordinance. City staff currently estimate annexation could take effect on January 1, 2028. This move only involves part of Mill Creek’s full urban growth area, which includes over 52,000 people according to the county’s 2024 comprehensive plan.

Financial Projections and Municipal Revenue Impacts

The city has studied annexation for more than two years and is eyeing diversification of municipal revenue. Financial projections from a city-hired consulting firm estimate the addition of the southern area would generate $2.7 million in new revenue in the first year, potentially rising to $5.3 million annually by 2045. These forecasts consider expenses related to maintaining North Creek Park and Mays Pond Park, both located within the annexation zone.

Mayor Stephanie Vignal highlighted the need for new revenue sources to maintain high-quality city services and amenities without increasing property taxes. “If we’re going to continue to maintain high quality services… then we’re going to have to figure out a way to diversify that income stream, and, to me, this is the way that we’re going to look at doing that,” Vignal said.

Community Engagement and Local Government Views

With the council’s recent vote, Mill Creek will begin community engagement efforts in the neighborhoods affected by the proposed annexation. Council members expressed support for town halls and public events to gather resident input before decisions are made in December.

Council member Sean Paddock stated, “I do believe that annexation could and most likely is gonna be a net-positive step in our long term financial viability if we want to keep a clean, safe and well-maintained city.”

Cavaleri abstained, expressing concerns about the reliability of financial projections, especially those tied to the housing market. “Annexation isn’t always the big windfall you had hoped it would be, but I also realize that annexation is tied to everything else that the city wants to do,” he said.

Public Comment and Broader Regional Context

During public comment, resident Hilary Bublitz spoke in favor of the plan, citing pressure from state legislators for increased housing density along the I-5 corridor and the opportunity for Mill Creek to shape its own growth.

If approved, this would mark Mill Creek’s first annexation since 2008. The council has also indicated interest in possibly annexing eastern portions of the growth area in the next three to five years. Other nearby cities like Edmonds and Everett are exploring similar annexation processes.

Source: heraldnet.com.