City of Lake Forest Park
17425 Ballinger Way NE
Lake Forest Park, WA 98155
www.cityoflfp.gov
206-368-5440

September 2025

City Will Invite Conversation 

on Police and Public Safety Levy

Lake Forest Park residents will soon have opportunities to explore the facts of a proposed six-year police and public safety levy that will appear on the November 2025 ballot. In the months ahead, City leaders will host community presentations and Q&A events to explain the measure and hear directly from the public. 

In a community survey last November, residents overwhelmingly identified public safety as their top priority. This ballot measure, if approved by voters, would provide funding for essential services such as 911 dispatch, police staffing and training, court services, and mental health diversion programs.  

Costs for police, jail, and related services have climbed 24% over the past four years, while state law restricts property tax revenue growth to just 1% annually. 

To keep the budget balanced, the City has already reduced spending by more than $455,000 and relied on one-time funds—steps that solved short-term challenges but cannot continue indefinitely. The proposed levy rate of $0.24 per $1,000 of assessed property value would appear on tax bills starting in 2026 and remain in effect for six years. Property tax exemptions are available for qualifying low-income seniors, disabled veterans, and residents with disabilities. 

Details about the proposed levy and upcoming engagement opportunities will be posted at cityoflfp.gov/710/lid-lift-info. Residents may also email questions to City Administrator Phillip Hill at phill@cityoflfp.gov. 

SR 104 Closure Near 35th Ave NE for Lyon Creek Fish Passage Begins Sept. 2 – 5-Week Detour in Place

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is nearing the four-week mark of construction on the SR 104/Lyon Creek Fish Passage Project. To date, the contractor has focused on sanitary sewer upgrades within the project area along SR 104, 35th Avenue NE, and NE 185th Street.

On Monday, Aug. 4, demolition began on the former Ballinger Automotive building, with work occurring from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. This phase took three to four days to complete, followed by the removal of underground fuel tanks and related infrastructure.

Beginning Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, all lanes of SR 104 will close near 35th Avenue NE for approximately 35 days. This closure will allow for removal of the existing culvert beneath SR 104, installation of a larger replacement structure, and streambed and habitat improvements.

During the five-week closure, a detour will be in place for eastbound and westbound Ballinger Way NE travelers via 35th Avenue NE and NE 195th Street. Eastbound local access on Ballinger Way NE will remain open up to just west of 35th Avenue NE.

Please note this project is owned by WSDOT and will be constructed by WSDOT's contractor. Please direct all inquiries to Casey Conley, WSDOT Construction Communications at casey.conley@wsdot.wa.gov | 206-718-4182. 

We appreciate your patience as this important culvert removal and stream/habitat remediation work is completed. While it will be disruptive during this period, once completed, the improvements will provide lasting environmental and infrastructure benefits.

More information HERE

EVENTS 

• Picnic in the Park! – Saturday, September 6
• Author Voices: Local Latinx Author Panel – Saturday, September 6
• LFP’s Yard Sale Day – Saturday, September 13
• North Helpline’s Annual Polaris Benefit Dinner – Saturday, September 13
• Personal Finance Lecture Series – Mondays, September 8, 15 & 29
• Mark Your Calendars – Exciting Events Coming Soon!

Picnic in the Park! 

Saturday, September 6

Picnic in the Park is around the Corner! Help the City celebrate our LFP community Saturday, September 6, from 11:00AM to 3:00PM at Pfingst Animal Acres Park! Bring family and friends to enjoy your neighbors, educational community booths, a petting zoo, live music, kids’ attractions and activities, food trucks, Public Works “big rigs,” and more! 

Check out the Facebook Event Page

Stay tuned for more details! To get the latest updates, subscribe to event notifications or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

It’s Salmon SEEson!

After spending a few years in the ocean, adult salmon are now swimming upstream to reach their spawning grounds in streams and rivers throughout King County. In Lake Forest Park, you can typically spot Coho and other salmon species returning between late August and November. 

A map of viewing sites and more information can be found here: http://bit.ly/salmonseeson 

Stay tuned! 

Lake Forest Park is planning a Salmon SEEson community event in October, featuring discussions about the salmon life cycle, their role in the history of Lake Forest Park, and how issues like stormwater pollution are threatening their existence. 

In Need of Help? Dial the Numbers 211

Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a bilingual community information and referral specialist who can help you find services such as food and clothing, housing, rent assistance, health clinics, childcare, counseling, legal aid, and more. Visit www.wa211.org for details.

Recycling Done Right: Empty. Clean. Dry