During its March 10, 2026, session, the Normandy Park City Council took decisive action on regional social services and local fiscal policy.

Headlining the meeting was the unanimous approval of housing allocations through the South King Housing & Homelessness Partners, benefiting three major developments designed for low-income families and those with chronic mental illness.

Back at home, the council authorized increased grant funding for a displaced Farmers Market, adjusted city code to secure future transportation revenue, and finalized a significant budget for the city’s landmark 250th-anniversary celebration.

South King Housing & Homelessness Partners Update

The council heard a presentation from the South King Housing & Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) on this year’s allocations. Through SKHHP, eleven partner cities throughout South King County pool resources with the aim of funding projects that increase or preserve low income housing. Since its inception, SKHHP has allocated over $15 million in pooled resources. This year SKHHP has $3,942,850 to direct, with $5,636 contributed by Normandy Park.

The 2026 funds are being distributed to three projects. African Diaspora Cultural Anchor Village in Seatac is a 129-unit rental development designed for families earning 30 to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). 55 of the units will be reserved for families with children, and 13 units for households with disabilities. This project is being awarded $1.2 million.

Saint Stephen Housing Association’s Steele House in Renton contains six 3-bedroom rental townhomes, for families exiting homelessness and earning 50% AMI. This project is being awarded $1,820,850. The third project is Mental Health Housing Foundation’s Steele Lake in Federal Way, a 20-unit development to house individuals with severe and persistent mental illness. Steele Lake is being awarded $922,000. The council unanimously approved these allocations.

Increased Grant Approved For Farmers Market Move

The council approved a $2,500 grant for the Farmers Market, which will have to move mid-season to accommodate work starting at Marvista Park. During Public Comments, a speaker who organizes and helps to fund the market with her own money asked the council to increase the grant from the usual $1,000 to $5,000 this year, to pay for the increased costs associated with moving to a new location. She said promotional materials would have to be created explaining the new location, which will be Marvista Elementary School, after August 16th.

Construction at Marvista Park will interrupt more than just the Farmers Market. The summer concert series will also be happening at the park, and the last two concerts will need to be moved to a new location. Closing the park midseason is less than optimal; however, it was explained that it needs to be done in order to ensure the project is finished before construction season closes for the year.

Tab Fee Race

It turns out that tab fees are a zero sum game between the county and the city. These fees can be increased by up to $50, but that money will go to either the city or King County’s Transportation Benefit District (TBD). At this meeting, the council approved changing the language on the books to ensure that quick action can be taken if it looks like the county is going to move on increasing the tab fee, so at least that money will stay in the city.

TBD could institute a sales tax increase instead of the car tab fee, and it sounds like this option might benefit them more. Councilmember Susan West expressed concern with increasing the fee on cars, which people may rely on for work. Unlike a sales tax, many people can’t just choose not to drive. To be clear, Normandy Park won’t be increasing the tab fee unless it looks like TBD is going to, and then it will be poised to go for it quickly.

Currently, the tab fee the city collects brings in $115,000 annually, and goes directly to the street fund where it pays for pavement preservation.

$45,000 Approved for 250th Celebration

The council approved expenses of up to $45,000, the bulk of which will cover a professional fireworks display, along with insurance, and a float from which to launch the fireworks. This event is being planned in partnership with The Cove, who will contribute their location as well as staffing before, during, and after the event.

The celebration will be open to the public. Mayor Eric Zimmerman brought up concerns around making sure that Normandy Park residents, who are paying for it with their taxes, are able to attend. The Cove, which has limited parking, advises people to show up early to ensure entry.

The free event will begin at 6pm. There will be food trucks and entertainment, with fireworks beginning at 10pm. Councilmember Mike Bishoff said this celebration could be bigger than anything Normandy Park has seen, and the city should do all it can to prepare.

Study Session Could Become Special Meeting

The Study Session on March 24th could become a special meeting, according to City Manager Amy Arrington. She said there are certain action items that may have to be voted on before the next regular business meeting.