Port Townsend City Council Tackles Rideshare, Evan’s Vista Update and Emergency Management in Wide-Ranging Meeting
Finalist for skatepark mural and transportation plan approved, and planning for managerial transition.
PORT TOWNSEND, WA — The City Council convened July 6 for a meeting packed with significant agenda items, ranging from rideshare services to major progress on the Evans Vista housing development and a regional discussion on emergency management preparedness.
The meeting also approved a new mural project for the local skate park, a transportation plan and a housekeeping measure to update the city's fund structure.
Regional emergency management under review
Jefferson County Administrator Josh Peters and District 1 County Commissioner Heather Dudley-Nollette presented an update on the county’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM). They noted that the recent budget cycle had strained the department, which is currently a small operation. The discussion centered on a “white paper” exploring potential governance models to strengthen the system.
Several options were presented, including maintaining the status quo, forming an advisory committee or potentially integrating DEM with the Jeff Comm 911 dispatch center. Councilmember Neil Nelson expressed support for the integration model, and the conversation highlighted the importance of “whole community” preparedness, including the critical role of volunteer groups and food resilience efforts.
Commissioner Dudley-Nollette emphasized the need to build a system that works for the entire community, particularly given the area's vulnerability to events like wildfires and earthquakes. The council will continue to explore the financial and structural implications of those options as the county moves into its budget cycle.
Evans Vista housing project narrows developer field
A major milestone was reached for the Evans Vista housing development, a planned 320-unit mixed-affordability neighborhood. Housing Grants Coordinator Renata Munfrada announced that the city has chosen two development firms to advance to the Request for Proposals (RFP) round: Related Northwest and Edlen & Co.
The project, which will require at least 25% of units to be income-restricted at 80% of the area median income, is a key component of the city’s housing strategy. The selection committee praised Related Northwest for its extensive development experience and financial capacity, while Edlen & Co. was noted for its thoughtful site planning and comprehensive housing programs. A third respondent, Copper Top Construction, was not included due to a lack of experience in affordable housing.
Councilmembers expressed a desire to see more than the minimum 25% of units set aside for affordable housing and to ensure the project includes a mix of workforce and middle-income housing. Staff noted that a final developer selection is expected by October 5, with groundbreaking in the coming years.
Skate park mural artist selected
In a more celebratory item, the council unanimously approved the Arts Commission’s recommendation to award the skate park mural project to local artist Jesse Joshua Watson. Watson’s concept features an underwater, futuristic theme that incorporates local landmarks and has been the top candidate throughout the selection process.
The project, funded by a Creative District Capital Grant and matching funds, will see Watson collaborate with the community, including the skaters themselves, to refine the design. Councilmember David Faber praised the selection, noting that Watson’s work is deeply associated with Port Townsend and that it is great to keep funds supporting local artists.
Rideshare already available amidst local taxi company struggles
A major topic of conversation was the availability of rideshare services in Port Townsend. City Manager John Mauro explained that, while state law has preempted local regulation of transportation network companies (TNCs) like Uber and Lyft since 2022, a technical glitch had prevented the apps from operating in the area. The city attorney’s office had recently reached out to the companies, and Uber subsequently corrected the issue.
One of the “cons” of TNCs identified by city staff was a potentially negative impact on the local taxi service.
Ivan Anderson, manager of The Taxi Company, told the Beacon that the business is operating with only four to five drivers and two vehicles, one of which is in the mechanic’s shop. The company’s phone line was also down throughout the Fourth of July weekend, compounding the service gaps in the community. The Taxi Company and TNC models are similar; drivers are compensated through commissions that often do not provide a livable wage in the area.
Councilmembers expressed hope that the rideshare announcement will provide more transportation options, particularly for underserved populations.
Administrative updates and future planning
In other business, the council held a public hearing for the 2027-2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program, which was subsequently approved. The program outlines 49 projects, many of which are grant-funded, including the upcoming construction of the 19th and Discovery Shared Intersection.
The council also approved a housekeeping ordinance to update the city’s municipal code fund structure, removing inactive funds and adding previously authorized funds, such as the Transportation Benefit District and the 1% Arts Program.
Finally, the council discussed succession planning in light of City Manager Mauro being a finalist for a position in another city. Councilmembers agreed to hold a workshop to develop a plan for a potential transition, emphasizing the importance of stability for staff and the community. This proactive approach was seen as a valuable exercise regardless of Mauro’s decision, echoing the city’s ethos of talent development and gap-filling.
