What’s been happening around Mountlake Terrace

Hi neighbors,

After finishing up a long home remodel late last year, I’ve been able to look up a bit more in 2025 and notice what’s happening around town. This newsletter is a brain dump of sorts—just a handful of things that have stood out to me in Mountlake Terrace lately, from new businesses and programs to projects in our parks.

The new Mountlake Terrace Chamber of Commerce is stepping into its own, with a stronger focus on being a resource for businesses and a connector for the whole community. The former MLT Business Association served our city well for many years—one of my favorite efforts was Backpacks for Little Hawks, which provided school supplies to families in need.

But this new Chamber feels fresh. It’s not only supporting local businesses—it’s also helping sell Mountlake Terrace: to prospective residents, potential employers, and even longtime neighbors who may not realize all that’s happening here. That feels right for a community with a light rail station—no longer just a bedroom suburb, but a place finding its own identity.

The Chamber has organized several events recently and has another one coming up today.

You can meet the Chamber at WagFest on Saturday, September 6, TODAY, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. at Evergreen Playfield. It’s a free, family- and pet-friendly festival with food trucks, live music, contests, demonstrations, and plenty of dog-themed fun.

The City is starting a Community Ambassador Program under the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission. Ambassadors will act as a bridge between residents and City Hall—helping share information, gather feedback, and build trust in both directions.

Anyone 16 or older who lives, works, studies, or worships in Mountlake Terrace can apply for a one-year term. Ambassadors will support at least four community events annually, and they’re encouraged to join DEI Commission meetings on the third Wednesday of each month.

The goal is simple but important: to ensure that more voices—including those who haven’t always been part of civic conversations—are heard in shaping the city’s future.

Terrace Station is really starting to feel like a neighborhood of its own. For longtime residents, the site has a lot of history—Evergreen Elementary once stood here before closing in 2009 and eventually being sold to a developer around 2013. After years of delay, construction finally began in 2019, and three mixed-use buildings have since gone up. A future phase is still planned along 236th Street SW.

Two of my favorite new businesses there are SKOG Haus Coffee and Hopua. For years, people in town said what we really needed was a sit-down coffee shop—and with SKOG Haus, we finally have one that feels like a true gathering spot. Hopua, meanwhile, adds to a growing lineup of places to meet friends for a drink. While Mountlake Terrace was late to the microbrew scene (Big E’s was technically just over the Lynnwood line, Diamond Knot didn’t open until 2014, and Hemlock State arrived in 2019), Hopua brings the vibe of a taproom with a great selection and a welcoming, brewery-like atmosphere.

These two spots have quickly become favorites of mine—and they’re worth checking out if you haven’t already.

Over 175 new trees were planted this spring at Bicentennial Park and Ballinger Park as part of the City’s Trees for Parks project. The effort was funded through mitigation fees from Sound Transit for trees removed during Lynnwood Link light rail construction.

A variety of species—including Western Hemlock, Grand Fir, Japanese Snowbell, and Swamp White Oak—were planted to bring more shade, diversity, and long-term canopy coverage. At Ballinger, new trees will grow up around the playground and trails. At Bicentennial, where many older trees have been lost over the years, the new saplings will help reforest the park over time.

Bicentennial is in my neighborhood, and my family walks through it several times a week. Seeing these young trees take root adds another layer of meaning to those walks—we’ll get to watch them grow up alongside the community.

On August 28, nearly 40 people gathered in Mountlake Terrace for a Rapid Response training led by the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN). WAISN is the state’s largest immigrant justice coalition, and their Rapid Response program prepares volunteers to document immigration enforcement activity, connect families with legal aid, and ensure rights are respected.

Even in Washington—where laws like the Keep Washington Working Act offer protections—federal immigration enforcement still happens in our communities. Having trained neighbors here in MLT means we’re better equipped to respond quickly, support families, and keep our city safe and welcoming for everyone.

The new North Sound Bicycle Advocates (NSBA) will hold their first fundraising dinner, Pedal & Plate, on October 24 at the Lake Ballinger Center. World traveler and storyteller Willie Weir headlines the evening, sharing humorous and heartfelt tales from his global bike tours. Guests will enjoye lasagna, salad, and dessert by local caterer Jim Staigner, with drinks donated by Eleven Winery and Fremont Brewing.

Proceeds support NSBA’s work to improve biking conditions across north King and south Snohomish counties—a mission rooted right here in Mountlake Terrace. I’m on the NSBA Board and would love to see some of my neighbors there.

Sometimes it’s the big debates that grab our attention, but often it’s these smaller snapshots—new businesses, fresh programs, neighbors showing up to train or fundraise—that remind me why I love this city. Mountlake Terrace keeps evolving, and it’s the mix of everyday efforts and community spirit that makes it feel like home. Thanks for reading, and I’ll keep sharing what catches my eye.

Dustin