Opportunities for engagement for Mercer Island residents
Published 1:30 pm Thursday, January 22, 2026
By Nancy Lee, Special to the Reporter
Opportunities to attend community special events/openings:
• Mercer Island Public Art and Photography Show: Exhibit through Feb. 27 at the MI Community and Event Center.
• MI Healthy Youth Community Forum: “It Takes an Island,” from 7-9 p.m. Feb. 2 virtual via Zoom where parents, students (grades 6-12), educators and community members are invited to learn more about contributing to the health and well-being of Mercer Island youth.
Opportunities to join community groups:
• There are currently three vacant positions for community members to consider joining, one with the Arts Council and two with the Open Space Conservancy. Recruitment is open through Feb. 20 with applications on the city’s website page in the “Boards and Commissions” section.
Opportunities to learn more/provide feedback:
• Biennial Community Survey will be redirected this year to focus on priorities for future city facility planning. The survey will be issued in January with results in March.
• Next city council meeting is at 5 p.m. Feb. 3. Options for joining the meeting include in person at the MI Community and Event Center, a Zoom link on the city’s website and MI-TV (Channel 21). Citizen appearances: An opportunity to speak to the city council on items of interest. Speakers must register by 4 p.m. on the day of the council meeting at cityclerk@mercerisland.gov and are given three minutes to speak.
• “Talk on the Rock”: Island resident Jane Reynolds has created a new website to share Island news and human interest stories. Its mission is to “strengthen civic understanding and engagement on Mercer Island by providing clear, objective, informed reporting on city government, local schools, and community affairs.” She welcomes your feedback on the site, which is available at www.talkontherock.com.
Gatherings with councilmembers:
• Councilmember Ted Weinberg will hold his next monthly gathering at noon Feb. 21 at Sushi Joa, 2717 78th Ave. SE, providing an opportunity to discuss a variety of topics of interest for Mercer Island residents. If you would like to attend, an RSVP is appreciated at tedweinberg@comcast.net .
• Councilmember Julie Hsieh will hold a public gathering from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at ASA cafe at 2690 76th Ave. SE #101.
