This is a planned monthly column to provide a “list” of opportunities for citizen engagement with the city of Mercer Island, Mercer Island City Council and community resources of interest. Content is based on announcements and presentations made at monthly city council meetings. The following headlines are from the Jan. 21 city council meeting:

Opportunities to provide feedback and input:

· Public hearing to provide an opportunity to learn more about the city’s update relative to the Recent Legislative Requirement Changes for Middle Housing and Accessory Dwellings will be held at the city council meeting from 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 4 at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center.

Opportunities to join local committees/groups:

· Mercer Island Arts Council has a vacancy and applications are available at https://www.mercerisland.gov/bc-ac and are being accepted through Feb. 25.

· Paws on Patrol, a crime prevention partnership between the police department and dogwalkers, has a scheduled orientation to the program at 5 p.m. on May 8 at the Rotary Park.

Opportunities to sign up for incentive programs:

· Tree planting program is for Mercer Island homeowners wishing to plant a tree on their property and potentially receive a voucher to cover costs of purchasing a tree. https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/tree-giveaway

· Green Power program is offering opportunities. https://www.pse.com/en/green-options/Renewable-Energy-Programs/green-power/mercerisland

Updates on community resources:

· Thrift Store will be closed for drop offs and shopping due to construction activities from Feb. 8-22.

· Senior Resource Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on March 1 at the Mercer Island Community & Event Center. https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/senior-resource-fair.

Special events planned:

· Parenting Mercer Island is offering in-person interactive parent workshops with details and registration available at www.MIHealthyYouth.com.