Light Pollution Study

At a glance

Based on auto-generated captions; names, numbers and details may be misheard.

What: a proposal by Councilmember Parsi for $250,000 for consulting and staff to update city policy on light pollution (dark skies).
Where it stands: on November 5 the council agreed by seven thumbs to list a $150,000 study as a service enhancement in the 2029-2030 column of the budget, with $0 in 2027-2028, and to apply a dark-sky lens to current lighting and planning work.
Next: adoption on November 10; park plan outreach next year may include questions on the topic.

Allen said staff capacity is committed to state mandates; the work would involve several departments including the environmental sustainability team. A Public Works representative said dark-sky direction already applies in capital projects.
Parsi asked about funding small items such as light caps and motion sensors in current projects and about partnership with Kirkland and other cities; Hamilton said Eastside parks directors meet quarterly and King County Parks has asked about trail lighting.

2026-11-05 - City Council Study Session Meeting - Council deliberations #4: study moved to 2029-2030 at $150,000 by seven thumbs.