A Record of Progress

With a proven track record of action and results, Mayor Backus is leading Auburn into a brighter, more inclusive future.

Auburn is ready for what's next—with bold plans for smart growth, climate resilience, equity, and economic opportunity.

The foundation is strong—and the vision is clear: a safe, sustainable, and thriving Auburn for all.

    • Increased police staffing and restructured investigations to better address felony crimes.

    • Expanded mental health support through wellness initiatives, training, and peer support.

    • Launched and grew Auburn’s Community Court, offering alternatives to incarceration and direct access to services.

    • Added school zone speed enforcement cameras—reducing excessive speeding from 35% to just 2%.

    • Built new outreach teams through Auburn’s Human Services Department, leading to over 443 people housed.

Under Mayor Backus’s leadership, Auburn has prioritized public safety and building relationships between law enforcement and the community, striving for the well-being of everyone in our city.

    • Completed 48 capital projects totaling over $72.5 million, including roads, bridges, sidewalks, and pedestrian safety enhancements.

    • Reconstructed 11 lane miles of roadway, upgraded 86 ADA curb ramps, and added 18,000+ feet of new sidewalks.

    • Upgraded key corridors like A Street SE, Auburn Way North, and Lakeland Hills Way.

    • Secured $31.9 million in infrastructure grants, including for roundabouts, crosswalks, street preservation, and trail improvements.

The City of Auburn has and will continue to make strategic investments in transportation infrastructure which have enhanced connectivity, safety and mobility.

    • Partnered with businesses and developers to expand housing and job opportunities.

    • Completed major development agreements, including IRG and Copper Creek housing.

    • Streamlined permitting—90–100% on-time reviews and reduced processing times.

    • Supported small businesses through storefront grants, 12 spotlight videos, and hundreds of direct engagements.

    • Launched branding and a new website to attract investment through Economic Development.

Auburn continues to grow, and Mayor Backus is committed to continue attracting good employers, jobs and opportunities to our city while supporting Auburn businesses and industry.

    • Facilitated over 180 new single-family home permits from 2022–2024.

    • Adopted Auburn’s Housing Action Plan and updated zoning to support middle housing and ADUs.

    • Expanded clean and sober housing options and secured Health Through Housing units for Auburn residents.

    • Continued home repair assistance for low-income homeowners—65 projects completed in 2024 alone.

Zoning for diverse and affordable housing options, as well as continuing to fund supportive services, are top priorities in Mayor Backus’ administration.

    • Renovated or constructed multiple playgrounds, opened new bike parks and trails, and built a pedestrian bridge connecting Game Farm Parks.

    • Opened the Postmark Center for the Arts and launched new artist studios and community programming.

    • Reached 75,000+ participants through citywide events like Petpalooza, the 4th of July, and Veterans Parade.

    • Expanded youth and senior recreation—including 40+ pickleball programs, summer bike clubs, and 3,213 senior activities in 2024 alone.

Auburn has a beautiful and vibrant parks system with many green spaces. Mayor Backus will continue to support improvements for recreation and programs that improve quality of life.

    • Upgraded stormwater systems and implemented new permit standards to protect local waterways.

    • Secured funding for seismic valve retrofits and reservoir upgrades to strengthen emergency preparedness.

    • Replaced lead service lines, launched Adopt-a-Drain, and improved NPDES permit compliance.

    • Acquired open space and conservation land through partnerships and King County grants.

Under Mayor Backus’ leadership, the City of Auburn has prioritized environmental responsibility and long-term resilience when considering new projects around the community.