Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus delivered her annual State of the City address on Wednesday evening, Feb. 26, 2025, outlining the city’s progress in public safety, infrastructure, and community development while emphasizing a vision of collaboration and gratitude for the year ahead.

Speaking at the Muckleshoot Casino Events Center, Backus acknowledged concerns about crime and safety, but reassured residents that Auburn is making significant strides.

“I’ve lived in Auburn almost my entire life, and it breaks my heart to see the types of crimes that are now commonplace,” Backus said. “It hurts my soul when I hear about mothers who have to worry about their kids walking home from school. We are making improvements, and we are prioritizing your safety.”

Backus highlighted key law enforcement efforts, including the hiring of 80 new officers since 2019 and the addition of 10 more this year, bringing the total number of commissioned officers to 128. She also pointed to a nearly 10% decrease in overall crime calls in 2024, with some areas seeing a 40% drop.

Technology is playing an increasing role in crime prevention, she noted, referencing the city’s 20 recently-installed license plate recognition cameras, known as Flock Cameras. These tools have already assisted in solving cases ranging from theft to kidnapping, and more are planned.

Beyond crime reduction, Backus touted Auburn’s infrastructure achievements, including the completion of the A Street Loop downtown and the opening of the Coal Creek Pedestrian Bridge. She also announced plans for expanded transit options, including the $80 million federally funded RapidRide I Line expansion.

Economic growth remains a focus, with new housing and commercial developments in the pipeline, including the potential transformation of a gravel pit near Game Farm Wilderness Park into a large residential and mixed-use space.

The mayor also highlighted Auburn’s homelessness response, noting that the city’s Human Services Department housed 205 people in 2024. In a major step forward, Auburn recently purchased the property housing the Auburn Resource Center to expand wrap-around services for unhoused residents.

Looking ahead, Backus expressed excitement for Auburn’s continued transformation, particularly downtown, where a new state-of-the-art Auburn Avenue Theater is in the works.

“In Auburn, the future we’re building together is bright,” she said. “Together, we are building a shared future.”

Backus closed her speech by reinforcing the city’s commitment to safety, livability, and economic vitality.

“I am proud to stand here as your mayor, working alongside all of you to make Auburn a city we’re proud to call home,” she said.