City of Mercer Island

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day! In observance of the holiday, most City of Mercer Island offices will be closed today, Monday Sept. 7. Emergency services, including police and first responders, will remain fully operational to keep our community safe.

Shop local during the holiday at the Mercer Island Thrift Shop, which is hosting its annual storewide 50% off sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday. Floor staff will restock merchandise throughout the day, and a designated area to hold items will be available. Please note the donation drop-off center will be closed, reopening Tuesday, Sept. 8. https://www.mercerislandthrift.org/

Enjoy a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

09/05/2026

Join our last BAT Night of 2026! Tues, Sept 8, 7:30–8:30 PM at Clarke Beach Park. All ages welcome for family-friendly bat counts & community science (under 14 with adult). No experience needed. Register: https://mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/bat-night-clarke-beach-0

09/04/2026

From Sept. 8 through Sept. 30, Sound Transit contractors will perform drainage work near Mercer Island Station, which will close the south side of the roundabout at N. Mercer Way and 77th Ave SE to all vehicle traffic from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., reopening each evening and remaining open on weekends. The adjacent south sidewalk will stay closed continuously for the project's duration. See maps for affected areas.

Drivers and pedestrians should expect minor delays and follow detour signage.

The light rail station will remain OPEN throughout construction.

09/03/2026

Mercer Island parents and caregivers: mark your calendars now for these upcoming PARENT LAB workshops! Join other Island parents and counselors from the City of Mercer Island’s Department of Youth and Family Services to learn, connect and share. Parenting is important; figuring it out isn't always easy. Visit https://www.mihealthyyouth.com/parent-lab-schedule for more information and to register.

09/03/2026

The City of Mercer Island’s Youth and Family Services (YFS) reminds families as their children head back to school that student mental health is important and impacts academic performance, friendships, school satisfaction, and family relationships.

Through a partnership with the Mercer Island School District, YFS provides school-based mental health counselors that are available at no cost for one-on-one student sessions and parent consultations. Having mental health counselors in the schools removes barriers to students receiving the support they need, and studies show that students are much more likely to utilize counseling when counselors are available in their schools.

Counselors also present in the classrooms and offer other opportunities for groups of students to connect via clubs, support groups, and lunch/recess groups. Students and families seeking support can find contact information for their YFS school-based mental health counselor by visiting the YFS website (https://www.mercerisland.gov/yfs) or calling the YFS Confidential Voicemail Line at (206) 275-7657.

09/02/2026

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to focus on making sure your household and the broader Mercer Island community is prepared for emergencies and disasters.

If you aren’t sure where to start, the City of Mercer Island’s Emergency Management is here to help. Throughout the month of September and into October, the City is offering several training and engagement opportunities to help Islanders learn to adequately prepare:

Outreach Booth at the Farmers Market | Sept. 13, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Stop the Bleed Class | Sept. 16, 6:30 – 8 p.m. https://www.mercerisland.gov/stb
Emergency Preparedness Workshops | Sept. 30, 1:30 or 5:30 p.m. http://www.mercerisland.gov/prepworkshop
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training | Oct. 1-3 http://www.mercerisland.gov/cert
Map Your Neighborhood program | year-round as requested http://www.mercerisland.gov/myn

Islanders can also follow the Emergency Management page for important tips and emergency information throughout National Preparedness Month and beyond: https://www.facebook.com/MercerIslandEmergencyManagement

09/02/2026

As part of the City of Mercer Island's 2026 Street Overlay Program, the intersection of 80th Avenue SE and SE 28th Street in Town Center will be closed during the evening of Thursday, Sept. 3, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., while the City's contractor completes utility adjustments in the new paving. Please plan alternate routes and allow extra time when traveling through the area. Work is weather dependent and schedules may change.

This work is scheduled during the evening hours to help reduce traffic disruptions during the day. The contractor will return during the week of Sept. 14 to complete striping in the area, which will also take place during the evening. Learn more about this project: https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/project/2026-residential-street-overlays

09/01/2026

The first fall storm of the season is almost here. Make sure to take proper precautions. 💨🌊🍃 See below for tips from the US National Weather Service Seattle Washington ⬇️

🌊 Mariners, check your moorings for incoming windy conditions.

With the first strong fall storm expected Wednesday, check that moorings of vessels will be sufficient to handle winds up to gale force. Vessels can become loose and break free from lines and knots in strong winds.

08/31/2026

The Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a highly destructive, invasive wood-boring beetle that kills nearly every ash tree it encounters. Recently confirmed for the first time in Washington state, it is likely only a matter of time before it reaches Mercer Island. The City of Mercer Island is proactively inventorying, treating, removing, and replacing local ash trees.

Residents can help protect our community canopy by refraining from transporting firewood or raw wood from off the Island, as the pests frequently hitch rides. Learn to identify local ash species, inspect them for damage, and log their locations using the free iNaturalist Ash Tree Inventory Project app (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/pnw-ash-inventory). If you spot suspected signs of the beetle, report sightings immediately to [email protected] and Washington Invasive Species Council (https://invasivespecies.wa.gov/priorityspecies/emerald-ash-borer/). Learn more: https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/become-ash-tree-ally

08/28/2026

Looking for plans tonight? Come kick off Arts on the Island right here in Town Center! 🎨🎶

This three-day festival is all about celebrating creativity, music, and community connection across Mercer Island, and it all starts this evening!

Here’s the full weekend lineup:

✨ Tonight! Friday, Aug. 28 | Arts Around Town Center (5:00–7:00 PM)
Bring the whole family out for live music, face painting, urban sketchers, local art displays, and great community energy. It’s free and open to everyone!

🍷 Saturday, Aug. 29 | Art Uncorked (3:00–7:00 PM | 21+)
Head down for wine, food trucks, live artist demonstrations, and photos! (Ticketed event)

🌾 Sunday, Aug. 30 | Arts at the Market (10:00 AM–2:00 PM)
Wrap up the weekend with an expanded farmers market featuring talented local artisans and hands-on creative activities.

Start your weekend right and support our local arts community tonight!

👉 Get all the details here: https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/arts-island