City of Mercer Island

09/16/2026

TRAVEL ADVISORY: Mercer Island drivers should prepare for major I-90 Eastbound delays from 8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, to 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, as WSDOT completes bridge repairs over Richards Road in Bellevue.

Lane reductions start on Mercer Island: the left HOV lane will close at Island Crest Way, followed by an additional left lane east of East Mercer Way. Traffic will taper to a single open right lane near Richards Road (three lanes will be closed).

Heavy congestion is expected. Drivers heading toward Bellevue or Snoqualmie Pass should allow extra travel time, consider alternate routes like SR 520, and exercise caution. More info: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WADOT/bulletins/42aa4f8

09/15/2026

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center! Hosted by Mercer Island Chinese Association and the City of Mercer Island, this free, family-friendly carnival brings traditional Chinese culture to life.

Enjoy live performances, including traditional dance, music, and kung fu, alongside carnival games and delicious food. Explore hands-on arts like calligraphy, sugar painting, and paper cutting. Plus, visit the Community Resource Fair highlighting local language and family services. More info: https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec/page/mercer-island-mid-autumn-festival-2026

09/14/2026

Are you considering a furnace replacement? Curious how heat pumps can keep your home comfortable year-round while reducing energy use? Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home efficiently — and many households qualify for rebates that make switching easier than ever.

Join a free virtual workshop, where Energy Smart Eastside staff will walk you through:
• How heat pumps work
• Their benefits for comfort, health, and the environment
• Current rebates and incentives
• How to connect with installers, and more!

Whether you're just exploring options or are ready to upgrade, this workshop is a great place to get reliable, local, and unbiased information.

Date: Tuesday, September 22nd, 2026
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Registration link: https://share-na2.hsforms.com/1lV2ixsFhQpG6vUgW5cnsjgrh66b

09/14/2026

What a fantastic tribute to the women who serve on the Mercer Island Police Department!

Today, on Women in Law Enforcement Day, we are proud to recognize the incredible women who serve the Mercer Island Police Department—both our commissioned officers and civilian professionals.

Each plays an important role in our mission and brings their own experience, talents, and dedication to serving our community.

We are grateful for all they contribute to MIPD and, most importantly, for the care and commitment they show the Mercer Island community every day.

Thank you for all you do!

09/11/2026

The City of Mercer Island's Department of Public Works will conduct routine hydrant flow testing and water main flushing in the First Hill neighborhood on Tuesday, Sept. 15 (see map for affected area). These scheduled maintenance activities help ensure reliable water pressure for firefighting and improve long-term water quality by clearing out mineral buildup inside the system. During this work, residents may see water running along neighborhood streets as crews flush hydrants at high speeds.

The City is also asking residents in the affected area to limit water use between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. on this day. Reducing demand during these hours helps to maintain stable pressure and minimizes the chance of cloudy or discolored water coming from household taps. If discoloration does occur, it is temporary and should clear after running cold water from the bathtub faucet in the highest point in your home for about 10 minutes.

09/10/2026

Some great advice from the City of Mercer Island's Emergency Management Team during National Preparedness Month....

09/09/2026

The Mercer Island City Council is currently recruiting to fill an opening on the Planning Commission, and you can join! Established in 1960, the Planning Commission's role is to advise the Council on growth management issues, land use policies, and development regulations.

The following position is currently available: Planning Commission – Resident Lay Person (1 position – term expires May 31, 2028).

Learn more: https://www.mercerisland.gov/bc-pc Interested in volunteering? Apply today: https://mercerisland-cityofmercerisland.app.transform.civicplus.com/forms/63946 The recruitment is open and applications will be accepted through Oct. 9, 2026. For questions, email the City Clerk: [email protected]

09/08/2026

The Mercer Island City Council has officially proclaimed September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in the City.

Cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease among children in the U.S., with approximately 15,000 children diagnosed each year. Historically, only 4% of federal cancer research funding has gone specifically to pediatric cancers—and recent budget cuts have made the need for community support and advocacy even more urgent.

This September, we honor the incredible resiliency of all childhood cancer warriors, remember the young lives lost, and stand in solidarity with families and medical professionals fighting for a cure. We also hold close the brave children in our own Mercer Island community who have faced or are currently facing this battle.

How you can support the "Go Gold" movement this month:
✨ Go Gold: Wear gold, display gold ribbons, or participate in local awareness events.
✨ Support Local Initiatives: Give back to organizations helping children with cancer and their families.
✨ Educate Yourself: Learn the early signs and symptoms of pediatric cancer.
✨ Advocate: Speak up for increased research funding and better treatment options.

Together, we can bring hope, support affected families, and work toward a future where every child beats cancer. 🎗️

Read the full proclamation: https://library.municode.com/WA/mercer_island/munidocs/munidocs?nodeId=971af469e5abc

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