Snoqualmie Hosts Town Hall to Review December Flood Response

Residents provide feedback on what went well and areas for improvement during the flood event.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:20pm

The city of Snoqualmie, Washington held a public town hall on March 4, 2026 to discuss the community's response to a major flooding event that occurred in December 2025. Residents were invited to share their firsthand experiences and provide feedback to city officials on what protocols and procedures worked well and where improvements are needed for future flood events.

Why it matters

Snoqualmie is a small city located in the Cascade foothills that has experienced significant flooding in the past. The town hall provided an important opportunity for open dialogue between residents and city leadership to enhance emergency preparedness and response efforts, which is crucial for a community that faces ongoing flood risks.

The details

At the town hall, Snoqualmie's fire, police, and public works departments presented timelines and details on their flood response efforts in December 2025. Residents then broke into small groups to discuss what methods the city should continue, what lessons were learned, and what improvements are needed. Key issues raised included traffic congestion hindering emergency response, lack of clear communication around evacuation protocols, and the need for more sandbag stations and alternative emergency communications channels.

  • The town hall was held on March 4, 2026.
  • The major flooding event in Snoqualmie occurred in December 2025.

The players

Jim Mayhew

The mayor of Snoqualmie, who stated the town hall was part of the city's broader commitment to open dialogue between residents and city staff.

Mike Bailey

The Snoqualmie Fire Chief who presented on the city's flood response timeline.

Gary Horejsi

The Snoqualmie Police Chief who discussed how the department maintained operational control during the flood.

Jeff Hamlin

The Director of Parks and Public Works who provided details on the flood cleanup efforts.

Mike Beebe

A professional facilitator hired by the city to lead the town hall event.

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What they’re saying

“Our internal review captures what staff observed, but it can't replace what residents saw firsthand in their neighborhoods.”

— Jim Mayhew, Mayor

“We heard specific, thoughtful feedback about what worked, what didn't and what residents want to see going forward. That input will directly shape how we prepare and respond in the future.”

— Jim Mayhew, Mayor

What’s next

The city plans to incorporate the feedback from the town hall into its emergency preparedness and response planning for future flood events in Snoqualmie.

The takeaway

The Snoqualmie town hall exemplifies the value of open communication between local government and residents, especially around emergency planning. By soliciting firsthand accounts and suggestions for improvement, the city can enhance its ability to protect the community during natural disasters.