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Oak Harbor City Council Approves Falconry Pilot Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEOak Harbor City Council Approves Falconry Pilot Program.Oak Harbor, WA - February 17, 2026 - After ongoing community concerns about nuisance birds, City Council has approved a pilot falconry-based bird deterrence program to address ongoing nuisance bird issues affecting public spaces, nearby businesses, and environmental quality..The program was presented by Steve Schuller, the City’s Public Works Director. His presentation outlined recurring concerns related to accumulated bird waste and potential stormwater impacts. From March through July 2026, the City will contract with Sky Patrol Bird Services, LLC, a licensed falconer, to use trained raptors to humanely and non-lethally discourage birds from congregating in sensitive areas..“This pilot program allows us to address recurring nuisance bird issues through a humane, non-lethal method while closely tracking outcomes related to bird activity, cleanliness, stormwater conditions, and overall cost effectiveness,” said Steve Schuller.The pilot will not exceed $35,000 and will be funded within the existing Public Works budget. Staff will report back to Council following the 2026 pilot to determine next steps..###.For more information and media inquiries, contact Communications Officer, Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org. -
City of Oak Harbor Secures Grants for Affordable Workforce Housing Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Oak Harbor Secures Grants for Affordable Workforce Housing Project
City of Oak Harbor – February 3, 2026 - The City has been awarded three million dollars in grants to support the Mulberry Village Affordable Housing Project being developed by the Opportunity Council.
Island County awarded two million dollars to the City from the Rural County Economic Development (RCED) grant program. The funding from Island County will be used to extend the Mulberry Court Road through the property to Swantown Avenue. The road extension is essential to alleviate traffic congestion on Mulberry Court and reduce concerns from neighboring households. There will need to be approximately 168 parking spaces at the housing development.
The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded one million dollars to the City from the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP). The funding is provided from the State Building Construction Account. The funding will be used to install infrastructure for water, sewer and storm utilities.
In 2023, Island County issued a Request for Qualification seeking an experienced developer to acquire and develop affordable workforce housing. Opportunity Council partnered with Blue Ridge Cascade, its mission is to deliver high-quality, attainable housing for families, eniors, and America’s workforce. Opportunity Council was selected as the development partner for the site.
Mulberry Village, a multifamily rental housing development, will include 96 affordable units with a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. It will feature a dedicated community building for residents with a range of amenities including laundry facilities and a community kitchen for resident events and programs. Supportive services, including resident assistance, case management and resource navigation, will be provided through a partnership with Opportunity Council.
The City of Oak Harbor is proud to support this affordable workforce housing development and will work closely with Opportunity Council and Blue Ridge Cascade to ensure the development in on track and meets the obligations of both the RCED and CHIP grant. “Investments like this help our community who work here afford to live here too. Mulberry Village represents the kind of collaborative development housing that supports working families” said Mayor Ronnie Wright.
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For more information and media inquiries, contact Communications Officer Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org
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Sandi Peterson Sworn in as Councilmember for Council Seat 6
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sandi Peterson Sworn in as Councilmember for Council Seat 6
Oak Harbor, WA – January 7, 2026 – Sandi Peterson has officially been sworn in as the new Councilmember for Seat 6 at the January 6, 2026 council meeting. A dedicated community leader and Oak Harbor resident since 2007, Peterson brings years of experience in civic engagement, including her roles on the Planning Commission and Civil Service Commission.
In addition to her council responsibilities, Peterson has been appointed to serve on the Arts Commission Board and the Law Enforcement Officer & Firefighter Disability Board.
"Sandi has been a passionate advocate for Oak Harbor for many years, and I’m confident her leadership will be invaluable in making important decisions for our community," said Mayor Wright.
Peterson, a thyroid cancer survivor, has shown a lifelong dedication to community well-being and public service. She is also the co-founder of Civility First, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting respectful dialogue and bridging divides. Outside of her civic duties, Peterson enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, their four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
The Oak Harbor City Council looks forward to working with Sandi Peterson as she continues to make a positive difference in the community.
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For more information or media inquiries contact Communications Officer, Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org