Kira Erickson reports from the Langley City Council meeting of Mon., Jan. 5, 2026 for the South Whidbey Record. Read the whole story.
Summary by Perplexity AI
Langley welcomed three city council members at the start of 2026: newcomer Savannah Erickson and returning members Dominique Emerson and Thomas Gill, replacing incumbents Gail Fleming, Harolynne Bobis and Rhonda Salerno, who did not seek reelection. The trio identified housing as a key priority, from expanding affordable options for workers to easing development roadblocks and revisiting code limits like building heights to support lower‑income residents. They also highlighted Langley’s fiscal challenges as a small city, pointing to rising operating costs outpacing property‑tax growth and suggesting options such as a levy lid lift. Other goals include shoring up the city budget, fairly compensating the mayor, improving downtown walkability, protecting the environment and maintaining clear communication with residents.
They Said It
Erickson referred to more affordable housing to bolster local businesses with a workforce that can afford to live in Langley. Similarly, Gill proposed eliminating roadblocks for those coming in with logical and common sense ideas to bring more people into the city, pointing out that new developments increase the city’s property tax revenue and reduce the burden on existing residents.
Emerson had ideas about the city developing all future rate structures assuming a percentage of the population is at lower income levels. This may mean giving up some code structure tenets, such as building height limitations, to make development more affordable.
“Our one square mile hamlet of 1,100 people must grow more sustainable financially because right now we can’t afford to be a city that pays fair wages to staff, keeps up our safety record and continues to provide necessary services such as utilities, planning and parks,” Emerson said.
Gill said the costs for the city to operate continue to go up at rates far greater than inflation, and far greater than the existing property tax is allowed to grow. Besides more housing and business activities, he foresees a levy lid lift as being a possible option.
“I’m hoping that the council and the residents of the city will be able to learn and understand the needs and the reasons before any vote on such action is taken,” he said.
Gill added that every time there is a utility increase or property tax increase, his rent goes up, so he also feels that pinch and wants to pursue other avenues if possible.
Erickson said she wants to see the council ensure that the major functions the city provides are operational and financially viable. She acknowledged Mayor Kennedy Horstman’s hard work given her modest stipend.
“I know that we need to get a firm handle on our budget, and getting that in order, we will be able to compensate our mayor fairly,” Erickson said.
