Population Increase to Impact City Council

Deer Park has grown significantly over the past few years in both population and economy. In 2016, there was a population of 3,848 people, with the average income of just $46,648. Compare that to 2019, where Deer Park had a population of 4,245 with an average income of $48,229. With the exponential growth in the population rate, it is likely that soon there will be more than 5,000 residents; this is a magic number for the city and will bring up some new challenges. Washington State law says once the city reaches 5,000 or more inhabitants, the city council will move from 5 seats to 7. This may present a challenge, as it was relatively difficult to fill the seats that were open this election. One seat ran completely unopposed. Having 2 additional seats to fill begs the question, “who is going to run?”

The job of the city council is essentially to decide where funding goes in the city, and act as the legislative branch to the city government.  The only real regulation to be a city councilman is that you have to be a registered voter in the city you are running for at the time of the election.

This is not an immediate issue that will need to be tackled, but it is an inevitable one. In the meantime, the best way to get involved in government is to vote and attend city council meetings. When you vote, be informed. If you think you want to help make some of the decisions, you can always run for city council in 2022.

Sources:
RCW 35A.12
https://www.census.gov/glossary/#term_Populationestimates

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Related Articles

Young Voices Shine Home Link Writing Contest

Home Link recently held their annual short story writing competition. More than twenty 3rd-12th grade kids participated this year. In a competition that encourages six-trait story telling, but welcomes writers of all experience levels to tell a tale.

Read More »

Library Campaigns Feed Minds and Fight Hunger

This April, the Spokane County Library District is turning the page on two pressing issues, literacy and hunger, by launching Library Giving Day and the Bites & Books food drive. These twin campaigns aim to nourish both minds and bodies, ensuring every child in the community has access to books and basic nutrition.

Read More »

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, 1933-2025

Gerald Ray “Jerry” Knight, born November 23, 1933, in Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and love. Jerry was the beloved son of Albert James Knight and Nora Marie Mack Knight. He spent his formative years in Dover, Idaho, and Usk, Washington, alongside his little sister, Chrystal, to whom he was a life-long protector.

Read More »

April 16 Open House: City Of Deer Park Seeks Input

The City of Deer Park is inviting residents to an open house to provide input on long-term plans for growth, transportation, housing, small agricultural animals, and land use. The event is part of a periodic update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan as state law requires.

Read More »

Ronald R Baird

Ronald Ray Baird was born September 9, 1946 to Thomas and Laverne (Brown) Baird in Newton, KS. He passed away January 22, 2025 at his beloved home on the Pend Oreille River, near Usk, WA. Ron grew up in a rough and tumble home, the 4th of 5 brothers, Dick, Steve, Herb, Ron, and Mike. Ron attended and graduated from Remington High School in 1965. While there, he lettered in football (#60) and was selected as an all-league lineman.

Read More »

Gallery: Miss Deer Park 2025 Elegance & Achievement

The Miss Deer Park Scholarship Association chose their 71st representatives. The program was rich with poise and promise as six talented young ladies took to the stage. From fitness to composure, they held nothing back while competing to be the face of Deer Park. An image gallery awaits because what’s a royal moment without a little paparazzi?

Read More »

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Share this!

Featured Sponsor
Thank You For Your Support!

Read more news.

5Q: Is Growth Good For Deer Park?

There are some in our community who have voiced the opinion that Deer Park should not grow. They love our small town and don’t want it to change. Do you agree?

Now’s your chance to tell your community and your city planners how you feel, by answering the above 5Questions. Do you want to see Deer Park grow, or stay the same? Is it possible to have both?

Read More »

General Election Results 2019

After two town hall meetings and lots of campaigning, the city council election is finally behind us… Well, maybe not quite yet. One position in contest is extremely close. These are still early results and may be subject to change.

Read More »

Subscribe to our emails

Use the form below to sign up to receive news via email at no cost to you.

Read & Support The

Local news to keep you informed and entertained. The Deer Park Gazette is locally owned and operated. When you support the Deer Park Gazette, you support local writers and photographers.