BLACK DIAMOND WASHINGTON A BEAUTIFUL DESTINATION WWW.BLACKDIAMONDWA.GOV
BLACK DIAMOND, WA A BEAUTIF DESTINAT AT A GLANCE BLACK DIAMOND, WASHINGTON WHAT: A scenic, fast-growing community nestled in the foothills of Mount Rainier, known for its rich coal mining heritage, breathtaking natural surroundings, and thoughtfully planned development WHERE: Located in King County, in the foothills of Mount Rainier in the Pacific Northwest region WEBSITE: www.blackdiamondwa.gov TUCKED IN NATURAL SURROUNDINGS THAT INSPIRE, THIS TOWN IS FOCUSED ON A VIBRANT FUTURE 1 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
FUL TION There’s something so beautiful and rooted about Black Diamond,” says Mayor Carol Benson. “It’s growing, yes—but it still feels like a close-knit rural community. We’re surrounded by natural beauty, and even the new development adds to the charm rather than detracting from it.” Tucked into the foothills of Mount Rainier with direct access to trails, skiing, and lakefront views, Black Diamond, Washington, is more than a picturesque destination; it’s a city with momentum. Under the steady guidance of Mayor Benson, who has served for over a decade, Black Diamond has transitioned from a quiet historic town into one of the most dynamic small cities in the region, without losing sight of its coal-mining roots and community values. It’s hard to overstate the allure of Black Diamond’s location. “We have stunning views of Mount Rainier from our major highway and throughout 2 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
different parts of the city,” Mayor Benson explains. “Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is practically in our backyard.” This breathtaking setting is a natural draw for families and visitors alike, with year-round outdoor recreation opportunities and a calm, scenic lifestyle that continues to attract newcomers. But Black Diamond’s appeal isn’t just about scenery— it’s about planning, vision, and execution. MASTER PLAN IN MOTION The city’s transformation is largely shaped by a robust master plan development that’s bringing in commercial vibrancy, infrastructure upgrades, and thousands of new homes. Anchored by the Ten Trails development, this mixed-use expansion is gradually reshaping the community while maintaining its harmony with the environment. “We’ve permitted a Safeway, a Chevron gas station with a mini mart, a McDonald’s, a Key Bank, and more,” says Mayor Benson.“And we might just be the coffee capital of the world—we’ve got so many new coffee shops coming in, it’s hard to keep count.” From local favorites like Kelly’s Latte near Lake Sawyer to drive-throughs dotting Route 169, Black Diamond’s cafe culture is becoming a signature feature of its lifestyle. The city’s historic core also remains a vibrant presence. Anchored by restaurants, the museum, and community gathering spots like Eagle’s Hall, downtown Black Diamond maintains its timeless charm while benefiting from nearby growth. INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE FUTURE Growth means nothing without infrastructure, and Black Diamond has made that a cornerstone of its strategy. “We’ve just received a $4.1 million grant to pave and upgrade Roberts Drive, one of our main east-west connectors,” Mayor Benson notes. The improvements include new sidewalks, lighting, a bike lane, and enhanced connections between the master plan community, the historic town center, and key facilities such as the elementary school and skate park. A major highlight in the city’s investment in livability is the new Ginder Creek Park, a project supported 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 BLACK DIAMOND, WA
by state grants. This urban greenspace will link trails, schools, and neighborhoods in a network that promotes health, recreation, and walkability. “The new skate park we’re dedicating this July is part of that effort,” Mayor Benson adds. “We’re connecting every part of Black Diamond, old and new.” When it comes to critical utilities, Black Diamond is well-positioned. “We have a contract with Tacoma Water, and our springs, so we have an ample water supply,” she says. “Our sewer is processed through King County, and the infrastructure, lift stations, and water lines were mostly funded and built by the developer. It’s improved things not only for the new homes but also for our existing residents.” To further ensure long-term service reliability, federal ARPA funds were used to build redundancy into the water system, securing resilience and uninterrupted service for years to come. HOUSING GROWTH ON A GRAND SCALE Few communities of Black Diamond’s size can boast a master plan that includes over 6,000 homes. “We’ve only built around 1,500 so far,” Mayor Benson explains,“but we’re averaging 200 homes a year, and this will stretch over the next 20 years.” Affordable housing is also a key component of the equation. The King County Housing Authority is expanding a mobile home park in the city with 13 new homes dedicated to aging adults, helping ensure that Black Diamond remains inclusive and accessible. Still, Mayor Benson notes the bureaucratic challenges that come with such bold plans. “Even though we have a contract for 6,050 homes, the state and county still try to limit our numbers based on outdated projections. It’s an ongoing conversation.” INVESTING IN YOUTH, ENRICHING COMMUNITY LIFE As families continue to move in, educational infrastructure becomes even more vital. Although Black Diamond doesn’t have its own school district, the city collaborates closely with the Enumclaw, Kent and Tahoma districts, which serve its youth. “The developer and Enumclaw School District built 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
a brand-new elementary school about eight years ago,” says Mayor Benson,“and they’re negotiating to build another one within Ten Trails.” Land has already been set aside for future elementary and middle schools, demonstrating the city’s commitment to long-term community building. “Demographics are changing; smaller families, fewer children, but we’re still planning ahead.” The same spirit of cooperation extends to recreational facilities. A parks committee was recently established to help plan the expansion of regional parks, including enhancements around Lake Sawyer. The developer is actively involved in these conversations, further reinforcing the collaborative ethos that defines Black Diamond’s growth model. LOCAL LEGENDS Black Diamond is deeply proud of its history, and nowhere is that more evident than Miners Day, held annually the weekend after the Fourth of July. “It celebrates our coal mining roots,” Mayor Benson shares.“Our name even comes from Black Diamond, California, where the coal miners originally came from before relocating here for better quality coal.” Other annual events include Labor Day celebrations and a community Christmas festival, all made possible through partnerships with local businesses such as Providence Electric, a medical supplies company, the beloved Black Diamond Bakery, and the Black Diamond Grill. These businesses not only provide vital services and employment opportunities, but they also support the city’s events, fundraisers, and cultural activities. The bakery, in particular, is a local legend.“They have delicious donuts,” Mayor Benson laughs.“If I need to bring something to an event, I stop there first. Plus, it’s a popular biking destination, cyclists ride out here from as far as North Seattle for a coffee and a treat.” PUBLIC SAFETY AND RESPONSIBLE GROWTH With rapid growth comes the responsibility to keep residents safe and ensure that services keep pace with the expanding population. Black Diamond’s police force, comprising 13 full-time officers, plays a key role in maintaining public safety throughout the community. 5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 BLACK DIAMOND, WA
The city prioritizes visible and proactive enforcement, conducting regular emphasis patrols that target high-priority concerns such as speeding, commercial vehicle compliance, and neighborhood safety.“We’re doing an emphasis patrol for the Fourth of July focused on boating under the influence,” Mayor Benson shares.“It’s about keeping our lake and roads safe for everyone.” These focused initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to safety, particularly during peak times when the community experiences an influx of visitors and increased activity in recreational areas. Complementing the efforts of local law enforcement is a new fire station, a vital addition to Black Diamond’s expanding emergency services network. Funded through developer impact fees, the facility underscores the city’s forward-thinking approach to planning and public safety. The new station not only provides improved response times but also reflects the city’s readiness to support its increasing population. Mayor Benson is currently overseeing final steps to secure occupancy and ensure the station is fully staffed and operational. “It’s one of the most important pieces of infrastructure we’ve worked on,” she notes,“and I’m proud to see it nearing completion.” Once entirely online, the new fire station will serve as a key pillar in the city’s emergency preparedness strategy and long-term development plan. A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP As she approaches the end of her term—her 11th year as mayor—Mayor Benson is preparing for a smooth leadership transition. “We hired a city administrator so that the new mayor will have support and continuity,” she says.“Three candidates are running, including one who has been on the city council for 14 years. I’m optimistic about the future.” When asked about the accomplishment she’s most proud of, Mayor Benson doesn’t hesitate: “The infrastructure.The roundabouts on 169, the new fire station, the water and sewer upgrades, the culvert and bridge on Covington Creek…These are the things 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 BLACK DIAMOND, WA
Established in 2017, Redline Mechanical is a licensed woman-owned Commercial and Residential Plumbing company located in Black Diamond and happily serves the Greater Puget Sound area. Redline is also a proud member of the UA Local 32: Plumbers and Pipefitters union, ensuring that their Plumbers receive top quality industry-leading training and education. President of Redline, Nicole McMahan, with her husband Ryan, are the driving force that sets Redline apart as they uphold an atmosphere that is both positive and celebrates connections with customers and other team members. Under their leadership, each Plumber that works for them receives endless guidance and support to put their tradesman skills to work. When asked, “What makes Redline Mechanical unique compared to other plumbing companies in the Puget Sound region?” Nicole said, “I think it is our unique focus on providing top-quality work, our commitment to industry-leading education, and our goal to always put the customer first. We have the best group of guys that truly make Redline Mechanical so special!” Redline Mechanical’s core values are Fairness, Ingenuity and Teamwork (FIT) – paving the way to your peace of mind that we are the right FIT for you!
In a youth sports world often driven by pressure and competition, Valor Soccer offers something different: a place where character, community, and development come first; and success on the field quickly follows. Formed in 2019 from the merger of Kent Covington Youth Soccer and Maple Valley Soccer Association,Valor builds on decades of grassroots tradition.Today, it serves families across Auburn, Kent, Covington, Maple Valley, Ravensdale, Black Diamond, Enumclaw, and Buckley. With thoughtfully designed programs —TOPSoccer, Premier, Select, Jr. Academy, Recreational, FirstKick, along with a Nationally Competitive Elite league with college exposure—Valor ensures every child has a place to play and grow, regardless of skill, ability, or aspiration. What sets Valor apart is its purpose-driven approach. Coaches focus as much on building respect, teamwork, and resilience as they do on technical skill.The goal? To shape well-rounded individuals who thrive on and off the field. Valor isn’t just a club—it’s a community hub, rooted in local values and committed to youth development. Every training session and match is a step toward something bigger: confident kids, connected families, and a stronger community. At Valor Soccer, the game is just the beginning. Soccer for every age, level, and expectation! Valor soccer serves the community with Intentionally designed programs, one mission: give every child in the community a chance to play, belong, and become their best — creating confident kids, connected families, and a stronger community. www.valorsoccer.com Learn More BLACK DIAMOND, WA
that will serve Black Diamond for decades to come.” Before her term ends, she’s hopeful to finalize a site for a new City Hall development, marking one more step toward future readiness. With a population that has doubled in the past decade and is projected to double again within the next ten years, Black Diamond is on a rapid yet thoughtfully planned path toward growth. From heritage festivals and outdoor recreation to cuttingedge infrastructure and long-range housing strategy, the city stands as a model for balanced development. PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n Oakpointe www.tentrails.com - 360-469-4043 Ten Trails is a 2,200-acre, master planned community at 32607 Willow Avenue SE in Black Diamond, Washington, designed for families and residents who embrace an active outdoor lifestyle. Developed by Oakpointe Communities, Ten Trails offers parks and trails, technologically advanced and amenity-filled homes, future schools, local shops and offices, all with proximity to major metropolitan areas and some of the region’s largest employers. n Redline Mechanical www.redlinemec.com Redline Mechanical is a woman-owned and family-operated Plumbing company located in Black Diamond that provides Commercial and Residential Plumbing and Piping Services. We want the experience you have with Redline to be the foundation of a lasting relationship while providing our customers with quality work that exceeds your expectations. n Valor Soccer www.valorsoccer.com 10 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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