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 “Even though we have a contract for 6,050 homes, the state and county still try to limit our numbers based on outdated projections.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
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