Covington, Washington

Rooted in Community

A Model for Community Wellness, Connectivity, and Growth

Nestled in the scenic Pacific Northwest, just a short drive from the slopes of Crystal Mountain and the trails of Mount Rainier National Park, Covington, Washington, is a city with a deep love for the outdoors—and an even deeper commitment to community. With its energetic event calendar, strategic economic planning, and innovative civic projects, Covington is creating a new blueprint for suburban success rooted in health, engagement, and resilience.

Though modest in size, Covington’s ambition is anything but. From building a first-of-its-kind health district to redeveloping 230 acres into a lakefront neighborhood, the city is thinking big while staying grounded in its “clean, safe, welcome” philosophy. And through it all, Covington’s leaders are committed to preserving the small-town charm that has long made it a magnet for families, professionals, and businesses alike.

A Community that Shows Up

In Covington, community engagement isn’t just encouraged—it’s embedded into the city’s DNA. Whether it’s drive-in movies in the summer, the Covington Maker’s Market, concerts in the park, or the annual Covington Days Festival, city events regularly draw thousands of residents for family-friendly fun.

One of the city’s most impactful initiatives is the Ready, Set, Play program. Launched in collaboration with local businesses, this summer program provides elementary and middle school students the opportunity to earn “Brag Badges” picked up at participating retailers after kids complete activities like brushing their teeth, going on a hike, or making their beds. For families, it’s a fun and cost-effective way to stay active. For businesses, it’s a win-win—drawing foot traffic and reinforcing local loyalty.

“It’s been one of our most popular programs,” Regan Bolli, Covington City Manager, relays. “Parents love it. Kids love it. And our businesses really get behind it. It’s community-building at its best.”

Karma the Chameleon: Branding with Heart

Covington’s community spirit is also embodied in its beloved mascot—Karma the Chameleon. Featured at city events and in social media campaigns, Karma is part ambassador, part educator, and all personality. The city has cleverly integrated Karma into promotional materials and youth activities, helping to foster a sense of identity and engagement across age groups.

Karma has also become a mainstay in Covington’s social media strategy, where the city regularly shares video clips, community updates, and light-hearted content that keeps residents informed and connected. One recent video from a State of the City event drew thousands of views and became a talking point throughout the region.

“We don’t just rely on press releases anymore,” Mayor Jeff Wagner offers. “We meet our residents where they are—online, at events, and in their neighborhoods.”

Building for Wellness: A First-of-Its-Kind Health District

At the heart of Covington’s long-term vision is a groundbreaking civic development project: the creation of a new city center that includes a community center, city hall, and a comprehensive health district. The city recently acquired the old Covington Elementary School site to anchor this initiative, turning a nostalgic space into a modern hub of wellness and civic life.

The concept is bold—pairing medical services with fitness amenities, wellness education, and public programming. Powered by partnerships with regional healthcare providers, the health district aims to make preventive and holistic healthcare accessible to all.

Covington is also incorporating Techno Gym equipment and wellness technology to support healthy habits. Inspired by the Blue Zones movement—areas of the world known for high life expectancy and well-being—the district is designed to promote longevity and social connection through active design, walkability, and communal programming.

“We’re not just building a clinic or a gym,” Bolli adds. “We’re building a place where wellness is woven into everyday life.”

The LakePointe Development: A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Just down the road from the future city center, Covington is transforming a 230-acre former gravel pit into one of the most ambitious mixed-use developments in the region. Known as the Lakepointe Development, the project will include up to 1,750 residential units and 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, connected to the rest of the city by the new Covington Connector road.

At the heart of the development will be a 19-acre lake, open to non-motorized activities like paddleboarding and kayaking. The area will feature trails, green spaces, and a network of streets designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind.

“This isn’t just about adding rooftops,” Mayor Wagner states. “It’s about creating a lifestyle—one that reflects Covington’s values around nature, connectivity, and community.”

A Clean, Safe, and Welcoming Downtown

Even as it grows, Covington remains laser-focused on quality of life. Its “Clean, Safe, Welcome” campaign includes a multi-pronged approach to maintaining a vibrant and accessible downtown. A clean team has been deployed to handle maintenance, while volunteer programs encourage community members to join in beautification efforts.

Crime prevention is another priority. The city has launched a “See, Say, Do” pledge, empowering residents to report suspicious behavior, get involved, and help keep Covington safe. In a move applauded by business owners, the city also implemented a Business and Occupation (B&O) tax specifically earmarked for public safety—a rare example of private enterprise directly funding civic security.

“We work closely with our businesses,” Bolli expands. “They understand that a safe, clean downtown benefits everyone—shoppers, workers, and visitors alike.”

A Regional Hub for Retail and Healthcare

Covington has emerged as both a retail and medical hub for southeast King County. Major retailers such as Fred Meyer, Costco, Home Depot, Walmart, Safeway, and Kohl’s draw consumers from surrounding communities, while the city’s medical sector continues to expand to meet growing demand.

Valley Medical Center and MultiCare Health Systems have established strong footholds in the city, supported in part by Covington’s high insured rate. These providers not only deliver care locally but also use the revenue from their Covington locations to subsidize services in less profitable areas.

“We’re proud of our role in the region,” Bolli enthuses. “Whether it’s retail, healthcare, or housing, we’re helping to meet critical needs beyond our city limits.”

Navigating Growth and Statewide Policy Challenges

As with many fast-growing cities in Washington, Covington faces challenges related to state land use laws and unfunded mandates. City officials have been vocal in advocating for local control, emphasizing the importance of community-specific planning over one-size-fits-all regulation.

“We want to grow smart, not just fast,” Bolli says. “But we also need support from the state to do that in a way that serves our people.”

Despite these hurdles, the city remains optimistic. With strong leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and an engaged citizenry, Covington is well-positioned to manage growth while staying true to its roots.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Covington

As Covington continues to evolve, its leaders remain focused on fostering a community that is welcoming, walkable, and well. The development of the civic campus and health district, the activation of Lakepointe, and the expansion of programs like Ready, Set, Play are all part of a broader vision for a healthier, happier Covington.

“It’s about living well and connecting well,” Mayor Wagner concludes. “We’re building a city where people want to stay—not just pass through.”

From its trails and trees to its schools and small businesses, Covington is proving that growth and community aren’t mutually exclusive—they’re mutually reinforcing. And with Karma the Chameleon leading the way, there’s no doubt the city’s future is bright, vibrant, and full of heart.

AT A GLANCE:

Who: Covington, Washington

What: A thriving municipality that is incorporating bold initiatives to cater to its valued residents and those set to explore its wonders

Where: Washington, USA

Website: https://www.covingtonwa.gov/