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 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 73 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 BLACK DIAMOND, WA
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