Just over five miles long and two miles wide, Mercer Island is a true island community consisting of high‐quality residential areas, preserved parks and open space, as well as miles of developed shoreline. Incorporated in July 1960, “The Island” has its own sense of identity, distinct from its neighbors, Seattle, and Bellevue. It is just 10 minutes from downtown Seattle via the Interstate 90 floating bridge, and a similar distance from the commercial centers and high‐density residential communities of the Eastside. Mercer Island has been widely recognized as one of the premier residential communities in the State of Washington. The City currently has over 500 acres of City owned park and open space lands, which helps maintain the Island’s natural beauty. The result is quiet, forested neighborhoods and parks, which are complemented by stunning views of Seattle, the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, and Lake Washington. It is an active community where the many volunteers, boards, and commissions work closely with the City Council and City staff.