Editing Mill Creek, Washington

{{short description|City in Washington, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2019}}
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name            = Mill Creek
|settlement_type          = [[City (Washington)|City]]
|nickname                 = 
|motto                    = 
|image_skyline            = Mill Creek Town Center - Main Street and 153rd Street trailhead.jpg
|imagesize                = 
|image_caption            = Main Street in the Mill Creek Town Center
|image_flag               = 
|image_blank_emblem       = Logo of Mill Creek, Washington.png
|blank_emblem_type        = Logo
|blank_emblem_size        = 150px
|image_map                = Snohomish_County_Washington_Incorporated_and_Unincorporated_areas_Mill_Creek_Highlighted.svg
|mapsize                  = 250px
|map_caption              = Location of Mill Creek, Washington
|image_map1               = 
|mapsize1                 = 
|map_caption1             = 
|subdivision_type         = Country
|subdivision_name         = United States
|subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
|subdivision_name1        = [[Washington (state)|Washington]]
|subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Washington|County]]
|subdivision_name2        = [[Snohomish County, Washington|Snohomish]]
|government_footnotes     = 
|government_type          = [[Council–manager government|Council–manager]]
|leader_title1            = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name1             = Brian Holtzclaw
|leader_title2            = [[City manager|Manager]]
|leader_name2             = Michael Ciaravino
|established_title1       = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date1        = September 30, 1983
|unit_pref                = Imperial
|area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2019">{{cite web |title=2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2019_Gazetteer/2019_gaz_place_53.txt |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
|area_magnitude           = 
|area_total_km2           = 12.06
|area_land_km2            = 12.03
|area_water_km2           = 0.04
|area_total_sq_mi         = 4.66
|area_land_sq_mi          = 4.64
|area_water_sq_mi         = 0.01
|population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
|population_est           = 20828
|pop_est_as_of            = 2022
|pop_est_footnotes        = <ref name="Census-Estimate2022">{{cite web |date=May 2023 |title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places in Washington: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=March 22, 2024}}</ref>
|population_footnotes     = <ref name="2020 Census (City)"/>
|population_total         = 20926
|population_density_km2   = 1737.55
|population_density_sq_mi = 4499.78
|timezone                 = [[Pacific Time Zone|Pacific (PST)]]
|utc_offset               = -8
|timezone_DST             = PDT
|utc_offset_DST           = -7
|elevation_footnotes      = 
|elevation_m              = 115
|elevation_ft             = 377
|coordinates              = {{coord|47|51|42|N|122|12|16|W|region:US_type:city|display=inline,title}}
|postal_code_type         = [[ZIP code]]s
|postal_code              = 98012, 98082
|area_code                = [[Area code 425|425]] 
|area_code_type           = [[North American Numbering Plan|Area code]]
|blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info               = 53-45865
|blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info              = 1534566<ref name="GR3">{{cite gnis |id=1534566 |name=Mill Creek, Washington |entrydate=September 1, 1995 |access-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref>
|website                  = {{URL|https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/|cityofmillcreek.com}}
|footnote                 = 
}}

'''Mill Creek''' is a city in [[Snohomish County, Washington|Snohomish County]], Washington, United States. It is located between the cities of [[Everett, Washington|Everett]] and [[Lynnwood, Washington|Lynnwood]], approximately {{convert|20|mi|km}} northeast of [[Seattle]]. The city has a population of 20,926 as of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]]. The city lies along [[Washington State Route 527|State Route 527]] and [[North Creek (Sammamish River)|North Creek]], a tributary of the [[Sammamish River]], on the east side of [[Interstate 5 in Washington|Interstate 5]].

The city is one of the wealthiest suburbs in the [[Seattle metropolitan area]] and was originally a [[planned community]] conceived in the 1970s. The planned development was centered around a [[country club]] and [[golf course]], with other development occurring nearby in later phases. It was incorporated as a city in 1983, shortly after the completion of the first phase of development, and underwent major population growth due to continued suburban development and [[annexation]] of nearby areas. The city's downtown area is centered around the [[Mill Creek Town Center]], a [[mixed-use development|mixed-use]] [[lifestyle center]] and retail complex that opened in 2004.

==History==

===Development===

The Mill Creek area was originally settled in the early 20th century by various farming families, from whom several local placenames are now derived. After the construction of the [[Washington State Route 527|Bothell–Everett Highway]] in 1913 as part of the [[Pacific Highway (United States)|Pacific Highway]], two junctions at Murphy's Corner and Wintermute's Corner gained small stores and [[filling station]]s to serve visitors.<ref name="Times-SR527">{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=May 25, 2006 |title=Loggers to latte stands: Route spans history |page=B4 |work=The Seattle Times |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20060524/highway24n/loggers-to-latte-stands-route-spans-history |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref> In 1931, Doctor Manch N. Garhart acquired {{convert|800|acre|ha}} in the area and used it to grow [[Gravenstein|Gravenstein apples]] and [[Bartlett pears]] while also raising cattle.<ref name="PI-2003">{{cite news |last=Lyke |first=M. L. |date=September 26, 2003 |title=Mill Creek works to stay 'nice' |page=A1 |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Mill-Creek-works-to-stay-nice-1125505.php |work=[[Seattle Post-Intelligencer]] |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref><ref name="ComprehensivePlan">{{cite web |date=December 18, 2015 |title=City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9100852/File/City%20Government/Public%20Works%20&%20Development%20Services/Planning%20and%20Development/2015%20Comprehensive%20Plan.pdf |publisher=City of Mill Creek |ref={{SfnRef|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015}} |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref> The Garhart property, named Lake Dell Farm for a small [[reservoir]] built by local families, was later sold in 1967 to [[real estate developer]]s after the market for local lumber and fruits had declined.<ref>{{cite news |last=Santana |first=John |date=February 26, 2008 |title='There used to be a farm here' |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/there-used-to-be-a-farm-here/ |work=Mill Creek Enterprise |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=April 26, 2015 |title=Buffalo Park hearkens back to Mill Creek's beginnings |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/buffalo-park-hearkens-back-to-mill-creeks-beginnings/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref>

The Garhart property, along with several neighboring farms, were optioned by various real estate developers in the 1960s and 1970s as a potential [[master planned community]] due to its proximity to the recently completed [[Interstate 5 in Washington|Interstate 5]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=May 15, 1966 |title=Area Still Bucolic, But New Town Promises Hustle-Bustle |page=5 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> It would be the first modern planned city in Washington state, following in the footsteps of earlier planned cities like [[Longview, Washington|Longview]], built in 1918.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Polly |date=March 19, 1968 |title=Utility District At Olympus Gets OK |page=8 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The community, named "Olympus", was planned to include {{convert|3,300|acre}} in its first phase with {{convert|1,300|acre}} for homes, an industrial park, a shopping center, and a [[golf course]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Bob |date=June 11, 1967 |title=New Planned Town Will Have First Homes Ready in Spring |page=88 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> After a local recession in the early 1970s, the development project was sold in 1973 to [[Tokyu Group|Tokyu Land Development]] and designed by a subsidiary of the [[Obayashi Corporation]] named United Development.{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=III-2}} The development was renamed "Mill Creek", beating out the [[Chinook Jargon]] word "[[Klahanie, Washington|Klahanie]]",<ref>{{cite book |last1=Cameron |first1=David A. |last2=Grimes |first2=Lynne |last3=Wyatt |first3=Jane |year=2005 |title=Snohomish County: An Illustrated History |page=344 |publisher=Kelcema Books |location=Index, Washington |isbn=0-9766700-0-3 |oclc=62728798}}</ref> although there had never been a mill in the vicinity<ref name="Times-Seven">{{cite news |last=Seven |first=Richard |date=January 19, 2003 |title=Call It What You Will: A place has a name for a reason |page=10 |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/pacificnw/2003/0119/cover.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406232720/http://old.seattletimes.com/pacificnw/2003/0119/cover.html |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a waterway of that name was not present in the area until the 2000 renaming of Smokehouse Creek.<ref name="DJC-2002">{{cite news |last=Nabbefeld |first=Joe |date=August 8, 2002 |title=Creating a town center for Mill Creek |url=https://www.djc.com/news/re/11136112.html |work=[[Seattle Daily Journal of Commerce]] |access-date=April 1, 2019}}</ref>

Mill Creek's master plan was submitted to the county council in January 1974.{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=III-2}} A [[homeowners association]] was established in December 1974 with funding from United Development to manage the area's security patrol, street maintenance, and other tasks.<ref name="Times-Gift2003">{{cite news |last=Moriarty |first=Leslie |date=September 3, 2003 |title=Mill Creek's 20th-birthday gift to itself: a sports park |page=I16 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref name="Times-Growing83">{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=May 18, 1983 |title=Mill Creek, growing in population, proposed as new city |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The initial plan included consist of 4,600 homes, with eventual plans to house 12,000 people, a {{convert|260|acre|ha|adj=mid}} park, and an 18-hole golf course.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Polly |date=January 20, 1974 |title=Residential project of 1,000 acres planned |page=H2 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Construction began in early 1975 on the golf course and adjoining [[country club]], while the first homes were under construction by the following year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lane |first=Polly |date=April 6, 1975 |title=Builders invited to Mill Creek |page=C10 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=February 29, 1976 |title=First 17 homes being built |page=D2 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The first set of homes were designed to resemble country residences, with large floorplans and prominent use of wood furnishings, and sold for an average of $65,000 (equivalent to ${{Inflation|US|65000|1976|r=-3|fmt=c}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars).{{inflation-fn|US}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Heilman |first=Robert |date=September 12, 1976 |title=Entry, windows, set off 'country' home |page=G16 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 11, 1976 |title=Mill Creek going like hot cakes |page=D1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Tokyu Land Development later re-used these home designs for the domestic market in Japan, where they were sold under the "Mill Creek" brand in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite web |title=ミルクリークのあゆみ |language=ja |trans-title=History of Mill Creek |url=http://www.millcreek.jp/about/history.html |publisher=[[Tokyu Group|Tokyu Homes]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017083124/http://www.millcreek.jp/about/history.html |archive-date=October 17, 2009 |access-date=April 8, 2019}}</ref> The final phase of the original Mill Creek development, consisting of 33 condominiums, was completed in late 2003.<ref name="Times-Gift2003"/>

===Incorporation and annexations===

A majority of the first phase's 1,767 homes and [[Condominium (living space)|condominium]]s were completed by early 1983, when an  [[municipal incorporation|incorporation]] petition was submitted by residents after reaching the population threshold of 3,000 needed for cityhood.<ref name="Times-Growing83"/> At the time, the homeowners association and county government had already provided much of the area's infrastructure and maintenance requirements, but local residents resisted attempts to raise property tax assessments.<ref name="Times-Growing83"/> Mill Creek was officially incorporated as a city on September 30, 1983, ten days after a vote of residents passed, and encompassed {{convert|1.92|sqmi|sqkm}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=September 14, 1983 |title=Mill Creek cityhood is on Tuesday ballot |page=G5 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=December 14, 1983 |title=New city of Mill Creek has veteran police force already |page=G1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Mill Creek was the first new city to be incorporated in Snohomish County since [[Brier, Washington|Brier]] in 1965 and the newest in the state since [[Ocean Shores, Washington|Ocean Shores]] in 1970.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=October 12, 1983 |title=Mill Creek setting up shop as state's newest city |page=G1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>

In the years following incorporation, Mill Creek reduced its property tax rates and formed its own [[police department]], [[library]], postal address, and land-use board.<ref>{{cite news |last=Godes |first=Kerry |date=March 1, 1989 |title=Mill Creek, the city, likes it that way |page=B2 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The city's [[telephone]] system was split between three [[long-distance calling]] areas by [[GTE]] until the [[Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission|state utilities and transportation commission]] approved a consolidated calling area for toll-free service.<ref>{{cite news |last=Koch |first=Anne |date=August 24, 1988 |title=Mill Creek phone system on the line |page=F1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Koch |first=Anne |date=December 20, 1988 |title=Utilities commission hangs up on citizens |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Sid Hanson, the chairman of the incorporation committee, was elected as the city's first mayor and served a single term until declining to run for re-election in 1987.<ref name="Times-Hanson">{{cite news |last=Casey |first=Carolyn |date=December 23, 1987 |title=Sid Hanson: The father of his city |page=H1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The city government's offices moved four times by the end of the decade, between various leased buildings that all served as temporary [[city hall]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last=Judd |first=Ron |date=September 19, 1989 |title=Chaos reigns while city hall moves |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><!--Permanent city hall?--> A separate [[post office]] serving the city was promised at the time of incorporation, but was not opened until 1994.<ref>{{cite news |last=Scattarella |first=Christy |date=August 9, 1994 |title=Petition provides reprieve for privately run post office |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>

The city attempted its first [[annexation]]s in 1986, but an [[referendum|advisory vote]] of existing residents rejected one proposal and the city council deferred action on another.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=December 3, 1986 |title=Annexation proposal rejected |page=H5 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Mill Creek approved its first annexation, an {{convert|88|acre|ha|adj=mid}} parcel southeast of the main development, in July 1987, while the nearby city of [[Everett, Washington|Everett]] began its own annexations of areas to the north of Mill Creek.<ref>{{cite news |last=Casey |first=Carolyn |date=July 23, 1987 |title=Mill Creekers feel Everett is gaining on them |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> In 1989, the city proposed a major annexation of {{convert|350|acre|ha}}, a 25 percent increase in size, to add undeveloped commercial parcels on the west side of the Bothell–Everett Highway.<ref>{{cite news |last=Casey |first=Carolyn |date=November 30, 1987 |title=Mill Creek considers 25% leap in size |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The western annexation was initially opposed by the county government, but was approved alongside four other annexations after Mill Creek agreed to share costs for road improvements to handle additional traffic demand.<ref>{{cite news |last=Judd |first=Ron |date=August 10, 1989 |title=Mill Creek takes breather in annexation rush |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref name="AnnexationMap">{{cite map |year=2013 |title=City of Mill Creek Annexation History |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9100852/File/City%20Government/Public%20Works%20&%20Development%20Services/Planning%20and%20Development/Maps/Annexations%20by%20Year_201306251429218182.pdf |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref>

Everett attempted to annex the entire Murphy's Corner area in the late 1980s, but was forced to split the neighborhood at 132nd Street with Mill Creek after a decision by the state court of appeals and additional arbitration by boundary review boards.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=May 21, 1991 |title=County, Mill Creek upheld |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=October 29, 1993 |title=Cities agree to boundaries |page=B2 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The [[Henry M. Jackson High School]] was opened in 1994 and is located on the Mill Creek side of Murphy's Corner, which was annexed the following year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bjorhus |first=Jennifer |date=January 12, 1995 |title=Growing Mill Creek swallows 2 schools |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> A private high school, [[Archbishop Murphy High School]], was opened in 1999 on a {{convert|22|acre|ha|adj=mid}} campus in northeastern Mill Creek.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 9, 1998 |title=New school building named for archbishop |page=B2 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The {{convert|553|acre|ha|adj=mid}} Thomas Lake area in the northeastern corner of the city,<ref name="AnnexationMap"/> bordered to the north by 132nd Street and east by Seattle Hill Road, was annexed in 2005 and added 2,200 residents to the city's population.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 2, 2005 |title=Mill Creek will grow by 553 acres next month |page=H11 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The annexations of other developed [[subdivision (land)|subdivision]]s, lacking the original development's upscale image, created a divide between residents on the issue of further growth.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ho |first=Vanessa |date=June 10, 1992 |title=Growth pains original settlers of heavily planned Mill Creek |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Residents in several potential annexation targets preferred to be left alone by Mill Creek, due to its "snobbish" reputation, which faded as new neighborhoods were absorbed into the city.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=November 11, 1991 |title=Neighbors resort to end run against Mill Creek 'snobbery' |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>

===21st century===

In the late 1980s, Mill Creek drafted a [[comprehensive plan]] that would transform its newly-annexed commercial area into a [[mixed-use development|mixed-use]] downtown area to support the growing city.<ref>{{cite news |last=Casey |first=Carolyn |date=July 11, 1988 |title=A vision of Mill Creek's future is ready today |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The {{convert|23|acre|ha|adj=mid}} downtown development would include a large public [[park]], shopping areas, recreational facilities, [[multi-use trail]]s, and office buildings.<ref name="PI-1996">{{cite news |last=Carlton Harrell |first=Debera |date=December 7, 1996 |title=Clean and tidy community is a 'suburban nirvana' |page=D1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> After difficulty in finding a suitable developer,<ref>{{cite news |last=Lobos |first=Ignacio |date=January 10, 1994 |title=Search on for help in finding 'heart' of Mill Creek |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> the [[Mill Creek Town Center]] began construction in 2001 and the first phase opened three years later.<ref name="DJC-2002"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Bishop |first=Todd |date=August 28, 2002 |title=A city without a center no longer |page=E1 |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer}}</ref> The second phase was completed in 2007, with 26 retail buildings, a medical [[clinic]], condominiums, and a downtown plaza.<ref>{{cite news |last=Moreira |first=Naila |date=March 14, 2007 |title=Pedestrian-friendly center becomes gathering place |page=H14 |url=http://o.seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/snohomishcountynews/2003616171_millcreek14n.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=April 6, 2019 |archive-date=April 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407035622/http://o.seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/snohomishcountynews/2003616171_millcreek14n.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The Bothell–Everett Highway (now State Route 527) remained a two-lane rural highway through Mill Creek until the start of an expansion and improvement program in the 1990s.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 9, 1991 |title=State to outline plans for widening highway |page=C3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> It was widened to four lanes with a [[center turn lane]], and also gained [[bicycle lane]]s, sidewalks, and new landscaping features.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=January 6, 1993 |title=Mill Creek roadwork to be revived |page=C3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The section through Mill Creek, from 164th Street to 132nd Street, was completed in 2006 and required the construction of [[retaining wall]]s and [[detention pond]]s due to the limited space for the road.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kapralos |first=Krista |date=May 17, 2006 |title=Highway widening project completed |work=The Everett Herald}}</ref> The project also included new [[bus stop]]s that were later upgraded with the opening of the [[Swift Green Line]] [[bus rapid transit]] system in March 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last=Giordano |first=Lizz |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Swift Green Line starts rolling, from Bothell to Boeing |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/swift-green-line-starts-rolling-from-bothell-to-boeing/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref>

The city government began planning for a second [[urban village]], to be located in newly-annexed areas at the northeast edge of the city, in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pesznecker |first=Scott |date=July 7, 2008 |title=Mill Creek planning for a second 'urban village' |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080707/NEWS01/574547947 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322112740/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20080707/NEWS01/574547947 |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref> The retail and residential development, named the East Gateway, would have been located on {{convert|52|acre|ha}} along 132nd Street, and was originally slated to be anchored by a [[Wal-Mart]] until the company scrapped plans after protests from local residents.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fetters |first=Eric |date=December 7, 2007 |title=Wal-Mart retreats from county |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071207/BIZ/712070070 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210205528/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20071207/BIZ/712070070 |archive-date=December 10, 2007 |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref> The eastern half of the development began construction in 2012 and will encompass 210 apartments, 104 [[townhouse]]s, office space, and retail.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=October 4, 2012 |title=Work begins on 52-acre Mill Creek 'urban village' |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/work-begins-on-52-acre-mill-creek-urban-village/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Batdorf |first=Kurt |date=June 13, 2013 |title=Mill Creek's East Village sees first building rise |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/mill-creeks-east-village-sees-first-building-rise/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref> Development of the remaining western half was approved in 2019 and branded as "The Farm at Mill Creek", consisting of 354 apartments, retail space, [[workforce housing]] units, and office space.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=March 29, 2019 |title=Split Mill Creek City Council approves mixed-use development |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/split-mill-creek-city-council-approves-mixed-use-development/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref> It will be anchored by the first suburban [[Amazon Go]] in the state, and a hotel.<ref>{{cite news |last=Allison |first=Jacqueline |date=February 2, 2022 |title=Convenient or creepy? Cashier-less Amazon Go coming to Mill Creek |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/business/convenient-or-creepy-cashier-less-amazon-go-coming-to-mill-creek/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=February 2, 2022}}</ref>

==Geography==

The city of Mill Creek has a total area of {{convert|4.69|sqmi|sqkm|2}} according to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]].<ref name="Census-Gazetteer">{{cite web |title=2018 U.S. Gazetteer Files |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2018_Gazetteer/2018_gaz_place_53.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=February 16, 2020}}</ref> The [[city limit]]s of Mill Creek are generally defined to the west by [[North Creek (Sammamish River)|North Creek]], to the north by 132nd Street Southeast (part of [[Washington State Route 96|State Route 96]]) and [[Everett, Washington|Everett]], to the east by Seattle Hill Road and 35th Avenue Southeast, and to the south by 163rd Street Southeast and [[North Creek County Park]].<ref>{{cite map |title=City of Mill Creek |date=January 2017 |scale=1 inch = 500 feet |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9100852/File/City%20Government/Public%20Works%20&%20Development%20Services/Planning%20and%20Development/Maps/MAIN%20CITY%20MAP%20WITH%20TRAILS%20JAN%202017%20COLOR%20FINAL%20DATED.pdf |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref> The city is surrounded by a larger [[urban growth boundary|urban growth area]] that encompasses <!--{{convert||sqmi|sqkm}} of--> unincorporated land, including the communities of [[Martha Lake, Washington|Martha Lake]] and [[Silver Firs, Washington|Silver Firs]], with a population of 68,746 people in 2020.<ref>{{cite web |date=December 8, 2015 |title=City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan |page=V-2 |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9100852/File/City%20Government/Public%20Works%20&%20Development%20Services/Planning%20and%20Development/2015%20Comprehensive%20Plan.pdf |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref> The urban growth area extends west to [[Interstate 5 in Washington|Interstate 5]], including an overlapping claim with [[Lynnwood, Washington|Lynnwood]] and south to 196th Street Southeast at the north end of the [[Bothell, Washington|Bothell]] claim.<ref>{{cite map |date=September 2, 2013 |title=Snohomish County GMA Comprehensive Plan Municipal Urban Growth Areas |url=https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8216/Map-3-Municipal-Urban-Growth-Areas-MUGA-11x17?bidId= |publisher=Snohomish County |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref>

Several creeks flow through the city, including North Creek (a tributary of the [[Sammamish River]]),<ref>{{cite news |last=Santana |first=John |date=March 3, 2008 |title=Council making way for habitat project |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/council-making-way-for-habitat-project/ |work=The Enterprise |access-date=October 26, 2019}}</ref> Penny Creek, and Nickel Creek.<ref name="comp plan">{{cite web |url=http://www.cityofmillcreek.com/COMMUNITY%20DEVELOPMENT%20FILES/Comp%20Plan/comp%20plan/Current/Environment.pdf |title=Chapter XII: Environmental Element |year=2011 |work=Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=August 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101120212001/http://cityofmillcreek.com/COMMUNITY%20DEVELOPMENT%20FILES/Comp%20Plan/comp%20plan/Current/Environment.pdf |archive-date=November 20, 2010}}</ref> A minor stream known as Smokehouse Creek was renamed to Mill Creek in 2001, retroactively giving the city a geographic namesake.<ref name="Times-Seven"/> The center of Mill Creek lies along [[Washington State Route 527|State Route 527]], between two protected [[wetland]]s along North Creek and Penny Creek.<ref>{{cite news |last=Schwarzen |first=Christopher |date=July 27, 2005 |title=Group takes long view in North Creek cleanup |page=H4 |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20050727/northcreek27e/group-takes-long-view-in-north-creek-cleanup |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 7, 2019}}</ref> The original plat of Mill Creek, located east of State Route 527, consists of 21 neighborhood subdivisions that are named for various types of trees.<ref name="Herald-Garage">{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=May 2, 2014 |title=Mill Creek garage sale a tradition that 'can't be stopped' |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/mill-creek-garage-sale-a-tradition-that-cant-be-stopped/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref><ref name="Neighborhoods">{{cite map |date=January 2015 |title=City of Mill Creek Housing Divisions |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9100852/File/City%20Government/Public%20Works%20&%20Development%20Services/Planning%20and%20Development/Maps/Main_NEIGHBORHOOD_Map_BLUE_TITLE%202015_R.pdf |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref>

==Economy==
{{As of|2015}}, Mill Creek has an estimated [[workforce]] population of 10,227 people and an [[unemployment rate]] of 2.2 percent.<ref name="ACS">{{cite web |date=September 15, 2016 |title=Selected Economic Characteristics: Mill Creek, Washington |url=https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_5YR/DP03/1600000US5345865 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200213104556/https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/15_5YR/DP03/1600000US5345865 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 13, 2020 |work=[[American Community Survey]] |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref> The largest industry of employment for Mill Creek residents is in educational services and health care, at over 21 percent, followed by manufacturing (16%), professional services (15%), and retail trade (12%).<ref name="ACS"/> Approximately 3 percent of the city's workers have jobs located within city limits, with the majority commuting to employers in other cities, with an average commute time of 31 minutes.<ref name="ACS"/> Over 21 percent of workers commute to Seattle, the largest destination, followed by Everett (16%), [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]] (8%), and [[Bothell, Washington|Bothell]] (5%).<ref>{{cite web |title=Work Destination Report&nbsp;— Where Workers are Employed Who Live in the Selection Area&nbsp;— by Places (Cities, CDPs, etc.) |url=https://onthemap.ces.census.gov/ |work=OnTheMap |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=November 27, 2018}}</ref>

The [[Puget Sound Regional Council]] estimated that the city had a total of 6,262 jobs {{as of|2018|lc=y}}, with the largest sectors being professional services and construction.<ref>{{cite web |title=Covered Employment Estimates |date=May 2019 |url=https://www.psrc.org/covered-employment-estimates |publisher=[[Puget Sound Regional Council]] |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref> Mill Creek's largest employers include [[Albertsons]], [[Town & Country Markets|Central Market]], [[The Everett Clinic]], [[Lowe's]], [[Safeway Inc.|Safeway]], and the Mill Creek County Club.<ref name="Budget">{{cite web |date=December 16, 2018 |title=City of Mill Creek 2019–2020 Biennial Budget |page=142 |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9100852/File/City%20Government/Finance%20&%20Administration/Budget/BudgetBook_2019-2020_Final.pdf |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref> The city was formerly the headquarters of video games developer [[Handheld Games]] and food manufacturer [[Dream Dinners]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Fetters |first=Eric |date=December 7, 2003 |title=Where the games begin |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/business/where-the-games-begin/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Shevory |first=Kristina |date=August 28, 2005 |title=You Made the Meatloaf. You Just Didn't Make It at Home. |page=5 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/28/business/yourmoney/you-made-the-meatloaf-you-just-didnt-make-it-at-home.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref>

==Demographics==
{{US Census population
|1990= 7172
|2000= 11525
|2010= 18244
|2020= 20926
|estyear=2022
|estimate=20828
|estref=<ref name="Census-Estimate2022"/>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web |title=Decennial Census of Population and Housing|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=July 26, 2013}}</ref><br />2020 Census<ref name="2020 Census (City)">{{cite web|title=Explore Census Data |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US5345865 |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=June 22, 2022}}</ref>
}}

Mill Creek is the eighth largest city in Snohomish County, with an estimated population of 20,902 in 2021.<ref name="USCensusEst2021">{{cite web |date=June 22, 2022 |title=City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2021 |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-total-cities-and-towns.html |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=June 22, 2022}}</ref> It is one of the most affluent suburbs of Seattle and has a median household income of $86,965 and a [[per capita income]] of $42,858, [[Washington locations by per capita income|ranking 22nd]] of 281 areas within the state, just behind nearby [[Mukilteo, Washington|Mukilteo]].<ref name="ACS"/><ref>{{cite web |author=United States Census Bureau |date=May 2014 |title=Per Capita Income for Incorporated Cities in Washington State |url=http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/grants/Per%20Capita%20Income%20for%20Incorporated%20Cities%20%28Final%29.pdf |publisher=[[Washington State Department of Ecology]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908032551/http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/tcp/grants/Per%20Capita%20Income%20for%20Incorporated%20Cities%20%28Final%29.pdf |archive-date=September 8, 2015 |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref> Approximately 4.1 percent of families and 6.4 percent of the overall population were below the [[poverty line]], including 14.9 percent of those under the age of 18 and 2.5 percent aged 65 or older.<ref name="ACS"/> Mill Creek was ranked 36th on a 2013 [[Money (magazine)|''Money'' magazine]] list of best places to live, based on its [[quality of life]], housing affordability, and school system.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=August 2013 |title=Money's Best Places to Live: 36. Mill Creek, WA |url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/best-places/2013/snapshots/PL5345865.html |magazine=[[Money (magazine)|CNN Money]] |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref>

The city's population has steadily grown from 3,549 at the time of its incorporation in 1983 to over 19,000 in 2016, due to several annexations.<ref>{{cite web |date=November 8, 2016 |title=City of Mill Creek Population Growth History for the City Limits and MUGA |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_9100852/File/City%20Government/Public%20Works%20&%20Development%20Services/Economic%20Development/Demographic%20Info%20for%20MC/Population%20Growth%20Table_City%20of%20Mill%20Creek_201611090907489659.pdf |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=March 31, 2019}}</ref> From 1983 to 1990, it increased by 298 percent to 7,172 residents.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brooks |first1=Diane |last2=Koch |first2=Anne |date=January 24, 1991 |title=Rate of growth exceeds projections |page=A1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref>

===2010 census===

As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], there were 18,244 people, 7,551 households, and 4,921 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|3906.6|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 7,923 housing units at an average density of {{convert|1696.6|/sqmi|/km2|1}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|racial makeup]] of the city was 74.2% White, 2.2% African American, 0.5% Native American, 16.7% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 1.6% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.6% of the population.<ref name="Census-QuickFacts">{{cite web |title=QuickFacts: Mill Creek, Washington |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/millcreekcitywashington |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 26, 2020}}</ref>

There were 7,551 households, of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.8% were non-families. Of all Mill Creek households, 27.4% were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.99.<ref name="Census-QuickFacts"/>

The median age in the city was 38.9 years, with 23.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.4% were from 25 to 44; 28.6% were from 45 to 64; and 12.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.6% male and 51.4% female.<ref name="Census-QuickFacts"/>

===2000 census===

As of the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]], there were 11,525 people, 4,631 households, and 3,250 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,231.3 people per square mile (1,246.5/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 4,769 housing units at an average density of 1,337.1 per square mile (515.8/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the city was 81.5% White, 1.4% African American, 0.4% Native American, 12.6% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 1.1% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.3% of the population.<ref name="Census2000">{{cite web |year=2000 |title=Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: Mill Creek city, Washington |url=https://www.psrc.org/sites/default/files/millcreek.pdf |publisher=United States Census Bureau |via=[[Puget Sound Regional Council]] |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref>

There were 4,631 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.8% were non-families. Of all Mill Creek households, 24.0% were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.98.<ref name="Census2000"/>

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 24.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males.<ref name="Census2000"/>

The median income for a household in the city was $69,702, and the median income for a family was $87,263. Males had a median income of $59,070 versus $39,138 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $36,234. About 3.0% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.<ref name="Census2000"/>

==Government and politics==
[[File:Mill Creek City Hall south building.jpg|thumb|right|Mill Creek's [[city hall]]]]

Mill Creek is a non-charter [[City government in Washington (state)|code city]] with a [[council–manager government]].<ref>{{cite web |date=May 27, 2014 |title=Mill Creek City Council Ordinance No. 2014-782 |page=6 |url=http://mrsc.org/getmedia/45a607be-a319-4e07-9351-52a9669b219f/m52o2014-782.pdf.aspx |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref> The city council is composed of seven members elected in [[non-partisan]], [[at-large]] elections to four-year terms. The councilmembers elect a ceremonial [[mayor]] and [[mayor pro tem]] from its members and appoint a [[city manager]] to execute its legislative policies.<ref>{{cite web |title=City Council |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/city_government/city_council |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref> The current mayor is councilman Brian Holtzclaw, who was appointed in 2020 after the mid-term resignation of Pam Pruitt.<ref>{{cite news |last=Riley |first=Rachel |date=September 2, 2020 |title=Mill Creek city employees' union calls for top official's ouster |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/mill-creek-city-employees-union-calls-for-top-officials-ouster/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 2, 2020}}</ref> The city manager is Michael Ciaravino, who was appointed in May 2019 after the position was held by an interim manager for a year.<ref>{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=April 26, 2019 |title=Mill Creek signs contract with new city manager |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/mill-creek-signs-contract-with-new-city-manager/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=August 21, 2019}}</ref>

The city government has approximately 65 employees and a biennial appropriations budget of $59&nbsp;million.<ref name="Budget"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Daybert |first=Amy |date=February 17, 2012 |title=What mayors in Snohomish County are paid |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/what-mayors-in-snohomish-county-are-paid/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=December 8, 2018}}</ref> Mill Creek provides civil services through its departments, including emergency services, parks and recreation, [[urban planning|city planning]], and [[public works]]. Several services are also contracted out to regional agencies and private companies, including [[tap water|water distribution]], electricity, and [[fire department|fire protection]].<ref>{{cite web |date=June 21, 2018 |title=Accountability Audit Report: City of Mill Creek, Snohomish County |page=10 |url=https://portal.sao.wa.gov/ReportSearch/Home/ViewReportFile?isFinding=false&arn=1021587 |publisher=[[Washington State Auditor]] |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref> The [[city hall]] is located at the Huntron Building, which was acquired by the city government in 2008 and is located adjacent to the former city office building.<ref>{{cite news |last=Santana |first=John |date=March 3, 2008 |title=Room to expand |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/room-to-expand/ |work=The Enterprise |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref>

At the federal level, Mill Creek is part of the [[Washington's 1st congressional district|1st congressional district]], represented by Democrat [[Suzan DelBene]] since 2012. The district encompasses parts of Snohomish and King counties between Arlington and [[Bellevue, Washington|Bellevue]] that generally lie east of Interstate 5.<ref>{{cite map |author=Census Bureau Geography Division |year=2023 |title=118th Congress of the United States: Washington – Congressional District 1 |scale=1:118,000 |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/cong_dist/cd118/cd_based/ST53/CD118_WA01.pdf |publisher=United States Census Bureau |accessdate=January 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=October 24, 2022 |title=Incumbents DelBene, Larsen say country is heading in right direction |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/incumbents-delbene-larsen-say-country-is-heading-in-right-direction/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=January 15, 2024}}</ref> At the state level, the city is part of the [[Washington's 44th legislative district|44th legislative district]] alongside [[Snohomish, Washington|Snohomish]].<ref>{{cite map |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Snohomish County: State Legislative Districts |url=https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/99579/Legislative-Districts-PDF |publisher=Snohomish County Elections |accessdate=January 15, 2024}}</ref> Mill Creek is also part of the [[Snohomish County Council]]'s 4th district, which includes northern [[Bothell, Washington|Bothell]], [[Brier, Washington|Brier]], and [[Mountlake Terrace, Washington|Mountlake Terrace]].<ref>{{cite map |date=May 12, 2022 |title=Snohomish County: County Council Districts |url=https://snohomishcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/99589/County-Council-Districts-PDF |publisher=Snohomish County Elections |accessdate=January 15, 2024}}</ref>

==Culture==

===Events===

Mill Creek hosts a twice-annual community [[garage sale]] in May and October that was permitted by the [[covenant (law)|covenant]]s of the original development.<ref name="Herald-Garage"/> The event, one of the largest of its kind in the county, brings an influx of outside traffic and is also coordinated with charity donations.<ref name="Herald-Garage"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Koch |first=Anne |date=October 3, 1991 |title=Getting set for the sale |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> The city's [[chamber of commerce]] has an annual festival in July, while the town center has weekly concerts during the summertime. The city also hosts annual parades on [[Memorial Day (United States)|Memorial Day]] and [[Veterans Day (United States)|Veterans Day]]. Mill Creek's [[farmers market]] runs from June to August and is located in the city hall parking lot.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 30, 2019 |title=2019 Community Events |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/news/2019_community_events |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref>

===Parks and recreation===

Mill Creek has ten parks and two other recreational facilities maintained by the city government and located within city limits, comprising a total of {{convert|43|acre|ha}}.{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=VIII-3}} The city's ten neighborhood parks include [[playground]]s, sports facilities, and [[picnic]] tables; they range in size from the {{convert|1.2|acre|ha|adj=mid}} Library Park to the {{convert|19.75|acre|ha|adj=mid}} Nickel Creek Park.{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=XIII-8}}<ref>{{cite news |date=November 6, 2016 |title=Things to do in Mill Creek the week of Nov. 6 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/events/mill-creek/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref> The Mill Creek Sports Park is a {{convert|4.8|acre|ha|adj=mid}} park with a [[multi-purpose stadium|multi-purpose]] field for baseball, softball, and youth soccer, along with stands and a [[skate park]].{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=XIII-7}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Halpert |first=Oscar |date=June 14, 2009 |title=No Mill Creek Sports Park expansion for now |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/no-mill-creek-sports-park-expansion-for-now/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref>

The county government has several parks and recreational facilities near Mill Creek, including [[McCollum Park]] on State Route 96, [[Martha Lake Park]] to the west of the city, and [[North Creek Park]] at the south end of the city.{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=XIII-6}}<ref>{{cite news |date=February 28, 2008 |title=Step into liquid |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/step-into-liquid/ |work=The Enterprise |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref> McCollum Park and North Creek Park are connected to Mill Creek by a north–south [[shared use path|multi-use pathway]], the [[North Creek Trail]], which continues south to Bothell.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=November 4, 2015 |title=County finishes refurbishing floating boardwalk at North Creek Park |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/county-finishes-refurbishing-floating-boardwalk-at-north-creek-park/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref> Mill Creek and the county also share joint ownership of Tambark Creek Park, located southeast of the city.{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=XIII-7}}

The [[golf course]] at the center of the original Mill Creek subdivision is owned by the members of the private [[country club]], who purchased the facility for $5.2 million in 2007.<ref>{{cite news |last=Myhre |first=Rich |date=May 31, 2007 |title=Mill Creek members raise $4 million |work=The Everett Herald}}</ref> The golf course is {{convert|300|yd|m}} short of the required length to host a professional men's tournament.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bergsman |first=Jerry |date=May 13, 1987 |title=Golf course is just 300 yards short of fame |page=H2 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Mill Creek also has a private indoor sports [[arena]] that opened in 2017, encompassing {{convert|98,500|sqft|sqm}} with three soccer fields, a [[bowling alley]], and a [[laser tag]] arena.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stiles |first=Marc |date=January 25, 2018 |title=Kickin' it in Mill Creek: New Arena Sports facility houses three soccer fields and more |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2018/01/25/arena-sports-mill-creek-soccer-bowling-don-crowe.html |work=[[Puget Sound Business Journal]] |url-access=subscription |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref>

===Media===
[[File:Mill Creek, WA library.jpg|thumb|right|The Mill Creek library, operated by [[Sno-Isle Libraries]]]]

Mill Creek is served by several community publications, including the twice-monthly ''Mill Creek Beacon'', the weekly ''News of Mill Creek'', and the quarterly ''Mill Creek Living'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web |title=Resident Resources |url=https://www.cityofmillcreek.com/resident_resources |publisher=City of Mill Creek |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref> The ''Beacon'' was founded in 2014 and is owned by [[Edmonds Beacon|Beacon Publishing]], which also operates weekly newspapers in [[Edmonds, Washington|Edmonds]] and [[Mukilteo, Washington|Mukilteo]].<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://millcreek.villagesoup.com/page/about |publisher=Mill Creek Beacon |access-date=September 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628175041/http://millcreek.villagesoup.com/page/about |archive-date=June 28, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The ''Mill Creek View'' is a biweekly newspaper founded by Fred Fillbrook that has served the area since January 1991.<ref>{{cite news |last=Soergel |first=Brian |date=March 1, 2022 |title=Mill Creek View owner Fred Fillbrook dies at 85 |url=https://www.millcreekbeacon.com/story/2022/02/25/news/updated-mill-creek-view-owner-fred-fillbrook-dies-at-85/13536.html |work=Mill Creek Beacon |accessdate=January 19, 2023}}</ref> A regional weekly newspaper, ''[[The Enterprise (Washington)|The Enterprise]]'', formerly published a Mill Creek edition until a consolidation in 2009.<ref name="Herald-Weekly">{{cite news |last=Yefimova |first=Katya |date=August 28, 2012 |title=Weekly Herald succumbs to industry trends |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/weekly-herald-succumbs-to-industry-trends/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref>

The city's [[public library]] was constructed in 1987 and expanded several times by [[Sno-Isle Libraries]], its operator.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pope |first=Leone |date=January 9, 1990 |title=Mill Creek to expand crowded library |page=B3 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref> Due to overcrowding at the current building, the city government considered a proposal to build a new library atop a [[Target Corporation|Target]] store in the East Gateway urban village, but the plan fell through.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=January 6, 2014 |title=Library may top Mill Creek's Target store |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/library-may-top-mill-creeks-target-store/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Nile |first=Amy |date=July 24, 2015 |title=Safeway closure leaves no anchor store at Mill Creek shopping center |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/safeway-closure-leaves-no-anchor-store-at-mill-creek-shopping-center/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=April 6, 2019}}</ref> The Mill Creek branch has 15,000 monthly visitors and the highest hold and pickup rate in the Sno-Isle Libraries system. The building was renovated in 2024 to improve its [[HVAC]] systems to serve as a [[cooling center]] during heat waves.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jordan |date=September 18, 2024 |title=Now a cooling center, Mill Creek Library gets big upgrades |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/now-a-cooling-center-mill-creek-library-gets-big-upgrades/ |work=The Everett Herald |accessdate=September 19, 2024}}</ref>

===Notable people===

* [[John E. Corbally]], academic administrator and philanthropist<ref>{{cite news |last=Bhatt |first=Sanjay |date=July 27, 2004 |title=John E. Corbally, 79, foundation leader |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20040727/corballyobit27m/john-e-corbally-79-foundation-leader |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Mark Harmsworth]], state legislator<ref>{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=November 11, 2014 |title=All but official: Harmsworth wins 44th District seat |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20141111/NEWS01/141119778 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229122329/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20141111/NEWS01/141119778 |archive-date=December 29, 2014 |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Jerry Jensen]], American football player and coach<ref>{{cite news |last=Myhre |first=Rich |date=April 9, 2015 |title=Nomadic Archbishop Murphy boys soccer team waits for installation of new turf |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/nomadic-archbishop-murphy-boys-soccer-team-waits-for-installation-of-new-turf/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Ivan Koumaev]], dancer<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chansanchai |first1=Athima |last2=McFarland |first2=Melanie |date=July 25, 2006 |title=Seattleite follows his own beat |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/article/Seattleite-follows-his-own-beat-1209885.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Brent Lillibridge]], baseball player<ref>{{cite news |last=Myhre |first=Rich |date=April 20, 2015 |title=Lillibridge is teaching others how to play the game he loves |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/lillibridge-is-teaching-others-how-to-play-the-game-he-loves/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
<!--No citation found: * [[Sean Paul Lockhart]], actor and filmmaker{{cn|date=March 2019}}-->
* [[John Lovick (politician)|John Lovick]], state and county legislator<ref>{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=June 8, 2016 |title=Lovick picked for legislative seat, but appointment process draws fire |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/lovick-picked-for-legislative-seat-but-appointment-process-draws-fire/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[August P. Mardesich]], state legislator<ref>{{cite news |last=Cornfield |first=Jerry |date=February 10, 2016 |title=Augie Mardesich, former Everett master politician, dies at 95 |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/augie-mardesich-former-everett-master-politician-dies-at-95/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Brett McClure]], Olympic gymnast<ref>{{cite news |last=Newnham |first=Blaine |date=August 10, 2004 |title=Men's gymnastics: Triumph of good will lures McClure |url=http://old.seattletimes.com/html/athens2004/2002000562_olymcclure10.html |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331000638/http://old.seattletimes.com/html/athens2004/2002000562_olymcclure10.html |archive-date=March 31, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* [[Jared Mead]], state representative<ref>{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=December 14, 2018 |title=A spot opens on the Mill Creek City Council after Mead's win |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/a-spot-opens-on-the-mill-creek-city-council-after-meads-win/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Ramsey Nijem]], mixed martial artist<ref>{{cite news |last=Allen |first=Trevor |date=May 21, 2019 |title=Former UVU Wrestler Motivated After Disappointing 2018 Season |url=https://kslsports.com/410191/former-uvu-wrestler-motivated-after-disappointing-2018-season/? |publisher=[[KSL-TV|KSL]] |access-date=July 4, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Jordan Schweitzer]], soccer player<ref>{{cite press release |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Sounders FC signs Jordan Schweitzer as a Homegrown Player |url=https://www.soundersfc.com/post/2016/01/07/sounders-fc-signs-jordan-schweitzer-homegrown-player |publisher=[[Seattle Sounders FC]] |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Travis Snider]], baseball player<ref>{{cite news |last=Myhre |first=Rich |date=December 17, 2012 |title=Snider looks back on trade from Blue Jays to Pirates |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/sports/snider-looks-back-on-trade-from-blue-jays-to-pirates/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Paul Soloway]], world [[bridge (game)|bridge]] champion<ref>{{cite news |last=Alder |first=Phillip |date=November 8, 2007 |title=Paul Soloway, 66, World Bridge Champion, Dies |page=B7 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/08/arts/08soloway.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=September 15, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Wendy Sue Swanson]], pediatrician and author<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Andre |date=February 3, 2014 |title=Media-savvy 'Mama Doc' authors parenting manual |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/media-savvy-mama-doc-authors-parenting-manual-2/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>
* [[Daniel Te'o-Nesheim]], American football player<ref>{{cite news |last=Jude |first=Adam |date=September 27, 2018 |title=What happened to Daniel Te'o-Nesheim? Nearly a year after ex-UW star's death, family finds answers |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/what-happened-to-daniel-teo-nesheim-nearly-a-year-after-ex-uw-stars-death-family-finds-answers/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>

==Education==
{{see also|Everett Public Schools (Washington)}}

Public education in Mill Creek is provided by [[Everett Public Schools (Washington)|Everett Public Schools]], which serves the adjacent city of Everett and several unincorporated neighborhoods. The school district covers {{convert|52|sqmi|sqkm}} and has a total enrollment of more than 20,200 students.<ref>{{cite web |title=Census 2010: Washington School Districts |url=http://data.spokesman.com/census/2010/washington/school-districts/ |work=[[Spokesman-Review]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604093954/http://data.spokesman.com/census/2010/washington/school-districts/ |archive-date=June 4, 2012 |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref><ref name="NCES">{{cite web |title=Public School District Directory Information: Everett School District |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_detail.asp?Search=2&ID2=5302670 |publisher=[[National Center for Education Statistics]] |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref> Mill Creek and its surrounding urban growth area is home to seven of the school district's 32 schools: [[Henry M. Jackson High School]], Heatherwood Middle School, Gateway Middle School, and four [[elementary school]]s.<ref name="NCES"/> The area also has several private schools, including [[Archbishop Murphy High School]] and Cedar Park Christian School.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pan |first=David |date=December 17, 2008 |title=Jackson dominates Battle of Mill Creek |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/jackson-dominates-battle-of-mill-creek/ |work=The Enterprise |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Koenig |first=Sarah |date=January 10, 2008 |title=Cedar Park takes over North Sound Christian Schools |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/cedar-park-takes-over-north-sound-christian-schools/ |work=The Enterprise |access-date=April 7, 2019}}</ref> The nearest post-secondary institution is [[University of Washington Bothell]], which draws students from southern Snohomish County.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stevick |first=Eric |date=December 3, 2017 |title=What draws so many Snohomish County students to UW Bothell? |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/county-leaving-an-imprint-on-uw-bothell/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=March 29, 2020}}</ref>

==Infrastructure==

===Transportation===

Mill Creek lies east of [[Interstate 5 in Washington|Interstate 5]], the main north–south freeway through the Seattle metropolitan area with connections to [[Downtown Seattle]] and [[Everett, Washington|Everett]]. The city is bisected from north to south by [[Washington State Route 527|State Route 527]] (the Bothell–Everett Highway), which continues to [[Bothell, Washington|Bothell]]. The two highways are connected by a pair of east–west streets, 164th Street and [[Washington State Route 96|128th Street]] (State Route 96), which continue further east into the residential neighborhoods of Mill Creek and towards [[Washington State Route 9|State Route 9]].<ref>{{cite WSDOT map |year=2014 |inset=Puget Sound |access-date=March 30, 2019}}</ref>

The city's public transportation is provided by [[Community Transit]], which also serves most of the county with local and commuter bus routes. The county's second [[bus rapid transit]] route, the [[Swift Green Line]], travels along State Route 527 and has several stops in Mill Creek, connecting the city to [[Paine Field]] and northern Bothell. A third bus rapid transit route, the Orange Line, opened in 2024 to connect Mill Creek to [[Link light rail]] at [[Lynnwood City Center station]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Giordano |first=Lizz |date=March 25, 2019 |title=Swift Green Line starts rolling, from Bothell to Boeing |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/swift-green-line-starts-rolling-from-bothell-to-boeing/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lindblom |first=Mike |date=March 30, 2024 |title=Transit in fast-growing Snohomish County gets a boost ahead of light rail debut |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/snohomish-countys-frequent-orange-line-bus-debuts-saturday/ |work=The Seattle Times |accessdate=March 30, 2024}}</ref> Other local routes connect Mill Creek to Everett, [[Lynnwood, Washington|Lynnwood]], [[Silver Firs, Washington|Silver Firs]], and [[Snohomish, Washington|Snohomish]]. During [[rush hour]]s, an express route connects Silver Firs and the 132nd Street corridor to Lynnwood City Center station.<ref name="CT-Map">{{cite map |date=September 2024 |title=Community Transit System Map |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/docs/default-source/mappdfs/systemmappdfs/mapsystem.pdf |publisher=Community Transit |access-date=November 8, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 22, 2024 |title=New bus routes for Seattle commuters |url=https://www.communitytransit.org/news-and-events/article-detail/2024/07/22/new-bus-routes-for-seattle-commuters |publisher=Community Transit |accessdate=November 8, 2024}}</ref> The [[Ash Way Park and Ride]] is located west of the [[Mill Creek Town Center]] and has additional Community Transit and [[Sound Transit Express]] routes.<ref name="CT-Map"/> A Link light rail extension to Everett is planned to open in 2036 with stations at Ash Way and Mariner Park and Ride near Mill Creek.<ref>{{cite news |last=Giordano |first=Lizz |date=July 15, 2019 |title=County sees a dense, tall future near light rail stations |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/county-sees-a-dense-tall-future-near-light-rail-stations/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref>

A private airfield, [[Martha Lake Airport Park|Martha Lake Airport]], operated west of modern-day Mill Creek from 1953 to 1998. It has since been converted into a county park, after the owners rejected a proposal to develop it into a housing subdivision.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brooks |first=Diane |date=February 29, 2000 |title=County to buy airport |page=B1 |work=The Seattle Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Haglund |first=Noah |date=September 18, 2010 |title=Snohomish County's newest park once family-run Martha Lake airport |url=http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100918/NEWS01/709189932 |work=The Everett Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920235745/http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100918/NEWS01/709189932 |archive-date=September 20, 2010 |access-date=April 12, 2019}}</ref> The nearest commercial airport is [[Paine Field]], located {{convert|3|mi|km}} northwest in Everett.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=March 3, 2008 |title=Airport expansion affecting many |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/uncategorized/airport-expansion-affecting-many/ |work=The Enterprise |access-date=October 26, 2019}}</ref>

===Utilities===

[[Electric power]] in Mill Creek is provided by the [[Snohomish County Public Utility District]] (PUD), a consumer-owned [[public utility]] that serves all of Snohomish County.<ref>{{cite web |date=October 2018 |title=Quick Facts for Snohomish County PUD |url=https://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/custpubs/MiniQF_1018.pdf |publisher=[[Snohomish County Public Utility District]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181129142056/https://www.snopud.com/Site/Content/Documents/custpubs/MiniQF_1018.pdf |archive-date=November 29, 2018 |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref> [[Puget Sound Energy]] provides [[natural gas]] service to the city's residents and businesses.<ref>{{cite web |year=2013 |title=Puget Sound Energy service area |url=http://pse.com/aboutpse/PseNewsroom/MediaKit/1213_ServiceAreaMap_web.pdf |publisher=[[Puget Sound Energy]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170128213047/https://pse.com/aboutpse/PseNewsroom/MediaKit/1213_ServiceAreaMap_web.pdf |archive-date=January 28, 2017 |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref> The city government has a contract with [[Waste Management (corporation)|Waste Management]] for curbside [[municipal solid waste|garbage]], [[single-stream recycling|recycling]], and [[yard waste]] collection and disposal.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Giordano |first1=Lizz |last2=Bryan |first2=Zachariah |date=February 12, 2019 |title=Another storm brings crashes, mounds of trash and an igloo |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/another-storm-brings-crashes-mounds-of-trash-and-an-igloo/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref>

The city's [[tap water]] and [[sewage]] systems are split between the Alderwood Water and Wastewater District and the Silver Lake Water and Sewer District, two independent [[municipal corporation]]s.{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=IX-5}}<ref>{{cite news |last=Sheets |first=Bill |date=August 14, 2011 |title=Brightwater work nearly done |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/brightwater-work-nearly-done/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref> Both water districts use the [[Spada Lake]] reservoir, the main source of water for Snohomish County, and send wastewater to the [[Brightwater sewage treatment plant|Brightwater plant]] in [[Maltby, Washington|Maltby]] and a facility in Everett.{{sfnp|City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan|2015|page=IX-8}}<ref>{{cite map |date=May 2013 |title=King County Wastewater System with Sewer Flow Scheme |url=https://aqua.kingcounty.gov/gis/web/Web/VMC/utilities/system_flow_11x17.pdf |publisher=King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks |access-date=June 5, 2020}}</ref>

===Health care===

Mill Creek is located near an [[urgent care center]] operated by [[Swedish Medical Center]], which opened in 2011 and has an emergency room and other services.<ref>{{cite news |last=Salyer |first=Sharon |date=February 8, 2011 |title=Swedish's new standalone ER in Mill Creek offers open house |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/swedishs-new-standalone-er-in-mill-creek-offers-open-house/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref> [[The Everett Clinic]] opened a {{convert|6,400|sqft|sqm|adj=mid}} facility in December 2016, offering [[walk-in clinic|walk-in]] and community services.<ref>{{cite news |date=November 7, 2016 |title=Everett Clinic opening facility near Mill Creek |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/life/everett-clinc-opening-facility-near-mill-creek/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref> An urgent care center operated by [[EvergreenHealth]] opened in 2018 with an on-site laboratory and nine exam rooms.<ref>{{cite news |last=Davis |first=July 28, 2017 |title=Everett Clinic, two others open new health-care clinics |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/business/everett-clinic-two-others-open-new-health-care-clinics/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=May 8, 2020}}</ref> [[Seattle Children's Hospital]] also operated a children's health clinic in Mill Creek until 2018, when it was replaced by a countywide facility adjacent to Everett's [[Providence Regional Medical Center Everett|Providence Regional Medical Center]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Podsada |first=Janice |date=August 15, 2018 |title=New Everett clinic brings Seattle Children's Hospital closer |url=https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-clinic-brings-seattle-childrens-closer-to-hannahs-home/ |work=The Everett Herald |access-date=September 13, 2019}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Mill Creek, Washington}}
* [http://www.cityofmillcreek.com/ City of Mill Creek]

{{Snohomish County, Washington}}
{{Geographic location
|Northwest = [[Lake Stickney, Washington|Lake Stickney]]
|North     = [[Everett, Washington|Everett]]
|Northeast = [[Snohomish, Washington|Snohomish]]
|Centre    = Mill Creek
|West      = [[Lynnwood, Washington|Lynnwood]]
|Southwest = [[Alderwood Manor, Washington|Alderwood Manor]]
|South     = [[Bothell, Washington|Bothell]]
|Southeast = [[North Creek (Sammamish River)|North Creek]]
|East      = [[Cathcart, Washington|Cathcart]]
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{good article}}

[[Category:Cities in the Seattle metropolitan area]]
[[Category:Cities in Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Cities in Snohomish County, Washington]]