A resident-led community project
A place for candid community conversation, civic information, and the stories that shape Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald, South Cle Elum, Suncadia, and the surrounding area.
New community research · Oct 2026
How could a major data center investment affect infrastructure, business development and municipal finances? An independent essay examines the potential benefits, legitimate costs and safeguards, including the relationship between new revenue and the City Heights/Chapter 9 challenge.
Two Rev 1.01, sourced reports with seven small-town comparators accompany the essay: a 25-page public discussion brief and a 31-page preliminary economic and fiscal scenario assessment.
Cle Elum Chapter 9 · November 2026 update
The City's financial dispute with City Heights began with a 2011 development agreement and subsequent permitting disagreements, followed by arbitration awards and court judgments. Cle Elum filed for Chapter 9 on June 24, 2025. Our updated, source-linked chronology traces those milestones and explains what changed after the filing.
The bankruptcy court determined in 2026 that the city could proceed under Chapter 9. The city then proposed a debt-adjustment plan, and the court appointed a settlement judge. No confirmed repayment plan or completed settlement is established in the records reviewed. Mayor Matthew Lundh's November 3 public update discusses property sales, a proposed transportation sales tax, staffing and leadership changes, and opportunities for community input. These measures should be distinguished from actions already approved or completed.
This is an independent summary of dated records and public statements, not a statement on behalf of the City, City Heights, or the bankruptcy court.
Community proposals · Oct 2026
Local financial challenges deserve constructive exploration of both new revenue sources and broader economic opportunity. Our Community Revenue & Funding Ideas section documents VisiToll, a proposed visitor-related mobility-funding concept; possible licensing revenue from alternative .cleelum, .roslyn, and .kittitas naming assets; and retailer and franchise recruitment efforts, including potential Grocery Outlet, Trader Joe's, and Papa Murphy's opportunities.
We are also examining workforce and attainable housing as a foundation for local employment, business growth, and community stability. These are exploratory ideas, not adopted municipal programs, approved developments, or announced retailer commitments. Each should be assessed for feasibility, costs, community effects, and verifiable net public benefits. Read our editorial standards for how WHCER separates evidence, opinion, and interested-party claims.
Who we are
Our family moved to Upper Kittitas County in early 2019 and formed WeHeartCleElumRoslyn, SPC in January 2021 to support community outreach, public-information work, and constructive discussion. We are full-time Roslyn residents.
We love this area and want its future decisions to reflect clear evidence, open participation, and respect for the people who call it home. This site follows issues with meaningful potential benefits or consequences for the community, welcomes disagreement, and separates documented facts from proposals and opinion.
Community research and discussion · WeHeartCleElumRoslyn, SPC
Where do we start?
01 · Being new 😱
We did not know what to expect when we moved from high-rise life in Bellevue to a small town across the mountains with three teenagers and a mini goldendoodle. The landing had its turbulence, but within a few months our daughters had been warmly received and no one wanted to go back.
02 · Community ❤️
Having spent the first several years in Cle Elum (Suncadia), and later moving to Roslyn in late 2022 where we renovated a circa 1888 house, we've gotten to meet a pretty diverse group of individuals and families here. With our three daughters all attending Cle Elum Roslyn Schools, with two now graduated, we have enjoyed the great life that this area has to offer. We are grateful to call Roslyn home, and hope to make many future memories here with family and friends.
03 · Integration 💥
It's quite hard to establish relationships outside of the school setting here. It's no secret that this community has many longtime families dating back generations to the Coal Mining days. Many of those families like the way things are, and don't appreciate anyone rocking the boat. It is a tough nut to crack...just being real.
04 · Our desire 🙏🏼
We have truly grown to love Roslyn, Cle Elum, Suncadia, and the surrounding area. It is now our home. We are invested into the community, and grateful for the wonderful years our kids have had so far. Truly, it meant everything to us. Thank you!
Our work is guided by two simple commitments:
1. Community decisions can be made better through evidence, participation, and accountability.
2. Fairness matters, especially when public costs and benefits are unevenly distributed.
We ask what is known, what remains uncertain, who benefits, who bears the risk, and what safeguards can be made enforceable. The goal is not agreement for its own sake; it is a more informed path toward the greatest practical public good.
One community · Many perspectives
We have grown to love Roslyn, Cle Elum, Suncadia, and the surrounding area. It is now our home. We are invested in the community, grateful for the years our children have had here, and hopeful about what comes next.
Stay connected
Reach out to receive updates or share a perspective on the issues affecting our surrounding towns.