2024 was a challenging year for Sunnyside, but it was also a year of necessary change and resilience. Leading our city required a herculean effort to listen to constituents, address their concerns, and take decisive action to build a brighter future. I am extremely grateful to our City Council who has supported me throughout this year. 

In 2024 we completed a total overhaul of our Finance Department staff, made key adjustments in the Planning and Building Department to unlock economic development opportunities, and made difficult decisions about staffing to ensure our team shares the same dedication to serving Sunnyside's residents.

I am building a culture at Sunnyside that puts residents first, and I will not tolerate a lack of effort or performance. While some of the decisions—such as eliminating Community Center staff and closing the pool—were painful, they were necessary to stabilize our finances. We are working diligently on plans to reopen the pool this summer so that Sunnyside’s kids have a place to gather, make memories, and have fun.

The one thing I ask from our community is support. I understand that years of mismanagement have eroded trust, but I am committed to rebuilding it, one step at a time. The reality is social media forums in our city continue to spread misinformation and negativity. This is why I’ll be blogging and communicating regularly in 2025 to provide clear, accurate updates on our progress.

For business owners, I invite you to attend the newly formed Sunnyside Business Advisory Council meetings, held on the second Wednesday of every month at noon at the Fire Station (513 S. 8th Street). These meetings are an excellent opportunity to engage directly with City Council members and leadership outside the formal council setting.

As always, I’m available to hear your ideas, concerns, and feedback. Feel free to reach out to me via text at 509-836-1096 or email at mgonzalez@sunnyside-wa.gov.

With the groundwork laid in 2024, the City of Sunnyside is moving forward with an ambitious set of 2025 goals. From strategic long-term planning to addressing immediate challenges, here’s what we’re focusing on this year:

We are developing a 20-year vision for Sunnyside that prioritizes community outreach, data-driven decision-making, and economic growth. We are currently working with the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) to secure grant funding for this project, with positive indications of success.

The future of the Sunnyside pool remains a hot topic. We’re investigating short-term fixes alongside long-term solutions, such as establishing a metropolitan park district. Data collection and discussions with the City Council are ongoing to ensure we make the best decision for our community.

Our goal is to keep the Community Center active through creative rental opportunities that generate revenue while allowing community use. We are actively meeting with stakeholders to ensure clarity and communication about the Center's availability.

• Springbrook Training Plan: Directors and managers will undergo training to deepen their understanding of departmental budgets.
• Police Master Plan: Collaborating with Chief Layman and the command staff, we’re working on a proactive policing strategy to enhance safety.
• Munson Property Master Plan: This 155-acre property represents a tremendous opportunity for mixed-use development. We’re in discussions with consultants to create a plan that attracts investment while addressing infrastructure needs.

Additional priorities for 2025 include modernizing our water system, enhancing the city’s marketing efforts, and tackling pressing issues such as animal control, homelessness, and youth engagement.

These initiatives reflect our dedication to improving Sunnyside and creating a community we can all be proud of. Your involvement is crucial, and we encourage you to participate in meetings, provide feedback, and stay informed as we work together to achieve these goals.

Let’s make 2025 a transformative year for Sunnyside!

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