Voter-Approved Shoreline Fire Department Regional Fire Authority Begins on May 1, 2025
Shoreline, WA. The Shoreline Fire Department is pleased to announce that the voter-approved Shoreline Fire Department Regional Fire Authority officially begins on May 1, 2025.
“This is a milestone moment,” said Matt Cowan, Shoreline Fire Chief. “We are grateful for the overwhelming voter support in February for Proposition 1 – creating the Shoreline Fire Department Regional Fire Authority (RFA). We will deliver on our commitments to be as efficient as possible with taxpayer dollars while looking for every opportunity to improve our services.”
“Since the election was certified we have been very busy with completing the administrative and legal requirements of creating a RFA,” continued Chief Cowan. “That work is being finished up.”
“With the RFA we are also looking at a number of organizational efficiencies, including our Fire District Board of Commissioner meetings,” said Chief Cowan. “Next week, we will announce a new meeting schedule for the RFA Governing Board and both the Shoreline and Northshore Board of Commissioner meetings. This new schedule for the RFA Governing Board will include alternating meetings in Shoreline and Kenmore, increasing opportunities for broader public engagement across our RFA communities.”
“We are just getting started with the RFA and looking forward to the future,” said Chief Cowan. “As we continue to implement the RFA we will keep our communities informed and operate with transparency and responsibility.”
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Building a Safer, Stronger Future
What is a Regional Fire Authority?
A Regional Fire Authority (RFA) is a special-purpose district designed to enhance fire protection and emergency medical services. By uniting the resources of neighboring fire departments, a RFA delivers faster, more effective responses, improves public safety, and lowers costs for taxpayers.
In February 2025, voters in Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline will have the opportunity to create a Regional Fire Authority by combining the Shoreline and Northshore Fire Departments. This proposal builds on years of successful collaboration, ensuring stronger, more sustainable fire and emergency services for our communities.
Ballot Measure Information
- Ballot Measure Title
- Ballot Measure Explanatory Statement
- Shoreline/Northshore RFA Joint Resolution
- Regional Fire Authority Overview and Benefits
RFA Proposal Information
- Shoreline and Northshore Fire Department RFA Plan
- Understanding How Much You Pay for Fire and Emergency Services – Shoreline Fire District
- Understanding How Much You Pay for Fire and Emergency Services – Northshore Fire District
RFA Resources
The Benefits of Regionalizing Fire Services
Enhanced Emergency Services
- Faster, more effective responses through better coordination and resource sharing.
- Improved technical rescue capabilities in Shoreline, Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.
- Flexible deployment of fire trucks and aid cars based on need.
- Continued firefighter collaboration ensures seamless operations and improved service delivery.
Significant Taxpayer Savings
- $196,000 in annual administrative savings and over $3 million in reduced redundancies by 2026.
- Savings for 100% of homeowners and 98% of property owners in the Fire District.
- Preserves Washington Surveying and Rating Bureau Class 2 rating leading to insurance savings and lower levy rates.
Sustainability and Streamlined Management
- Shared resources provide sustainable services, protect property values, and diversify revenue.
- Strengthened grant opportunities for enhancements like a fire/rescue boat for Lake Washington.
- Streamlined administration eliminates duplication, enabling more efficient resource management.
Together, we can ensure a safer,
stronger future for our communities.
By forming a Regional Fire Authority, we are investing in a more unified and efficient fire and emergency medical service system—one that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility. This collaboration strengthens our ability to respond to emergencies, protects property values, and enhances the quality of life for every resident.
We know you have questions, and we’re here with answers!
This short video explains how an RFA works, why it’s important, and how it can strengthen emergency services for our community.
Watch now to learn how Shoreline Fire is working to ensure faster response times, improved coordination, and sustainable funding for public safety.
Together, we can build a safer future for Shoreline!
Sign Up to stay connected with the proposed Regional Fire Authority (RFA) ballot measure for Shoreline and Northshore Fire Departments.
