The City of Sammamish held a reception on July 16 to celebrate its 25th anniversary, attended by both current and former council members. This event marked an occasion to reflect on the city's significant growth and transformation since its incorporation in 1999. Initially, Sammamish was a quiet, rural area with limited resources, but it has developed into Washington state's 19th largest city. Ramiro Valderrama, who served on the city council from 2012 to 2020, remarked on the dramatic expansion and positive growth the city has experienced. Early memories of Sammamish included simpler features, such as a two-lane road and a store with a hitching post for horses.

The reception served as a prelude to a larger community jubilee celebration scheduled for August 16. This anniversary not only marks the progress made over the last quarter-century but also aims to engage the community in appreciating its journey. The event underscores the importance of community-focused governance in shaping the identity of Sammamish.