The Sammamish City Council annual retreat begins Thursday with dinner and continues through at least noon Saturday.

For the first time in the city’s history, the retreat will be held within the city limits—this time at the Plateau Country Club.

The retreat is the City Council’s annual strategy session at which goals for the year and medium- to long-term are set.

With four new council members this year, the largest turnover since the 1999 incorporation, this retreat takes on special significance.

Financial updates, traffic concurrency and storm water management will undoubtedly be discussed.The building moratorium, development and environmental issues will almost certainly be discussed as well.

The agenda and packets haven’t been posted on the city’s website at this writing.

The retreat is open to public attendance. Because the retreat is locally held, it will not be webcast this year.