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Welcome to 2020! I am excited for the opportunities ahead of us. One of my highest priorities is to improve the county’s service to the public. As County Executive to such a large and diverse community as ours, I’m always looking to resolve challenges facing our community and thereby capitalize on opportunities to benefit our residents.
As I enter my second term as County Executive, I will continue to partner with every department and office in Snohomish County’s government to make our work even more responsive to public need. If every public official is working to solve problems, find creative solutions, and improve our positive impact on the community, we will have fulfilled our responsibilities.
Snohomish County is the third largest county by population in the state and is projected to move into second place, as we pass over one million residents by 2040. Every member of the public should know that each of us in county government is constantly working to improve how we deliver services. Sometimes that means taking on big ideas and running with them. Other times it may mean taking the next, small step in improving our processes and operations..
Have a productive and safe 2020!
 Recently, two major programs were announced in Snohomish County: an innovative regional partnership and a new apprenticeship program.
Cascade Industrial Center
Earlier this month, the City of Marysville, City of Arlington, and Port of Everett signed a Memorandum of Understanding, establishing an official partnership to give the Cascade Industrial Center (CIC) access to additional economic development tools for job creation and business development. Snohomish County is a strong supporter of these efforts. We were a key partner in the process of earning the Regional Manufacturing Industrial Center designation from the Puget Sound Regional Council and in rebranding and marketing efforts to increase the visibility of the CIC.
The CIC is a prime location for manufacturing and industrial development. With their strategic location between Seattle and Vancouver, BC, close proximity to I-5, four airports, and three deep water ports, and available tax incentives, I anticipate major growth and the creation of thousands of jobs within the CIC over the next several years. That is something we can all get behind!
Regional Apprenticeship Pathways Program
Earlier this month, County Council Chair Nate Nehring hosted a ribbon cutting for the Regional Apprenticeship Pathways Program (RAPP) at Marysville Pilchuck High School. This program will help increase the number of skilled trade workers and provide Marysville and Arlington students with the necessary skills to pursue apprenticeships in construction, electrical, and labor trades after graduation.
I was proud to secure a $200,000 grant from Sound Transit to make the RAPP a reality. My office also lobbied the state for funding and have been strong advocates to ensure this program can succeed.
It’s vital to provide our students with employment options and access to the training they need to find stable, well-paid jobs. Programs such as RAPP are a great step toward creating more family wage jobs in a high-demand industry here in Snohomish County.
 Every year I am impressed by the generosity of our county staff. And 2020 will be no different because of the employees who signed up for our Snohomish County Employee Charitable Campaign.
In partnership with America’s Charities, Snohomish County employees give significant gifts to non-profit organizations to support initiatives and programs that are vital to making our community a better place to live and work. Employees have over 800 charity options to choose from, providing lots of opportunities to support causes that are meaningful to them.
Our theme this year is “Be The Change,” because our generosity can affect the change we want to see in our communities, our country, and our world.
I appreciate the generous donations given by Snohomish County's employees and look forward to continuing this great campaign next year.
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