Councilmember Nehring's May Newsletter

Dear North County Neighbors,

As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, much of our attention is turning to the recovery phase of our current situation. In this month’s newsletter I will be highlighting the Economic Recovery Task Force that I am co-chairing and the work of our North County Economic Recovery Advisory Board.

On April 3rd, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and I announced the formation of the Economic and Workforce Recovery Task Force. The Task Force membership consists of leaders from private sector business, local government, and community organizations. We will be working to assess the needs of our employers and workforce and identify solutions to assist in economic recovery efforts.

As a part of the task force, I have convened a group of business and community leaders in North Snohomish County to identify needs, requests, and ideas as we work together to move forward in the economic recovery. This group consists of 25 members. These members include representatives from local businesses, city government, local chambers of commerce, and non-profits serving North Snohomish County. I am extremely grateful to this dedicated group of individuals for giving their time and expertise to this effort.

On April 28th, this Advisory Board met for the first time to discuss the business and workforce needs in North County as we look at re-opening the economy. The main topic of conversation was centered on the biggest needs and challenges facing employers and employees moving into an economic recovery effort. We heard great feedback from board members and were able to identify specific items that need to be addressed.

The main takeaways from our first meeting included:

   · The need for a clear timeline from the state on re-opening by sector/industry

   · More advanced notice to affected employers to give time to make arrangements with staff, PPE, protocols and guidance

   · Better messaging regarding expectations for health and safety precautions upon re-opening

   · How to get/provide resources, specifically for small businesses, including PPE, sanitation equipment, and childcare

   · Need for local government to be ready to process permits/approvals in a timely manner after industries are opened up

   · Potential for a purchasing co-op for small and medium-sized businesses to make bulk orders of PPE

Based on this feedback, we will be preparing a report to the Economic Recovery Task Force for their consideration. The Task Force will consider these needs and suggestions to develop strategies for economic stabilization, recovery, and resilience of businesses and workers in Snohomish County. This information will also be used in regional discussions about moving the economy forward following COVID-19. The Snohomish County Future Workforce Alliance will rely on much of this work as well to support the alignment of workforce development to match the needs of our employers.

Our communities have done a great job in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak. Because of the great sacrifice made by so many, we have been able to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus. It is important now that we prepare for the re-opening of our economy. The work of the Economic Recovery Task Force and North County Economic Recovery Advisory Board are a first step in that direction.

I will continue to provide updates in our efforts to respond to COVID-19 and share monthly newsletters updating you on our work at the Snohomish County Council. Please do not hesitate in reaching out to my office with any questions or concerns at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org or 425-388-3494.

Sincerely,

Nate Nehring
Councilman, District 1

Snohomish County Council 3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609 Everett, Washington 98201   8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building  Phone: 425-388-3494 E-Mail: Nate.Nehring@snoco.org   Russell Wiita, Legislative Aide