I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and was able to find ways to spend time with family at the end of this tumultuous and trying year. Now, as we dive into 2021, I am optimistic that we are in for a better year than the one we are leaving in our rearview.
Here is a quick update on where we left off in December and some useful information as we transition into the new year.
Before Snohomish County closed out the 2020 calendar year, there was an additional round of CARES dollars that were able to be sent out to businesses throughout Snohomish County. Since the start of the pandemic and through December, in District 4, over 200 businesses received CARES relief dollars totaling to over $3,000,000! If you are the owner of one of these businesses and have questions or concerns relating to the R3 program, please reach out to WorkForce Snohomish, you can also use this link to receive information on when the R3 program reopens. I've also included the following link for more information on the R3 Grant Program and the Snohomish County CARES Business Relief Programs for business and individuals needing support.
Throughout Snohomish County Coronavirus cases are continuing to escalate, please remember to mask up and take care of each other. The latest COVID-19 case count information can be found here, as well as other resources relating to the current coronavirus snapshot.
Recently, Governor Inslee announced the Healthy Washington - Roadmap to Recovery plan. The plan takes a regional approach to fighting the spread and infection rate of Coronavirus, focusing less on hard-driven targets but more on trends.
The State has been split into eight regions, Snohomish County will join Pierce and King County based on available health care services within the regions.
As the need for internet accessibility grows for students who are engaged in distanced learning throughout Snohomish County, Comcast and non-profit partners around the county will install robust WiFi hotspots to more than 10 safe spaces throughout Snohomish County. The initiative will provide free connectivity inside designated community spaces for three years. The program will also include access to hundreds of hours of educational and digital skills content to help families and site coordinators navigate online learning.
Each facility will be run by a nonprofit, city, or business and follow Washington state and local rules respect to indoor gatherings and safety protocols around COVID-19.
This program will help low-income students in Snohomish County who are at risk of being left behind as the ongoing pandemic has accelerated the need for Internet adoption. In addition to WiFi connectivity services, the program offers technology access programs to support distanced learning for at-risk youth in our community. I’ve included a link to an article published by My Edmonds News that highlights the partnership between Comcast and the Snohomish County Boys & Girls Club.
Recently, a seat on the Planning Commission became available to the public. I wanted to give community members a chance to apply. I’ve included additional information including requirements, preferred skills, and additional information on the position below.
Below are the requirements for the vacancy from county code (SCC 2.08.080):
-
The nominee must be a legal resident of the council district for which he or she is nominated;
-
The nominee may not be a Snohomish County employee unless serving as a temporary appointee; and
-
The nominee must have sufficient time to attend all scheduled meetings; and
-
Knowledge of land use theories and growth management legislation
-
Minimal potential for conflict of interest
-
A demonstrated interest in the welfare of Snohomish County
-
Ability to add balance to countywide representation on the commission
-
A background in one or more of the following: architecture, law, farming, recreation, finance, real estate, environment, construction, fisheries, engineering, appraisal, land use planning, education, related backgrounds, or job knowledge or interests that will add balance to the commission; and
The terms are four years, with a limit of three terms. The planning commission meets monthly on the fourth Tuesday from 5:30 ‘till close (typically between 7-9p). Please reach out to my office with the subject headline: Planning Commission Vacancy if you or someone you know may qualify and would be a great fit for this vacancy. Thank you for your interest in participating in our democracy!
On Monday, January 4th, the Snohomish County Council assigned new leadership positions and committee assignments for members of the Council, myself included. For the first time in Snohomish County Council history, two women will hold both the County Council Chair position as well as the Vice Chair position. A huge congratulations to Chair Wright and Vice Chair Dunn for their recent nominations, I was proud to vote for both Councilmember Wright and Dunn to lead the council this year. They are two women that care deeply for our community and I’m excited to work with them in these new roles. Additionally, new committee assignments were distributed for Councilmembers. I will now be sitting on 13 different committees including Snohomish County Tomorrow's Steering Committee, the Transportation Policy Board at PSRC, as well as Community Transit! I am honored to serve the constituents of Snohomish County in these roles throughout the next year.
Contact Councilmember Jared Mead
 |
|
Snohomish County Council
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
E-Mail: Jared.Mead@SnoCo.org
Legislative Aide: Angela Ewert
|
|
