Megan Dunn's eNewsletter
Snohomish County Council
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
E-Mail: Megan.Dunn@snoco.org
Paula Rhyne, Legislative Aide
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Thank you to everyone who was able to join the March 2 Vaccine Town Hall that I hosted with Council Chair Stephanie Wright. Co-hosts included the Tulalip Tribes, State Representatives Mike Sells, Strom Peterson, and Emily Wicks, Everett City Councilmember Scott Bader, and Mukilteo City Councilmember Elisabeth Crawford. We had a great virtual turnout and I’m glad that we were able to provide critical information to the public with this event. More information can be found below.
The County’s response to COVID has been going full-steam for a year now. It was around this time last year that all of our lives changed forever when our community members became sick or hospitalized and event after event was cancelled out of an abundance of caution, and eventual shutdowns occurred. Our lives will likely never be the same, even after we move past COVID. I’m proud of our County’s response, especially considering that the very first case in the nation was right here in District 2. I’m thrilled to see more vaccines administered in the county as the distribution continues to ramp up.
In this newsletter, I’ll share more about the Vaccine Town Hall along with information about Snohomish County’s current vaccination facilities. Governor Inslee also recently announced new guidelines regarding vaccine schedules and timelines, and I’ll be sure to touch on that as well. Below you will also read the statement in support of our Asian-American and Pacific Islander community, dedicated funding for early learning that Council recently passed, information about an opening for a District 2 representative on our County’s Human Right’s Commission, statement on 14th Ave extension project in Bothell, new small business grants and CARES Dollars, and a new survey on Broadband access.
I hope that you are safe and well. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of assistance in any way. You can always email me at megan.dunn@snoco.org, or email my Legislative Aide, Paula Rhyne, at paula.rhyne@snoco.org, and we will get back to you asap. You can also call our offices at 425-388-3494 and leave a message and we will call you back.
On March 2, Council Chair Stephanie Wright and I hosted a Vaccine Town Hall to help answer questions from the public about the vaccine and the vaccine rollout. We have been hearing from a lot of frustrated constituents about the appointment process, and with concerns about our senior population who may not have access to a computer to sign up online. Panelists for the Town Hall included Rochelle Lubbers from the Tulalip Tribes, Jason Biermann from the County’s Department of Emergency Management, and Dr. Chris Spitters and Shawn Frederick from the Snohomish Health Department. Here is a link to the YouTube video of the event, and on this webpage, under the “Video Briefings” tab, you can find the links to download the PowerPoint presentations in English and Spanish.
We heard from constituents with concerns about leaving our seniors and marginalized communities behind because they may not have access to a computer to sign up, or because accurate information may not be reaching them. An equitable vaccine distribution is at the forefront of policy decisions and a matter that we take very seriously. As vaccine availability ramps up, we are working to ensure that no one is left behind.
With specific regard to our senior population, at this point, all residents and staff in adult family homes in the county have been fully vaccinated, if desired. Staff at the Department of Emergency Management and at the Snohomish Health District are also working on conducting mobile clinics to help people who may be homebound. If someone doesn’t have access to a computer, they can also call the COVID-19 Call Center at 425-339-5278 to help with securing an appointment. The Call Center now has expanded hours to help accommodate the call volume.
Staff is also working to intentionally include BIPOC communities. On February 11, the county met with key community leaders to discuss logistics and identify barriers. Since then, staff provided 400 doses of the vaccine at a BIPOC-centered vaccination clinic.
There has been an incredible amount of movement from the Federal Government to distribute vaccines to the nation. Washington State and Snohomish County were ready. We have stood up a fifth mass vaccination site at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett which offers the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, and have plans ready to open up to seven total mass sites, when needed.
We are currently in Phase 1B Tier 2, and high-risk workers in certain congregate settings along with people 16 and older who are either pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness are now eligible. K-12 educators, staff, and child care staff are also now eligible. Most of the County’s vaccination sites have moved to a new sign-up system to work in partnership with the state data system. Information about efforts at the county along with links to check registration availability for a vaccine can be found at this link.
Last, as of March 22, all of Washington State has moved to Phase 3 of opening. Among the new guidelines includes that indoor activities such as restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, and movie theaters can reopen at 50% capacity, and larger spectator events are allowed, with limitations, as well.
I’m so grateful for every single person who has worked hard to put this pandemic behind us. We are almost there!
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In response to the horrific murders in Atlanta recently which targeted Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people, Executive Somers, Council Chair Stephanie Wright, and myself as Vice-Chair of Council issued the following statement:
There has been an increase in anti-Asian hate crimes in the United States, including in our own community, and the horrible murders in Georgia yesterday should make us all more determined than ever to work for an end to acts of hate. There is no place for hate, violence, and racism in Snohomish County. We condemn these crimes against our Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. We will continue to work to advance justice for all of our residents, and we are committed to ensuring Snohomish County government values every community who lives, works, or plays here. The longstanding contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to our democracy, economy, culture, and way of life deserve our honor and gratitude. Snohomish County stands in solidarity with all who are the targets of hate.
(Thank you to Angela and Han of Anti-Racist Communities in Bothell for their assistance with the following section):
In America, there has always been an undercurrent of anti-Asian sentiment. It is important to understand the longstanding history of anti-Asian rhetoric, which leaves the Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community out of American history. From the way AAPI people are portrayed in media, books, and in your own home when we speak with our friends and family, these are the seeds to the violent acts carried like the one carried out in Georgia. Since COVID-19, there has been an increase in anti-Asian hate incidences and crimes in the United States, including in our own community, and the horrible murders in Georgia. These violent acts should make us all more determined than ever to work for an end to bias and discrimination.
I remain committed to anti-racism efforts and stand by the members of our AAPI community.
The Puget Sound Transportation Accountability Account, or PSTAA (“Pasta”) funds were created in 2015 as an amendment to the State Transportation Revenue Package. Funding is generated by a regional tax on Sound Transit construction projects, and per RCW 43.79.520 the funds generated can only be used to “improve educational outcomes in early learning, K-12, and higher education including, but not limited to, for facilities and programs for children and youth that are low-income, homeless, or in foster care, or other vulnerable populations.” We are authorized to appropriate $800,000 in 2021, and the Snohomish County Council recently amended their decision about how the money should be allocated.
In early 2020, Chair Wright and I supported dedicated funding for early learning programs with PSTAA funds because helping students prepare for school is the most important investment we can make for our community. I advocated for a 1/3 split between early learning, K-12, and higher education, but council ultimately approved a 50/50 split between K-12 and higher education, without specifications for early learning programs.
The matter was recently brought back before Council and we decided on a new allocation of these funds. The new funding allocation will direct 67% of the total funding go to K-12 education with all funds directed towards early learning programs and a requirement to work directly with community based providers for half of the funds. The remaining 33% will be split evenly between our three higher education facilities in Snohomish County, with at least 10% of this funding directed towards early learning programs, while the rest is flexible.
I am grateful to our higher education, K-12 school districts, and community organizations who have been participating in multiple discussions, and I’m especially grateful to Councilmember Mead for his leadership and support for this program. By now supporting early learning with dedicated and sustainable funds through these changes, we will be making measurable improvements in educational outcomes for children and youth that are low-income, homeless, or in foster care, or other vulnerable populations.
In 2020, Washington State passed HB 2405, which enables counties to establish Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience (C-PACER) programs. C-PACER programs allow property owners to access financing for qualifying energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation, and resiliency improvements for their buildings. The financing stays with the property, rather than with the building owner.
Local environmental groups (such as Shift Zero) recently developed model county program documents that individual counties could use to create their own programs and help buildings become more efficient and resilient. If we were to implement this program in Snohomish County, it would benefit local businesses that need to comply with new regulations for commercial buildings and assist with long term cost-savings from energy efficiencies and other upgrades. I would love to hear from you if C-PACER is an effort that the county should prioritize. Please email me at megan.dunn@snoco.org to share your thoughts and suggestions.
The Snohomish County Human Rights Commission (SCHRC) serves as an advisory body to the County Executive, County Council, WA State Human Rights Commission, and other county officers and agencies regarding matters concerning human rights. Members meet monthly and are currently meeting via Zoom. There is or a District 2 Representative on the Human Rights Commission. If you are interested in applying, herSCHRC page with more information and how to apply. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me or Sherry Cuddy, the staff liaison, at sherry.cuddy@snoco.org or 425-388-7308.
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Council heard from residents and environmental groups in opposition to a roadway extension in Bothell. The project would extend 14th Avenue West from 220th Street to Locust Way and construct a new 2-3 lane roadway with bike lanes, curb, gutter, sidewalks, and drainage. I recently met with public works staff to better understand this project. Public Works staff put together a report outlining the impacts that this project would have on local wildlife and amphibians, as well as plans for mitigating these impacts. As a strong environmentalist, I am following the wetland impact and water quality considerations closely. It’s also important to me to protect the safety of the residents in these neighborhoods and not expose them to high traffic.
I supported the motion to delay this project until we can incorporate concerns and look for new solutions. I will make sure interested parties will be notified regarding next steps and that the community will be included in the next steps of this project if the County decides to move forward with the extension. I appreciate the public involvement in this project, the written comments and testimony we received were instrumental in putting this on hold so we can take a closer look at a long-term plan.
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The State recently announced the availability of new Working Washington small business grants for business owners who have been impacted by the COVID-19 shutdowns. These grants from the Washington State Department of Commerce are aimed towards small businesses in industries that have been hardest hit. Businesses that have already received a grant are still eligible to apply, but awards may be reduced for that business depending on how much money was first awarded. Applications open on March 29.
Additionally, the Greater Seattle Business Association also has grant funding available for small businesses. The Ready for Business Grant opened on March 15 and closes on April 9 and has $2,500 cash grants available for small businesses who have been impacted by COVID-19.
If any small businesses need assistance in applying for these or other grants, contact Giselle Saguid, Associate Business Advisor with Washington Small Business Development Center. They recently started an informational webinar for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) and the Shuttered Venue Operation Grant. For more information about the free webinars, click here.
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Snohomish County partners with local Community Resource Centers (CRC) all across the county and these CRCs may have funding available for individuals who are having a difficult time making ends meet due to COVID. They might be able to help with certain household expenses like utility costs, food, transportation, medical care, and other life sustaining services. Please click here for more information, and please share with those who may be in need. It is also available in Spanish and Russian.
Council recently passed Joint Resolution #21-007 declaring March 29 - April 2 as “Broadband Access Week” in Snohomish County. COVID-19 has shown the large gaps in access to internet connectivity, particularly for our neighbors in rural areas. The Washington State Broadband Office in the Department of Commerce recently put together a survey for the public to complete which will identify areas of the county that have adequate, inadequate, or no broadband service. Please take a moment to complete the 1-minute survey on this page to help efforts in the county. Our community is stronger when we all have equitable access to reliable, timely, and relevant information. Improving broadband access will improve equity across the county and I encourage all of our residents to take part in the survey and help us make the case for better access.
Now through the end of April, the Northwest Stream Center is hosting the Swamp Lantern Festival to celebrate one of the first spring flowers of the Pacific Northwest: The Skunk Cabbage. Please go to their website to reserve a time to walk the ½-mile, stroller and wheelchair friendly route through cedar groves, salmon streams, and wetlands. The Northwest Stream Center is open on a reservation basis only, Tuesdays – Saturdays from 10-4p. Admission rates are listed on their website. I’m a proud member of the NW Stream Center, it’s fantastic family-friendly walk, even during the Spring rains.
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Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. It’s important to me to keep you updated on my work at the County and updates from my district. If you are in need of any assistance or if there is any county information that I can help to provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at Megan.Dunn@snoco.org, or with my aide at Paula.Rhyne@snoco.org. You can call our office as well at 425-388-3494 to leave a message and we’ll return your call.
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