While there are controversial funding mechanisms included in the transportation package and many projects left unfunded, there were some wins for North Snohomish County. The package backfills the gap in funding for the new I-5/SR 529 interchange in Marysville along with an added I-5 lane between Marysville and Everett and also provides design funding for the Grove Street Overcrossing project.  

The legislature also took action to correct some, but not all, of the issues created by their police reform proposals last year. They fixed some issues created by their use of force bill. The changes make it clear that officers may use force to detain someone in behavioral health crises. This was a critical change to allow law enforcement to assist social workers dealing with some of the most difficult situations on the street. They also clarified that police agencies can possess and use less-lethal weapons for crowd control which was complicated by the previous bills. 

Left unaddressed was the reform which limits police ability to pursue suspects of crimes. This issue has created challenges for our officers when they are responding to and investigating crimes. It is disappointing that the legislature adjourned before addressing this critical issue. I will be joining many other local officials in strongly urging them to make these needed changes in the 2023 session. Our communities are seeing significant increases in crime; we cannot afford to continue making it more difficult for law enforcement to do their job of keeping our communities safe.  

DADU Ordinance 

On March 9th, the Snohomish County Council passed my proposed ordinance to expand the ability of property owners to build detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) on their property. Specifically, Ordinance 22-006 amends the code to allow DADUs on substandard lots and changes distance requirements from the main structure, creating more flexibility for the placement of DADUs in rural areas.  

This ordinance was part of a larger suite of housing affordability legislation I introduced earlier this year. In addition to the changes to DADU regulations, the County Council will also consider other ordinances relating to “missing middle” housing, development agreements, and SEPA exemptions, all of which are currently working their way through the legislative process. 

The Lynnwood Times reported on the ordinance and you can read about it by clicking here. 

“Lead the Way” Graduation Ceremony 

On March 16th, I had the opportunity to attend the “Lead the Way” program graduation hosted by Sheriff Adam Fortney. Lead the Way is a youth-oriented program that helps youth who may be involved with the criminal justice system to get mentorship and get on the right path in life.  

The program is an innovative way to intervene early in the lives of troubled youth and to address problems before they become more serious. I am impressed by the program and so proud of the graduates for making the decision to improve their lives and our community by participating in the program. Thank you to Sheriff Adam Fortney for your work on this program and to everyone who helped make it happen.  

Presentations to Arlington Rotary and Stilly Valley Chamber of Commerce 

In March, I joined the Arlington Rotary Club (March 3rd) and Stilly Valley Chamber of Commerce (March 8th) to provide an update on Snohomish County and projects we are working on in North County. These groups are very engaged in our community and I am grateful that they invited me to present and discuss challenges and opportunities facing our residents and businesses. 

We discussed Snohomish County’s 2022 budget, economic development efforts throughout our area, the Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP) Program, transportation projects, broadband expansion efforts, our regional collaboration with the SWISS counties, affordable housing issues, and public safety.    

If you have a group that would be interested in one of these updates either virtually or in-person, please contact my office at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org.   

SnoPUD Clean Energy Center Tour 

On Monday, March 21st, I had the chance to tour Snohomish PUD’s Clean Energy Center and Microgrid Project in Arlington. The project, near the Arlington Airport, represents new technology and opportunities to improve the resilience of our energy grid. The Clean Energy Center is a place where the public can meet and learn more about how we integrate clean energy technology into our infrastructure and daily lives.  

I am excited that this space will soon be used for education in our community. I am currently working with Snohomish PUD on a project that will help expand learning opportunities about clean energy and look forward to sharing details as we get further along in that project. 

Oso Memorial Ceremony 

On the 8th anniversary of the Oso Slide, I joined community members at the site of the slide to remember the lives lost on that tragic day. Snohomish County staff also provided an update on the permanent memorial, which has now been fully funded. This memorial project has been years in the making and has involved family members of those lost in the slide as well as community members, all of whom have helped raise funds to make this happen. The memorial honors the lives of those killed in the slide and the community coming together after the slide to respond and recover. I am so grateful to the many families and individuals involved in making the memorial a reality. 

Granite Falls Boys and Girls Club Ribbon Cutting 

On March 24th, I joined the Granite Falls community at the ribbon cutting for the new gym at the Granite Falls Boys and Girls Club. I was thankful to be able to participate in the event alongside community members, city leaders, and Boys and Girls Club staff and supporters.  

This gym is a great asset for the Granite Falls community. I appreciate the work the Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County do to provide opportunities for our youth throughout the county. 

SWISS Meeting 

On March 31st, we held a meeting of the SWISS (Snohomish, Whatcom, Island, Skagit, San Juan) Counties. Elected officials from each county met and we discussed the recently finished legislative session and what the actions of the legislature mean for our counties and communities.  

We also discussed a proposal to partner with the Washington State Association of Counties to provide organizational support to SWISS moving forward. This support will help SWISS be more effective as we identify areas of shared interest and create plan for addressing some of the most pressing issues in our region.  

Monthly District 1 Poll

In this month's poll, I am asking North County residents for their feedback on investments they would like to see using the County's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Please take a moment to respond to the poll using this link.

 send out monthly newsletters to keep you informed about what I am working on and how I am representing North Snohomish County on the County Council. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate in reaching out to me at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org or 425-512-4810.

Sincerely,

Nate Nehring