I am amazed by the outpouring of support for Officer Rocha’s family, the Everett Police Department, and those who knew and cared for him. It is clear that our community stands strong with law enforcement, especially during this very difficult time. 

Discussion on Police Reforms 

At a time when law enforcement personnel are facing serious challenges throughout the county and region, we are struggling with some of the reforms recently passed by the legislature. 

On May 11th, I joined Sheriff Adam Fortney, other law enforcement leaders, and elected officials for a meeting with the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). At the meeting WASPC staff shared a presentation on the police reforms adopted in Olympia in 2021 and some of the changes they passed in 2022.  

While the legislature did make progress to fix some of the issues surrounding use of force and law enforcement equipment restrictions, there remain serious concerns with the restrictions on vehicle pursuits. We watched body cam footage of criminals using cars to escape crime scenes, knowing full well that state law currently prevents police officers from being able to pursue them.  

It was clear from our discussions that serious changes need to be made to these laws so that our law enforcement personnel have the tools they need to keep our communities safe. I am committed to working with my fellow elected officials and law enforcement leaders to bring this message to legislators in Olympia.  

Strawberry Fields Project 

Last month, I joined the City of Marysville and Amazon in announcing a project to invest $1.7 million to improve Strawberry Fields in Marysville. The improvements include a brand new turf soccer field and bleachers, a new children’s playground, and improvements to the popular off-leash dog park trail.  

Snohomish County is investing $1 million in the project, Amazon is donating $140k grant, and the City of Marysville is funding the remaining costs.  

This is an exciting project for North Snohomish County and will bring valuable recreational opportunities for many years to come. One of my favorite parts about the project is that it will serve several diverse recreational user groups, including athletes, young families, and dog-owners. I thank our partners at the City and Amazon for helping to make this vision a reality. 

Sultan Middle School Field Trip 

On Thursday, April 14th, over 70 students from Sultan Middle School visited the Snohomish County Campus in Everett. Councilmember Sam Low and I had the opportunity to speak to these students about County Government, our jobs on the County Council, and some of the important issues facing our communities.  

I was encouraged by the great questions and insights the students shared with us during our time with them. We gave them real life issues facing the community and worked with them to come up with solutions that balance the competing interests of community members. 

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with these students and look forward to more school visits in the future. 

Granite Falls Bridge Ceremony 

On April 15th, I joined Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, Executive Somers, and staff from Snohomish County at a ceremony to celebrate the funding of a new bridge on the Mountain Loop Highway just outside of Granite Falls.  

The Bridge 102 replacement will be longer and wider to meet updated bridge standards as well as provide room for sidewalks and bike lanes for safe pedestrian access. This bridge has been in need of replacement for years and we are finally able to make it happen through a $22.1 million RAISE grant from the federal government.  

This project has been years in the making, and I appreciate the hard work of our County staff and the partnerships that made it possible. 

EASC Annual Meeting 

On Wednesday, April 26th, I attended the Economic Alliance Snohomish County’s Annual meeting at the Tulalip Resort. At the Annual Meeting, an economic forecast highlighted the challenges and opportunities we are facing locally with respect to jobs, inflation, and growing industries in our county. 

We also heard about EASC’s plans in the upcoming year to continue building industry and attracting new employers to Snohomish County. It is crucial that we create more local jobs to support our growing population and reduce commute times for workers.  

Marysville-Tulalip Chamber Update 

On Friday, April 29th, I presented a Snohomish County Update to the Marysville-Tulalip Chamber of Commerce.  

At the Business Before Hours meeting, I highlighted 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.     

District 1 Survey

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. 

I 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.