Dear Friend:

As always, our office is here as a resource to you. You can also find me online on Facebook and Twitter. My office is committed to being responsive and helpful. If you have any comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at Megan.Dunn@snoco.org. You can also call my office at 425-388-3494. 

Be Well, 

Megan 

Housing and homelessness is a top concern of mine and the county has been working hard to address this issue with proven solutions. In 2019, Executive Somers formed the Housing Affordability Regional Taskforce, or HART, to help identify gaps in housing affordability and what can be done by local leaders to address this issue. Report findings included addressing the need for emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Our annual Point In Time Count shows that there has been a steady increase in the number of people experiencing homelessness over the years, with this year’s count tallied 1,184 people without permanent shelter in our county. With only a little over 600 shelter beds available in the county, at least 500 people are left without a safe place to stay each night. Many of the struggles were outlined in this Housing Informational Panel that I hosted earlier this year.  

The HART Report also found that government action is critical to addressing the imbalances in the market. Last year I was proud to champion efforts to implement the 1/10th of 1% sales tax increase to provide funding for affordable housing and behavioral health which will more than double the current production rate of affordable housing units. This funding coupled with these two hotel purchases for bridge housing with wraparound services will make a substantial impact to help house unsheltered neighbors and give them access to the services needed to help them stabilize. The county has been making bold steps to identify the need, set a plan, establish funding, and then utilize these stepping stones to bring about real change and it has been an honor to shepherd these initiatives through.  

The three motions passed at the August 17 General Legislative Session (Motions 22-330, 22-314, and Substitute Motion 22-338) approved the purchase of two hotels – one in Edmonds and one in Everett – to convert into bridge housing with 24/7 site management and access to wraparound services. We decided as a council and county over a year ago to purchase a hotel to convert it into transitional housing. Studies have shown over and over that the Housing First Model works. Moving a person into safe stable housing FIRST, THEN offering treatment and services when they’re ready is the most effective way to help a person work towards stability. 

A councilmember proposed mandatory substance abuse treatment in exchange for accepting housing, but studies show that people forced into treatment before they're ready are more likely to relapse which puts unnecessary strain on our system and doesn't set up people experiencing substance use disorder for success. The Housing First model is the most fiscally conservative use of funds because it reduces the number of times a person loops through the system and it fulfills a promise to provide dignified housing for those at risk, including our vets and our community members with disabilities. There is also no evidence that punishing people with substance use disorder by leaving them out on the street is an effective way to address homelessness or substance abuse.    

I’m proud that my family and I live one block from a homeless shelter for women and children; we have wonderful neighborhood events and celebrations together as a community and we support each other in times of need. I am proud to have voted in favor of the hotel/motel purchase which is the first time the County has purchased a hotel for transitional sheltering with wraparound services. We have been discussing this purchase for over a year, and received hundreds of supportive public comments and input from an intentional and particularity process with the road show events lead by the Office of Recovery and Resiliency. This purchase will increase our sheltering capacity by over 20% at a time when it’s desperately needed and is coupled with wraparound treatment that will help people get back on their feet.

This transaction is just one piece in the process to end homelessness, but I fully acknowledge that there is much more work to be done and I’m grateful to those of us on the council willing to put in the work and support this issue. 

The county has over 40 boards and commissions which give the public an opportunity to be engaged in county government. Many of the boards or commissions advise county administration and council on matters that come before us. The county is actively recruiting applicants for three of the boards that have openings: 

• The Performance Audit Committee supports efficient and transparent government operations. There are currently positions available for persons who live in council districts two, three, and four, and one at-large position. The application can be found at https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/OnlineBCBAForm or email karen.anderson@snoco.org for more information.  
• The Tourism Promotion Area Advisory Board helps bring events and overnight stays to Snohomish County. There are currently five vacancies on the TPA Board: one lodging vacancy for County Council District 5, two positions (lodging and non-lodging) for County Council District 4, and two “at-large” or county-wide lodging positions. Please visit this page for more info and to apply: https://snohomishcountywa.gov/5416/Tourism-Promotion-Area-Advisory-Board   
• There are currently two vacancies on the Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board: one for County Council District 3 and one for an “at-large” or county-wide position. Both positions are open until filled. Please visit the Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board webpage for more information. 

If you’re interested in serving in a different capacity, please take a look through the boards and commissions website if there's something else that aligns with your interests and let me know if I can help in any way.  

Working Washington Grants Round 5 is accepting applications through September 9th. These small business grants are through the Washington State Department of Commerce and are available for some small businesses to apply. In this round of Working Washington grants, available funds are set aside for specific targeted groups or sectors: 

• 60% is identified for the arts, heritage, and science sectors, including those that operate live entertainment venues 
• 40% is identified for most other sectors, including hospitality, fitness, and personal services 

An informational webinar is available on August 24 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm. Or for more information about eligibility and how to apply, check the Department of Commerce website at https://commercegrants.com/.  

The County’s largest sponsored event kicks off this week! The Evergreen State Fair goes from August 25-30 and September 1-5 this year. On August 30 from 9-11a the Fair hosts Evergreen Morning of Dreams for children and adults with special needs to experience the fun of the Fair in a calmer setting.  Accessibility for all is important to the team at the Fair and this year they have installed an adult changing station for those who need the privacy and comfort of having this space. There are also wheelchair and stroller rentals available. The Fair is also the first Fair in the Country to implement a Zero Waste initiative in 2014.  

I am looking forward to opening day and enjoying the sights and sounds of the Fair. For more information, tickets, and events, please visit their website.  

The Evergreen State Fairgrounds has exciting events all year round. I recently joined for a NASCAR event at the Speedway and had a great time. Here's a pic from the Winner's Circle:

The Seattle Northcountry new series called “Bites” recently highlighted a great business right here in District 2. The Grape & Grain in Everett opened during the pandemic and has a great selection of wines and beers available to either enjoy on their patio or take home. They have a great space and a handsome German Shepard named Bo. Check out the video below, or visit them in-person at 6502 Evergreen Way, Everett.  

Here’s the video link: https://platform.crowdriff.com/m/s-4-Wf3RrZRahn_n5Z 

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 you can call our office as well at 425-388-3494.

Stay Well, 

Megan