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In times of intense political polarization, it is important that we focus on what unites us and keeps our community moving forward. That is what makes our region and country strong. We love our beautiful corner of the world and want to make sure that generations to come will also be surrounded by pristine forests, clean water, and abundant wildlife. We value service to others and selflessness. We believe that the rule of law is vital for our system to function. We believe in looking out for all our fellow county residents and helping when they need a hand. Our values have not changed. As County Executive, I can and will continue to defend our values and provide the best possible service to Snohomish County’s residents.
We will continue to closely monitor federal developments, and we are preparing contingency plans in case the federal government does not honor previously signed contracts and agreements. As you may know, the county receives a significant amount of federal funding to support a wide range of projects and services, including road construction, housing services, emergency preparedness, public health, and our parks system. We are better able to serve the county because of the investment of these federal funds into our community.
I will continue to lead Snohomish County with a service mindset, common sense, and a desire to use resources as wisely and efficiently as possible. Let us continue to focus on what we do best, delivering services for our residents. Though national politics and elections can have profound impacts they do not change who we are in Snohomish County. That’s the beauty of our democratic system of government.
 A bright blue sky in the background with an American flag on the top of a ferry unfurling in the breeze. A seagull glides above the scene.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers announced this week that Economic Alliance Snohomish County will continue as the county’s Associate Economic Development Organization.
Associate Economic Development Organizations (ADOs) are local organizations, designated at the county level, to support economic development work such as business recruitment, retention, and expansion. ADOs receive funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce to support this work, with the goal of driving job creation, economic growth, and capital investment within their county. The ADO designation lasts two years, and the current designation ends June 30, 2025. This week’s announcement will maintain Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) as the ADO at least into 2027.
The designation of EASC as the ADO for two more years comes after a change in the organization’s leadership. Ray Stephanson became the interim Executive Director and CEO of EASC in December 2024. Stephanson will work closely with Snohomish County Executive Director Mike Fong, who rejoined the county at the start of this year after most recently serving as director of the state Department of Commerce.
The ADO announcement alongside the recent leadership change offers a timely opportunity to reset and strengthen collaboration between the county, EASC, and key partners at the regional, state, and global level. By taking a multi-layered approach to economic development that starts local and connects effectively into regional and state initiatives, the county is poised to continue building our economic strength and resilience.
Snohomish County government and EASC are committed to supporting a vibrant business community, encouraging innovation, and enacting a sustainable economic development strategy. We look forward to working together to help our county thrive.
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The first part of February brought a stretch of snow and prolonged freezing temperatures. County crews quickly stood up to keep our roads safe in winter weather.
Public Works maintains more than 1,600 miles of road in unincorporated Snohomish County and has pre-determined priority routes based on several factors including traffic and access to emergency services. When snow accumulates, crews continuously work to keep those routes clear before moving on to secondary and tertiary routes. Snohomish County Road Maintenance crews plowed thousands of miles of roads during last week’s winter weather. As a snapshot, over two days of 24/7 response, crews in dozens of trucks traveled and treated about 16,000 miles total, which is the equivalent of traveling between Everett and Miami, Fla., more than four times.
I want to thank our Public Works crews for their hard work to keep our community safe. I also want to thank all the first responders throughout Snohomish County who are prepared to serve our community no matter the weather.
 Some resources to keep in mind for winter weather:
- The Snohomish County Snow and Ice Response page, which includes links to road closure information as well as the snow and ice removal map.
- The Cold Weather Shelter Page with information on daytime warming and overnight cold weather shelters in Snohomish County. You can also learn how to donate or volunteer.
A photo of people in front of a FIFA World Cup 2026 backdrop.
Snohomish County Surface Water Management has added river-gauge notifications to its Real-Time Flood Information Center. Anyone can sign up for text or email notifications when any of the 16 river gauges in the county reach flood phases 2 through 4.
People can select specific river gauges and flood phases they wish to monitor and will be notified when the river exceeds the flood phase(s), and when it recedes below the flood phase(s) they signed up for.
These notifications are different from the SnoCo Alerts system managed by the Department of Emergency Management. While SnoCo Alerts provide life-safety information and directives for immediate action, the river gauge notifications are informational and based on real-time conditions without forecasting future flood scenarios.
To sign up, go to https://snohomish.onerain.com, click “Subscribe to Flood Notifications,” select which river basin you are interested in, then select the gauge and phase.
Questions? Email: Flood.Watch@snoco.org
The Snohomish County Planning and Development Services Department (PDS) has started a series of public engagement activities this month and next to invite residents to participate in shaping the future Light Rail Community (LRC) zone.
The LRC zone is proposed around the future light rail stations at Ash Way, Mariner, and SR 99/Airport Road, located in the Urban Core Subarea of Snohomish County between Everett, Mill Creek, Lynnwood, and Mukilteo. The proposed zone aims to support high-density residential, commercial, office, and community service uses. It includes regulations on building heights, densities, setbacks, design standards, parking, inclusionary housing, and amenities to promote pedestrian and transit-friendly development.
The public outreach period for the draft LRC zone regulations will run from February 1 to March 14, 2025. Comments can be submitted via email, the online LRC Zone Survey, or by attending a virtual open house. Learn more about the LRC zone and find details for the open houses – scheduled for Feb. 12 and Feb. 27 – on the Light Rail Communities project webpage.
The Administrative Offices at Snohomish County’s Paine Field Airport are relocating to a state-of-the-art facility this month. The new address will be 9901 24th Place W, Everett, just a few blocks from the current location.
The move will give county airport employees a more modern workspace, support a growing team, and enhance efficiency by bringing staff into one building. I appreciate the team’s preparation and care in ensuring the move will cause minimal disruption to services. I know they look forward to welcoming airport customers to the new location before the end of the month.
 A sunset view of the Evergreen State Fair, with bright lights on ferris wheels and roller coasters.
Vendor applications are being accepted for the 2025 Evergreen State Fair, which will run August 21 to 26 and August 28 to September 1, 2025.
Available vendor spaces to rent include commercial exhibitor booths both inside the Event Center and outside throughout the grounds; outdoor food concessionaire spaces (limited availability for 2025); and one-day information spaces for community-service non-profit organizations that provide services, programs, and resources to the public.
The Fair is always looking for new and different products from those currently present. The following products are already sufficiently represented at the Fair and are not being given consideration at this time: Gaming or amusement vendors (bouncy houses, pitching machines, etc.), clothing, jewelry or jewelry related products, psychics, palm or tarot card readers, temporary tattoo, airbrush or face painters. Food: hamburgers, hot dogs, espresso, or ice cream products.
Whether a vendor is interested in showcasing their business or offering the latest and greatest item, they must first apply. More information and the vendor application can be found at: https://www.evergreenfair.org/157/Vendors
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