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When temperatures heat up, the county coordinates with local non-profits, churches, libraries and senior centers to operate designated “Cooling Centers” across the county to provide access to temperate environments for their health and safety. Some of these centers will also be open in the event of poor air quality due to wildfire smoke or other circumstances. The Snohomish County Health Department has this weather page to help with information about cooling centers, tips for dealing with hot weather, and signs of heat or air quality-related illness. The county also has this Information Hub Website with up-to-date information on which centers are open. Please stay informed so that you can stay safe.
The Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count provides a snapshot of households experiencing homelessness on a single night, and results from this year’s count were recently made available. The count identified 1,140 people in 890 households experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County, down 1.8% percent (21 fewer people) from 2024. I volunteered for the county in January and met several of our unhoused neighbors to hear the stories behind the data.
The count helps us measure the impact of local programs working to reduce homelessness and is also required for federal grant reporting purposes. While there is still a lot of work to do, it is good news that this year’s count is slightly lower than last year, marking a decrease in homelessness two years in a row. With the two hotel conversions, called New Start Centers, coming online later this year, I remain hopeful that the number of people experiencing homelessness will continue to decrease and more people will have the ability to exit homelessness and access housing with dignity. Council receives monthly written reports and monthly presentations on the progress for these Centers, you can see the latest power point presentation and report here. The Centers are moving forward with mitigation and permitting and are within budget.
Experience the Magic at the 2025 Evergreen State Fair! From carnival rides, to Monster Trucks there is something for everyone. The Fair this year goes from August 21-26 and August 28-September 1. Buy advance gate admission and advance carnival wristbands at https://www.evergreenfair.org/248/The-Evergreen-State-Fair. There are also some great concerts coming to the Grandstands including Wynonna Judd and Stone Temple Pilots. I will be there on the 21st for the Opening Day events and look forward to another great fair season.
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The Evergreen State Fair Advisory Board is looking for applicants to fill the vacant position representing District 2. The Board meets monthly at 7p on the second Tuesday of the month at the Fair Park Administration Office, but a virtual option is also available. The Board aids in managing, preserving, and advising the Evergreen State Fair which is the largest publicly owned fair in the PNW. For more information and to apply, please visit the Board’s landing page here.
As I shared in last month’s newsletter, I serve as co-chair for the Snohomish County Early Learning Coalition and the group recently initiated a survey to help develop a report to identify gaps in childcare services. After gaps or duplications are identified, then it is easier for smart policy development or advocacy to know where or how resources should be directed. This recent Herald article did a great job to highlight the group's work and links to the report as well.
Unfortunately, shortly after the report was finalized and released, state funding for this initiative lapsed and the staff administering the program were unable to carry forward. Myself and the other volunteer co-chair are working to find ways that we can continue moving this important body of work forward with the other volunteer members of the board. I will share updates as they come available.
The County’s Developmental Disabilities Department is partnering with LISC Puget Sound to better understand how individuals with developmental disabilities, along with their families, caregivers, and service providers, experience inclusion in their communities, and what can be done to improve it.
The survey is part of a broader effort to inform future programs, services, and advocacy that make Snohomish County more welcoming, accessible, and inclusive for people of all abilities. We’re especially focused on elevating the voices of those who are often underrepresented in decision-making.
Nubian Jam is celebrating it’s 33rd year and I’m looking forward to the celebration. This year it will be on Saturday, July 26 from 10-7p at Forest Park in Everett. There will be live music, youth activities, featured fashion designers, community resources, and more. Many thanks to the work of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee for putting on this uplifting event.
Most of Snohomish County's District 2 is also covered by the Washington State 38th Legislative District with representation by Senator June Robinson, Representative Mary Fosse, and Representative Julio Cortes. On Monday, July 28 starting at 5:30 in the first floor meeting room at the county campus, they are hosting a Summer Town Hall event. The public is welcome to join and hear directly from their legislators about the work they are doing at the state level to improve our communities. I will be moderating the event and hope to see you there.
Everett Public Schools is hosting a job fair for school district positions on Tuesday, August 12 at their main offices in Everett. They will be accepting applications for all types of school positions including food and nutrition, maintenance, custodial, para educators, and more. The job fair is from 3-7p and applicants needing support to complete an application are welcome to join from 1-3p. Interpretation services will also be available.
The Port of Everett is in its 10th year of hosting Sail-In Cinema Outdoor Movies at Boxcar Park in Everett. Movies are on Fridays from July 25-August 22 and start around dusk. Please bring a blanket or low-back chair to sit in, and bring layers too as it can get chilly after dark. The event is free and open to the public. Click the graphic below for more information and for the full movie line up.
On Tuesday, July 29 at 2p at the Mukilteo Branch of the Sno-Isle Library system, young people are welcome to join Sound Salmon Solutions for an informational talk to learn more about the five Pacific salmon species, their life cycle, and habitats. The program is designed for children ages 8-11 but young people and adults are welcome to participate as well. After the discussion a rain garden activity will follow with part of the program being outdoors. For more information, please visit this webpage.
Here's some pictures from being out 'n about this past month!
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With Autrina Martindale at a recent UNIDOS Event |
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At an Everett Chamber of Commerce Trades Mixer with Ashley Bolden and guests |
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After speaking at a recent Mukilteo Kiwanis event, I was honored to receive a commemorative copy of Snohomish County-Opoly! |
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At the Everett Pride Block Party with Paula Rhyne, Erica Weir, and Mary Fosse - how fun! |
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Showing solidarity for EvCC's Early Learning Center's staff at a Board of Trustees meeting where the trustees voted to close the center. |
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