With changes at the federal level and the current federal government shutdown, council and the Executive’s office have been following impacts to the county and county residents closely. The county relies on a number of grants from the federal government to fund various positions or programs across most departments. Most recently, council received an update from Lucia Schmidt, Director of Emergency Management, on funding and positions at risk of being cut. It was concerning to hear that it may be necessary to cut positions and programs that help keep county residents safe in case of wildfire, extreme weather, flooding, earthquakes, and other disasters.
At Paine Field, FAA and TSA at Paine Field are supporting normal operational hours for their services and a limited amount of FAA administrative staff are furloughed. If you or someone you know has been affected by the federal shutdown and are in need of services, Federal Representative Suzan DelBene put out this resource round up to help furloughed workers make ends meet.
I'll continue to monitor this situation closely.
Don’t be scared, be prepared! Last month was National Preparedness Month and the county recently released a “Disaster Preparedness Guide 2025.” It’s important that we’re all ready to respond in case of a disaster, especially if there are cuts to our Department of Emergency Management due to issues at the federal level. The first step is to be informed. You can read through the Disaster Preparedness Guide or visit the Snohomish County Hazard Viewer webpage to identify, learn, and act on hazards in our county.
Please make sure you’re signed up for SnoCoAlerts – https://Snocoalerts.snoco.org – to receive emergency information on your phone when it matters most.
There’s also a free training coming up hosted by Snohomish County DEM, South County Fire, and Texas A&M on Nov 15-16 to help people aged 14+ better prepare for a disaster. More details and registration at the link: http://bit.ly/4pVRrql.
Snohomish County is requesting feedback on a draft 2025 update to the community’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Hazard Mitigation Plan focuses on options for minimizing damage and reducing harm from flooding, wildfires, severe weather, earthquakes, landslides and many other challenges, including hazardous chemical spills, hungry vampires, and cybersecurity threats.
It was a dark and stormy night, and as the rain came pouring down... Snohomish County residents slept soundly knowing that the Snohomish County Surface Water Management Team has been working hard to prevent pollution and mitigate stormwater damages. October 6-11 was Stormwater Awareness Week in Snohomish County and with the seasons changing, it’s a great time for residents to do their part to ensure that storm runoff is free of contaminants. Please check out the county’s landing page on ways you can help including using your broomstick to clear street drains of debris or picking up after your pet werewolf.
Please join me and the Snohomish County WSU Beach Watchers in collaboration with Snohomish County Marine Resources Committee for a monster of a beach cleanup event at Howlin’ Howarth Beach on November 2nd at 10am. Please meet in the park's lower parking lot (1127 Olympic Blvd, Everett) and the group will head down to the beach together. Pickers, buckets, gloves, and bags will be available, but people are welcome to bring their own.
Don’t boo, vote! Our Snohomish County Auditor’s Office is hard at work to prepare for the upcoming November 4 election. Ballots were mailed on October 16 and must be returned or post marked by November 4 to be counted. Please plan ahead to make sure your ballot is received in time to be counted. Federal cuts and changes to how mail is handled at our U.S. Post Offices, some ballots mailed or dropped off the day-of the election may not be postmarked until the day after the election and deemed ineligible. Please mail your ballot early so it is processed in time, or drop it off at one of the ballot drop boxes across the county by 8pm on November 4.
This year’s election also brings the selection of 15 County Charter Review Commission positions. Every 10 years, a charter review commission evaluates and suggests changes to the Snohomish County Charter - the document which outlines how the county is organized and operates. Voters will elect three members from each council district for a total of 15 commissioners. Voters will only see candidates from their county council district on their ballot and may vote for up to three candidates. The top three vote-getters in each district will serve a one-year term beginning in 2026.
I was proud to sponsor and participate in the Freedom Run Women’s Health and Wellness 5K on October 4 at Ebey Waterfront Park in Marysville. The event was truly inspiring, bringing together community members and families for a morning of fitness, empowerment, and awareness around women’s health. It was uplifting to see everyone coming together to support wellness programs that benefit women and families across Snohomish County. Thank you to all who joined in this meaningful celebration of health, community, and empowerment. Here’s a video from the event.
 With local organizers and participants at the 5K - what a great event!
Community Transit is hosting a Youth Art Contest for students aged 5-18 to submit their artwork for a chance for it to be displayed on Community Transit buses. This year’s theme is “Riding Transit with Friends” and artwork should show what that means to the artist. For more information and guidelines, please visit the landing page. Don’t let your kiddo ghost their chance to participate – entries are due October 20.
Join the Port of Everett for a Haunted Harbor event on Friday, October 24, from 4-7p at Pacific Rim Plaza. This free event promises a night of frightful fun, featuring the Witches and Warlocks Paddle starting at 4p, “Troll or Treat” along Guest Dock 5, creepy crafts, and a Monster Mash dance party. Please join rain or shine and enjoy the Halloween spirit. Click here for the full schedule.
Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon in Downtown Everett. On Saturday, October 25, you and your little monsters are welcome to trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses from noon – 5p. Make sure you stop by Wetmore Plaza to visit sponsor booths and hop on the inflatable slide, face painting, games, and activities. If you are interested in joining as a business or community partner, please visit www.downtowneverettwa.org/halloween to complete the forms to join.
Hope you and your children of the corn are ready for some fun at Mukilteo’s annual Boo Bash celebration on Sunday, October 26, from 2-5p at Rosehill Community Center. Hosted by Mukilteo Recreation and Cultural Services, this free, Adams family-friendly event offers a trick-or-treating experience with booths from local businesses, community groups, and organizations. Kids can enjoy games, entertainment, food trucks, and plenty of festive surprises.
Join for Halloween Bingo on Halloween, Friday, October 31, starting at 1p, at the Carl Gipson Center in Everett. Come in costume, bring your magic wand of a dauber, and enjoy special bingo games, prizes, and popcorn. Don’t miss the costume contest with a cash prize for the best look. The event is free and open to all.
It's been an exciting month to get out in the community! Here's some pics from events and activities around District 2 and the county:
--
I was honored to MC the Disability Employment Breakfast to highlight this important partnership. I'm pictured here with Lance Morehouse from Sherwood Services and Rich Robinson from the county's Developmental Disabilities and Early Learning Program |
|
 |
--
 |
|
With my table mates at the VOAWW Hope is Brewing Breakfast |
--
Riding the bus home from a Community Transit Board meeting during the Week Without Driving challenge. |
|
 |
|
