In December Snohomish County experienced unprecedented rainfall resulting in record flooding, and I’m so proud of how well our county’s emergency response team rose to meet these difficult circumstances. During the recent flooding event, our Public Works teams worked quickly to respond to widespread impacts across the county. Crews managed 52 emergency road closures and addressed more than 300 flooded or damaged locations, including debris removal, road sweeping, shoulder and embankment repairs, washouts, and drainage system cleaning. 

In total, crews disposed of more than 163 tons of flood-related material and inspected over 30 scour-critical bridges to ensure public safety. Damage was identified at 26 sites along 18 sections of unincorporated county roads, with additional impacts in the Mt. Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest. These efforts reflect our continued commitment to keeping roads safe and restoring access as quickly as possible. 

If you or someone you know was impacted by the flooding, here are some resources available to local residents and farmers: 

Flood Voucher Program: Residential households can access a flood voucher to waive disposal fees for flood-damaged household materials at county solid waste facilities. The program will run through March 19. Previously distributed vouchers saying “Expires January 18” will be accepted through the extension date.  

Farmer Participation for Flood Voucher Program: The flood voucher program also extends to famers to dispose of flood damaged agricultural materials. For guidance on what materials are eligible for free disposal, please review this sheet.  

State and Federal Assistance: USDA and WSDA have several emergency relief programs that can help with post-flood recovery, including loss and damage coverage. Full list of resources is available here. 

Public Health Information: If you are working to return home after the flooding or in the process of cleaning up, the Snohomish County Health Department has guidance on how to return home safely after a flood, ensure safe drinking water, electrical safety, and more. The guidance can be found here.  

Thank you again to all of the county staff who were involved in this flooding event and especially to those who were in precarious situations to keep us all safe. You are appreciated! 

I wanted to make sure you were aware that ballots will be mailed soon for a special election coming up on February 10 with ballot measures pertaining to bond and levy funding for Everett Public Schools and Mukilteo Public Schools – both of which are part of District 2.   

The Everett Public Schools is seeking voter approval for a Bond and Levy. The Levy is a replacement levy to continue funding for student programs, services, support, and opportunities like art, music, drama, and athletics. The Construction Bond measure will need 60% of votes to pass and will go to replacing Lowell Elementary School, replacing Cascade High School’s library/cafeteria and performing arts building, renovating Everett High School’s vocational building, and improving safety systems at all schools in the District. They will be holding several upcoming “Let’s Connect” information events. Please check out the website for more information.  

The Mukilteo School District is also seeking voter approval for renewal of the Educational Programs and Operations (EP&O) Levy and a Construction Bond. The EP&O Levy will continue funding for existing programs arts and music, athletics, special education, and campus safety and security. If passed, the Construction Bond would completely replace Mukilteo Elementary and Explorer Middle Schools, security upgrades across the district, improvements to athletic facilities, and technology improvements as well. They will be hosting a webinar on Jan 21 with more information. Please see this website for the full list of projects and programs the funding measures would go towards. 

Ballots are due on February 10 and I encourage you to use a county drop box to ensure that your ballot is received on time to be counted.  

I serve as a Community Transit Board Member and at a recent meeting the topic of food bank access came up in discussion. I offered the suggestion that, in light of the recent elimination of SNAP assistance, Community Transit should consider offering fare-free rides to food banks to remove an access barrier. I was thrilled to later hear from Ric Ilgenfritz, CEO of Community Transit, that the team put my suggestion into action. Community Transit has provided 400 free fare tickets to the Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition to distribute directly to customers visiting their food banks. The single-use tickets are valid through February and will be a great way to help people access food banks during the cold winter months.  

Many thanks to CEO Ilgenfritz and the whole Community Transit team for their support of community members who may be facing challenging times.  

The Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count provides a snapshot of homelessness in Snohomish County on a single night in January of each year. While it is not possible to count every homeless person, the methodology includes outreach efforts targeting known areas and general canvassing to capture the best picture possible. The count allows the county to look at trends over the years by using consistent methodology. The PIT includes use of a survey tool which provides a means for gathering information directly from individuals and families experiencing homelessness about their needs and the causes of homelessness. 

This year’s PIT count will be held on Tuesday, January 27, and volunteers are needed. Volunteers will use a digital device and canvas a designated area to help count how many people are experiencing homelessness. I plan to volunteer again this year and if you have extra time invite you to participate as well. Please use this link to learn more or to register as a volunteer.  

Please join medical professionals from the Snohomish Health Department on Friday, January 16, from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for “Flu Friday” - a no cost vaccination clinic at the Public Health Clinic in Everett.  

Vaccines available: 

• Flu shots for all ages (6 months+) 

• COVID-19 shots for children (6 months–18 years) 

• COVID-19 shots for uninsured adults (while supplies last) 

Register: https://www.snohd.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=3072 

Providence Swedish is hosting a 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗻𝗲‑𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝗲𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿, hosted in conjunction with the Snohomish County Health Department, to learn practical ways to prevent youth firearm injuries. SMART stands for: Secure Model Ask Recognize Tell and is a great way to remember how to talk to young people about firearm safety. Keeping kids safe is a community effort, and it starts with choices made at home.  

The free webinar is Thursday, Jan 22 from 7-8p and participants will learn about responsible gun storage, reducing preventable trauma, and how to have open, judgment‑free conversations about safety. Register here: http://provhealth.org/6181t4zoV 

Snohomish County Parks, in partnership with the City of Everett, is developing the Snohomish River Regional Trail, planned to eventually connect the cities of Everett and Monroe. Phase 1 will create a 5.5-mile regional trail linking Everett to Snohomish and providing a key east–west connection between the future Centennial Trail South extension, the Everett trail system, and the Interurban Trail. 

On December 3, parks staff hosted an online meeting and presentation which can be viewed at this link, and you can access the alignment maps on the project website here. This is a great time to get more involved while decisions on alignment are being discussed. Please complete this online survey which is open through January 31, 2026 and linked under the “News” section on this website. 

Sno-Isle Libraries has reached an important milestone in bringing a new, community-driven library to the Mariner neighborhood. Late last year, site preparation began on library-owned property at the northeast corner of 4th Ave W and 128th St SW, marking the first visible step toward this long-envisioned project. 

Made possible through strong partnerships and community support, this early work reflects their ongoing investment in expanding access to library services and strengthening local connections. Construction of the new library is anticipated to begin in 2027 and site planning will continue over 2026. Learn more on the Sno-Isle Libraries website. 

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 with my aide at Paula.Rhyne@snoco.org. You can call our office as well at 425-388-3494 to leave a message and we’ll return your call.  

Sincerely,