Council received hundreds of emails and calls about Flower World in the Malby area. As there are active legal proceedings involving some of Flower World’s activities, Council is unable to comment on specifics at this time. The Lynnwood Times provided a helpful summary of the issue: https://lynnwoodtimes.com/2026/04/12/flower-world/
Here’s the statement that our Council is sharing related to this issue and public concerns. Please know that I read all emails coming in, but we wanted to be consistent in our replies and have this statement to share:
Please note that there are three separate but equal branches of government: Judicial, Executive and Legislative (separation of powers). The role of County Council (legislative) is not to enforce county code or state law, this falls to the Executive branch and their staff and/or the Judicial branch. If compliance cannot be obtained by amicable means within the adopted codes and processes by the Executive branch, then the issue is recommended to the Judicial branch. The Judicial branch is where the issue is litigated, not before the Legislative branch. The Legislative branch (as a potential appeal body) requires neutrality, and as such councilmembers have a responsibility to remain outside the enforcement and legal proceedings.
Please know the County understands your concerns and works diligently to fairly and evenly apply our adopted code and policy requirements. The code has been adopted to protect open space from development and to protect our farm land.
The County is currently working on various Agri-business and Agri-tourism specific issues, as we understand and champion our rich history and future of agriculture within Snohomish County.
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SNOHOMISH COUNTY COUNCIL AND COUNTY EXECUTIVE SUPPORTING THE FORMATION OF A WORKGROUP IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS CONSISTANT WITH THE FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY TASKFORCE
This month, Council passed Joint Resolution 26-010. A joint resolution is signed by both the executive and legislative bodies and includes shared language and focused action around a key issue. This represented an important step in collaboration this year as our county has not passed a joint resolution since 2024.
My goal as Council Chair has been to improve our relationship with the executive branch and to come together around shared solutions for our current challenges. With a budget shortfall and deficit, now is the time for strong leadership and working together. We need to identify solutions to prevent excessive service changes or disruptions, to meet our priorities of government with state and local mandated requirements and to support quality of life for all residents.
I led this effort to bring recommendations to council to implement the findings of the Fiscal Sustainability Taskforce. Executive Somers created the task force late last year to have a community voice and input on considerations for new revenue streams and budget prioritization. In order to implement these recommendations, I created a subcommittee made up of council leadership, representatives from the Executive office, our Prosecuting Attorney and our Sheriff. Over 75% of the general fund is dedicated to law and justice spending; including the PA and Sheriff in these discussions is important so we have a better understanding of the needs of our largest departments in the public safety system.
We've had our first meeting and will share our recommendations with council in the coming weeks. Every decision will have full transparency according to our code, including a public hearing, public notice and a public council vote. I’ll including updates in future newsletters.
I was part of a successful press event with Charge recently where I spoke about my efforts to address climate change as a leader on multiple boards, including the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Community Transit, and Snohomish Board of Health.
Transportation is the largest source of both air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in our region—and that’s backed by Puget Sound Clean Air Agency’s data. Diesel exhaust alone makes up over 80% of the cancer risk from all air toxins combined. If we are serious about improving air quality and protecting public health, we must address transportation first.
Join me and Treasurer Brian Sullivan for coffee talk, details below. Brian’s office has been hosting these meet and greets throughout the county and we look forward to meeting residents in downtown Everett on Friday.
 If you can’t make it, more information on making payments and relief programs in the Treasurer’s office can be found here: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/5214/Treasurer
There are several property tax exemptions authorized by the state that are administered by the county and there are various programs available to property owners to help reduce property taxes, including a senior property tax exemption and low income programs. More information here: Property Tax Exemptions | Snohomish County, WA - Official Website
Since 1898, Volunteers of America Western Washington has been serving our most vulnerable neighbors by providing wraparound services that provide access to food and resources to help them thrive. Our county supports this effort every year with the March Against Hunger.
Started by Snohomish County Treasurer's Office employee, Valerie Davis-Bulter in 1999, March Against Hunger has become a treasured tradition for both County government employees and the community. Each Spring, the different county departments participate in a friendly competition to raise money and collect food to help eliminate hunger in their community. 26 years later, Valerie's legacy lives on. Her vision to serve those in need is now the largest annual fundraiser for VOAWW 's hunger prevention program.
This year our County employees raised $70,813 in total donations! The Council team had a great time; we created a digital cookbook of our favorite recipes which sold for a $5 donation. Staff and I handed out handmade samples from the cookbook, similar to a local large grocery store.
|
Save Our Salmon Earth Day Event
The Tulalip Tribes is hosting a Save our Salmon Earth Day event on Wednesday, April 22, at the Greg Williams Court. The event starts with a hands-on planting event starting at 9am and a community-wide trash clean up begins at 10. Community groups are invited to “Claim a Zone” for their group to clean by contacting Melissa Gobin at mgobin@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov.
The City of Everett is hosting their fourth annual “Clean Everett Day” on Saturday, May 30, from 10-1 at various locations across the city. In partnership with local neighborhood associations and with funding allocated from their ARPA funds, large dumpsters will be located at Cascade High School, Lowell Elementary School, North Middle School, and Sequoia High School for people to dispose of “that pile” of stuff in their garage or yard. Check out the website for more information and to sign up to volunteer.
WA Department of Housing Task Force Survey
The Washington State Department of housing is asking for the public to participate in a survey to help shape recommendations for a potential WA State Department of Housing. In December of 2025 Governor Ferguson signed an Executive Order establishing a Department of Housing to address housing affordability and homelessness in Washington State. A task force is working to develop recommendations for this new cabinet-level housing agency and your input will be essential to guide their work. Please click here to access the survey and complete it by April 26.
Snohomish PUD Block Party
Time for the annual PUD Block Party! Always a fun event with an electric car show and activities for the whole family.
Zonta Women’s Day
I was honored with a Yellow Rose at the Zonta Women’s Day event at Rosehill. Photo with attendees and members, thank you for a wonderful lunch to the ladies of Zonta!
District 2 hosted our annual evening meeting at the Tulalip Boys and Girls Club, we had a tour of the facility, including the Teen Center, and welcomed community members for the meeting.
Bill Signing
I was honored to attend a bill signing in Everett with Governor Ferguson. I testified in the House and Senate on several bills, including SB 6027 to allow flexibility for funds to be used for renovations and rent relief. Pictured here are local leaders with Governor Ferguson at the bill signing.
|
