Nico Jensen (he/him or they/them) recently joined my office as Legislative Aide for District 2, supporting policy development, constituent services, and community partnerships across the district.
A fifth-generation Washingtonian with deep roots in the North Puget Sound region, Nico is passionate about helping residents connect with their local government and building stronger, more responsive communities.
Before joining the Snohomish County Council, Nico worked in public engagement and strategic communications, partnering with local governments, transportation agencies, tribes, and community organizations on major projects throughout Western Washington. Their work focused on helping communities understand complex public decisions, share meaningful feedback, and stay informed about projects that shape how people move, live, and connect.
Earlier in their career, Nico worked at the intersection of health care access, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy. They managed a regional network of Affordable Care Act enrollment centers, helping connect thousands of residents with free or low-cost health coverage, and supported small nonprofits in securing more than $1.4 million for community-based programs. Their work has also included advancing LGBTQIA+ health initiatives, supporting rural Latino communities, working with children who are deaf and hard of hearing, and chairing the board of a queer and trans health nonprofit with clinics throughout British Columbia. A first-generation college graduate, Nico earned degrees from Western Washington University and the University of British Columbia, where they studied political science, public policy, and global affairs.
Outside of work, Nico enjoys reading, volunteering, watching live theater, traveling, and exploring local parks and waterfronts with their adopted dog. For scheduling and general inquiries, please reach out to Nico at nicolas.jensen@snoco.org or by calling them at 425-388-3494.
Community Involvement
- Secretary, Sno-Isle Libraries Foundation Board of Directors, 2023-present
- Commissioner, Housing Authority of Snohomish County, 2025-2026
- Vice Chair, Snohomish County Boundary Review Board, 2023-2026
- Chair, H.I.M. Board of Directors, 2019-2021
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Ordinance 26-019 passed 3 to 2 last week, which changes how Snohomish County may prioritize housing funding, including programs with low-barrier access and programs with sobriety, treatment, counseling, or drug-testing requirements.
I voted no on this ordinance because Snohomish County needs the flexibility to fund the full range of housing and recovery supports our community needs. Some people need recovery housing or sober housing. Others need supportive housing with fewer barriers before they are stable enough to begin treatment or meet sobriety requirements. I had concerns regarding the policy mechanisms proposed, the legal and operational ambiguities within the ordinances which were outlined by housing providers, and the potential unintended consequences likely to result from their adoption.
Effective responses to homelessness and behavioral health challenges require a full continuum of interventions, including emergency shelter, outreach, behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, recovery housing, sober housing, low-barrier supportive housing, permanent supportive housing, and deeply affordable housing production. These approaches are not mutually exclusive, but they work together in a spectrum of care. It’s not housing only, it’s housing first to meet the most urgent need. Stable housing is often the foundation that makes treatment, recovery, employment, and long-term stability possible.
 Allowing funds to be used for Housing First programs means investing in evidence-based best practices and ensuring the county can fund competitive programs with proven outcomes. My vote was in support of true recovery, accountability, and public safety. It was a vote for practical, evidence-based solutions that preserve the county’s ability to meet people where they are and help them move toward stability. While we do not currently prioritize or incentivize Housing First, and staff indicated the ordinance would have no impact on current processes, I could not support Ordinance 26-019 because of the ambiguities, added red tape, and the uncertainty it would create.
Ordinance 26-018 was sent to back committee last week. This proposal would redirect part of the county’s existing affordable housing and behavioral health funding into a dedicated fund for behavioral health facilities.
I strongly support expanding behavioral health treatment and recovery services in Snohomish County. We need more treatment capacity, more recovery supports, and more tools to help people move from crisis to stability. However, I supported sending Ordinance 26-018 back to committee because I believe we need more discussion before setting aside existing affordable housing and behavioral health dollars into a more restricted fund. I do not support freezing these dollars for an uncertain amount of time, possibly over a decade, when we have multiple qualified projects that were denied funding. These are urgent needs, and limited public dollars should be guided by a clear, collaborative plan. That means working with the Executive’s Office, providers, recovery partners, and people with lived experience to identify the biggest gaps and the most effective next steps.
I look forward to further discussions with the council and hope we can continue to be guided by community voices and our long-term planning documents for investing these critical funds.
 Snohomish County communities have no shortage of climate plans, strategies, and commitments. But what will it take to turn those plans into real-world action?
Join local elected officials, regional climate leaders, and community partners for a conversation on how city, county, tribal, and regional climate initiatives are aligning across Snohomish County and the broader Puget Sound region.
As the Vice Chair of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency Board of Directors, I’m pleased to be moderating the event, which will include a presentation on local and regional climate plans, followed by a roundtable discussion on implementation, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration. The evening will conclude with an informal networking mixer with provided refreshments and beverages.
Raising the Pride flag on the county campus is more than a symbolic act. It is a public reminder that LGBTQIA+ residents are part of the fabric of Snohomish County, that our community is stronger when everyone is seen and supported, and that local government has a role in helping connect people with resources, safety, and belonging.
I was proud to once again partner with the Executive’s Office to raise the Pride flag over the county campus. Community members and county employees came together for the flag raising, with remarks from myself, Sheriff Johnson, and Tom Teigen from the County Executive’s Office.
Special thanks to the many community organizations that joined us to share resources and support. If you or someone you know needs support, please visit the county’s LGBTQ+ Inclusive Resource List. You can also read the Pride Month resolution passed by the County Council.
This year, the Snohomish County Arts Commission designed, built, and installed five all-new art installations to celebrate World Cup. This project represents a $34,590 direct investment into local artists and the creative economy.
These five “soccer ball” sculptures are made from 58” steel maritime buoys—a nod to the maritime and industrial history of our county. There’s one sculpture per county council district and each piece enhances an existing county building or park.
The buoy titled “Sno-Globe” for District 2 was designed by Lake Stevens-based artist Leah Everett and is installed in front of the Carnegie Building on County Campus in downtown Everett.
Learn more (and find all the buoys!).
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 My office was pleased to host Andrew Moe as an intern with the Snohomish County Council this spring as a County Governance and Program Analysis intern.
Internship programs gives students the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world public service, build new skills, explore career paths, and receive mentorship from professionals in their field.
During his internship, Andrew attended council meetings, participated in the Council’s budget retreat, attended the State of the County address, and completed research reports on Project Labor Agreements and Apprenticeship Utilization, as well as urban tree and housing policies. His work was thoughtful, thorough, and useful for future policy conversations, and we are grateful for the time and talent he brought to the office. I look forward to following Andrew’s career and I’m confident he will find success in his next pathway.
The Port of Everett, along with signature sponsor PND Engineers, invites the community and waterfront visitors to join us for another season of Sail-In Cinema – now in its 11th year!
This FREE, family-friendly waterfront movie series takes place every Friday night at Boxcar Park, kicking off July 24 and running through August 21, 2026.
Watch your pick of five movies on a 40-foot inflatable screen this summer. The marquee is set to feature some favorite flicks from the last decade along with a few new titles. A soccer classic to keep the World Cup energy high, superheroes, sci-fi adventures, and fun characters make up the lineup this year.
Kids’ activities and concessions are available an hour before showtime, and movies begin following sunset. Come early to snag your spot on the lawn and grab a bag of FREE popcorn. Boating in is also an option at nearby guest docks.
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 The Port of Everett and Port of South Whidbey celebrated the first sailing of the Harbor Hopper, marking the launch of a passenger ferry pilot program to connect the two waterfront destinations and explore new opportunities for regional tourism this summer.
The first sailing departed the Port of Everett Marina at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, aboard the chartered Hat Island Ferry and arrived in the South Whidbey Harbor at Langley approximately 35 minutes later.
The Harbor Hopper, made possible in part by Community Connector sponsor Whidbey Telecom, provides a unique walk-on ferry service option between the two port cities aboard the 45-passenger Hat Island Ferry.
Riders can choose from two Everett-bound and two Langley-bound sailings each Thursday and Saturday from June 4 through Aug. 29 (except July 2 & 4). Click here to view the full schedule. Fares range from $10 - $12 one-way or $16 - $20 roundtrip. Each trip lasts approximately 30 – 45 minutes.
Tickets are available at www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopperTickets.
For more information, sample itineraries, frequently asked questions and more, go to www.portofeverett.com/HarborHopper.
 The Evergreen State Fair Food Drive is back! Pitch in for your community and pick up a free weekday Fair ticket while you’re at it. In partnership with Lee Johnson Auto Family, this summer’s drive makes it easy to give back and get rewarded with a free weekday ticket to the 2026 Evergreen State Fair (August 27-September 1 and September 3-7).
From now until July 8, community members can drop off five or more non-perishable, unexpired food items at any of 8 Lee Johnson Auto Family dealerships across the region (see list below). Or stop by the drive-thru donation event at the Fair Park (14405 179th Ave SE, Monroe, WA 98272) on Saturday, July 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Angel of the Winds (west) parking lot or the Sultan Shindig, Saturday July 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Evergreen State Fair Booth.
Donors will receive one free weekday admission ticket to the 2026 Evergreen State Fair for each five items donated (limit five tickets per person, while supplies last). Donations benefit the Snohomish County Food Bank Coalition. Donating and receiving tickets ahead of the Fair allows visitors to plan which day works best for them to attend. Grab your ticket early and choose the weekday that works best for you.
Important Information:
- Limit five tickets per vehicle/visit
- First come, first served – while supplies last
- Cash donations do not qualify for tickets, but monetary gifts are welcome at: snohomishcountyfoodbankcoalition.org
For all the latest info, head to: www.evergreenfair.org
Everett Farmers Market
- Sundays in July, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Wetmore Avenue between Hewitt and Pacific, Everett
- The Everett Farmers Market is open Sundays through October with local farmers, makers, food vendors and community gathering space downtown.
Mukilteo Farmers Market
- Wednesdays in July, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Lighthouse Park, 609 Front Street, Mukilteo
- The Mukilteo Farmers Market has returned to Lighthouse Park for the 2026 season, running every Wednesday through August 26.
Hibulb Free Day
- Thursday, July 2, 10:00 a.m.
- Hibulb Cultural Center, 6410 23rd Avenue NE, Tulalip
- Hibulb Cultural Center offers free admission once a month.
Music at the Marina
- Thursdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Port of Everett, near the Grand Avenue Park Bridge
- This free summer concert series returns to the Everett waterfront with July performances by Nite Wave, Santa Poco, The Little Lies and Moxie.
Everett Fourth of July Parade
- Saturday, July 4, 11:00 a.m.
- Downtown Everett
- Celebrate Independence Day with Everett’s annual Fourth of July Parade through downtown Everett.
Everett Colors of Freedom Festival and Thunder on the Bay Fireworks
- Saturday, July 4, 3:00 p.m. to approximately 10:45 p.m.
- Legion Memorial Park and Port Gardner Bay, Everett
- The City of Everett’s Fourth of July celebration includes live music, food trucks, family activities, community booths and the Boeing Thunder on the Bay fireworks show at approximately 10:15 p.m.
America 250 Celebration in Mukilteo
- Saturday, July 4, 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Lighthouse Park, 609 Front Street, Mukilteo
- The City of Mukilteo and Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce will host a free, all-ages celebration with family activities, a patriotic welcome, live theater, a pie-eating contest, live music and a beer garden for adults 21 and older.
Jetty Island Days
- July 8 through September 6
- Port of Everett Boat Launch
- Jetty Island Days returns with seasonal ferry access to one of Everett’s most popular summer beach destinations. Reservations are required for ferry rides.
Float Find
- Fridays, July 10 through August 28
- Port of Everett Waterfront Place and Jetty Island
- The Port of Everett and Schack Art Center are bringing back Float Find, with hidden glass float opportunities at Waterfront Place and Jetty Island.
Tulalip Pride
- Sunday, July 12, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Gathering Hall, Tulalip
- Tulalip Pride returns with food, community tables, MC Holli B. Sinclair, featured speaker and comedian Janelle Niles, DJ Monie and more.
Free Community Access Night at Imagine Children’s Museum
- Thursday, July 16, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Imagine Children’s Museum, 1502 Wall Street, Everett
- Families with children ages 12 and under are invited to explore the museum during this “pay as you can” community access evening.
Everett Art Walk
- Thursday, July 16, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Downtown Everett
- Everett Art Walk takes place every third Thursday, with rotating exhibits at galleries and venues throughout downtown.
Everett 3on3 Basketball Tournament
- Saturday and Sunday, July 18 and 19
- Everett Community College
- Everett 3on3 returns for a weekend of basketball and community fun.
Music @ the Beach
- Friday, July 24, 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Lighthouse Park, 609 Front Street, Mukilteo
- Mukilteo’s Music @ the Beach summer concert series continues with live music.
Sail-In Cinema Outdoor Movie Series
- Fridays, July 24 and 31
- Boxcar Park, Port of Everett
- The Port of Everett’s free waterfront movie series begins July 24 with “Kicking and Screaming,” followed by “Captain America: Brave New World” on July 31.
Nubian Jam
- Saturday, July 25
- Forest Park, Everett
- Nubian Jam returns to Forest Park, hosted by the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee.
- Evergreen Boys & Girls State (EBGS) – joined by my Legislative Aide, Nico, Tacoma Deputy Mayor Joe Bushnell, and another community member, I helped judge presentations by high school students solving complex municipal problems. Evergreen Boys & Girls State is a weeklong civic leadership program where high school students learn how government works by creating and running a mock city, county, and state government.
- Recover Night at the Everett Aquasox – I was thrilled to join the Everett Aquasox on Recovery Night to throw out the first pitch.
- Grand Opening of the New Start Center in Edmonds – joined by the County Executive, other members of the County Council, as well as community partners, I helped to open the New Start Center in Edmonds. Another New Start Center will be opening in Everett later this year.
- Evergreen Boys & Girls State – Being the first co-ed cohort at EBGS, I had the opportunity to meet and have lunch with the 11 girls who joined EBGS this year, and chatted with about their experience in the leadership program and future aspirations.
- Grand Opening of the Little Wings Early Learning Academy – joined by Representative Fosse, I was delighted to have the chance to help open this new early learning space.
- Grand Opening of the New Start Center in Edmonds – On a tour of the New Start Center, I learned more about the community services provided at the center.
- Everett Marina – Soccer mania hit our region, and I was able to enjoy the artwork that was created for the tournament down at the Everett Marina after attending the monthly Everett Rotary Club lunch.
- Junteenth Celebration – I had the opportunity to speak at the Juneteenth Flag Raising on the county campus.
- Affordable Housing Conference hosted by the Housing Consortium of Everett and Snohomish County – joined by Councilmembers Peterson and Mead, I was on a panel to discuss housing affordability in the region and meet with local housing affordability leaders.
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