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Ordinance 26-018: Investing in Behavioral Health Responsibly
Snohomish County faces significant needs for both affordable housing and behavioral health services, and we have limited local dollars available to address them. That makes it especially important that we invest those resources where they can have the greatest impact.
In June, the Council had a discussion and took testimony on Ordinance 26-018, which would set aside 20% of the County's Affordable Housing and Behavioral Health Capital Fund revenue in a separate fund dedicated to behavioral health facilities. The proposal has been discussed in connection with developing a county-owned secure withdrawal management facility for involuntary substance use disorder treatment. We unanimously voted to refer the ordinance back to committee for further work.
I strongly support expanding access to behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment, but we also need to make sure our limited public dollars are invested in approaches that work. As I told the Everett Herald, "The science shows that forcing people into treatment actually increases their risk of overdose, and it doesn't improve treatment outcomes."
I also have concerns about setting aside funding for a particular model of care outside the competitive process the County already uses to identify community needs and evaluate projects. The County previously made funding available specifically for a secure withdrawal management facility, but no proposals were submitted. Meanwhile, our existing process has helped fund affordable housing, shelters, senior housing, and substance use disorder treatment projects throughout Snohomish County.
We absolutely need more behavioral health treatment capacity. But our decisions should be guided by evidence, community need, fiscal responsibility, and a transparent process that allows us to compare investments and put limited dollars where they can do the most good. This funding has been transformative for housing and behavioral health providers in the county and it’s critical that we continue to safeguard these investments.
Read more about the proposal and my concerns in the Everett Herald.
Motion 26-155: Cannabis Retailers in Clearview
Over the past several months, the County Council has heard from many residents about proposed changes to cannabis retail regulations in the Clearview area. I wanted to provide some context about what the Council recently considered and what comes next.
At our July 8 public hearing, the Council considered Motion 26-155 an applicant-initiated request to reduce the required separation between cannabis retailers in the Clearview Rural Commercial zone from 10,000 feet to 5,000 feet. Importantly, approving the motion would not have changed the zoning code or approved a new cannabis retailer. It would have placed the proposal on the County's Comprehensive Plan docket for additional study, environmental review, public engagement, and possible consideration in 2027.
After hearing testimony both for and against the proposal, the Council unanimously voted to send the motion back to the Planning and Community Development Committee for further discussion.
At the same time, Snohomish County Planning and Development Services is already conducting a separate, broader review of cannabis retail regulations throughout unincorporated Snohomish County. The current staff proposal would establish a 2,500-foot separation between retailers in County urban zones, as well as the Clearview Rural Commercial and Rural Business zones, and a 5,000-foot separation in other rural and resource zones. This proposal is still going through the County's normal land-use review process and could change before it reaches the Council.
I believe that if the County is going to reconsider these regulations, we should look at the policy comprehensively and transparently rather than create a narrowly tailored exception for one applicant or property. When the broader proposal comes before the Council, I will consider the final language, staff analysis, and feedback from affected communities before making a decision.
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This summer, Snohomish County welcomed employees and their families to the County campus for Family Day, an afternoon celebrating the people who serve our community and the families and loved ones who support them.
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Visitors had the chance to explore hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes experiences highlighting the wide range of work County employees do every day.
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Thank you to everyone who helped organize the event and to the County employees, families, chosen families, and community members who made Family Day such a fun afternoon.
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Snohomish County is seeking community members to serve on the Climate Action Advisory Committee, which advises the County on policies and strategies related to climate resilience, greenhouse gas reductions, public health, and protection of our natural environment.
The County is currently recruiting to fill six open positions and is looking for applicants with a wide range of backgrounds, lived experiences, professions, and perspectives from across Snohomish County.
Committee members work with County staff and community partners to help shape local climate and sustainability initiatives, from renewable energy and transportation to forests, waterways, and community resilience.
The first round of applications will be reviewed beginning September 1, so interested residents are encouraged to learn more and apply as soon as possible.
Everett Public Schools is collecting school supplies and more than 3,600 backpacks to help local students start the school year ready to learn.
Community members can support the annual Stuff the Bus drive by donating school supplies at the Mill Creek Fred Meyer or the Evergreen Way QFC in Everett from August 14-16. Donations will go directly to students in Everett Public Schools.
Volunteers are also needed to help with Stuff the Bus activities from August 14-18. I’ll be volunteering again this year on August 16th at Claremont Village, come and say hello when you drop off donations.
Learn more about the drive, needed school supplies, and volunteer opportunities.
In July, I was notified that a local Snohomish County employer planned to lay off more than 120 workers this fall. Because many of the affected employees live in Snohomish County, I immediately reached out to County and regional workforce partners to make sure workers and their families were connected with available resources.
That outreach helped activate a coordinated Rapid Response effort through Workforce Snohomish and its partners. The team is working directly with the employer and affected employees to provide information about unemployment insurance, WorkSource employment services, training opportunities, and current job openings that match workers' skills and experience.
Because many of the affected employees are Spanish speakers, the response also includes Spanish-language materials and additional resources to help workers access services.
Large layoffs can have a significant impact on workers, families, and communities. When we learn that jobs are being lost in Snohomish County, I want to make sure our workforce system responds quickly and helps people navigate what comes next.
If your business is anticipating layoffs, please reach out to Snohomish County as early as possible so we can help connect affected workers with available employment, training, and support resources.
Resources for Workers Affected by Layoffs
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WorkSource Snohomish County - Free help with job searches, career coaching, training, tuition assistance, support services, internships, and connections to local employers.
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Washington Unemployment Benefits - Learn about eligibility and apply for unemployment benefits through the Washington State Employment Security Department.
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Washington Healthplanfinder - Losing employer-sponsored health insurance may qualify you for a special enrollment period to find new health coverage.
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Washington 211 - Connect with local assistance for food, housing, rent, utilities, transportation, health care, and other basic needs.
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Washington Connection - Apply for state benefits and assistance programs, including Basic Food and other supports for eligible households.
In July, I had the opportunity to moderate "Snohomish County: Moving From Climate Plans to Regional Action" at the Lynnwood Neighborhood Center as part of PNW Climate Week. The event brought together regional leaders to discuss how we can turn climate plans into meaningful action across Snohomish County.
One message came through clearly: addressing climate change requires collaboration across jurisdictions and sectors. The discussion highlighted opportunities to work together on transportation, clean energy, resilient buildings, workforce development, and other strategies that can reduce climate pollution while strengthening our communities.
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Snohomish County communities are already doing important work, but we can accomplish more when local governments, Tribes, utilities, transit agencies, community organizations, and residents work together. I appreciated the thoughtful conversation and look forward to continuing to build the partnerships needed to move from planning to implementation.
Read more about the discussion on My Edmonds News.
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 Snohomish County Parks & Recreation has begun planning for the Centennial Trail South Extension, and we want to hear from you!
The project would add approximately 12 miles to the Centennial Trail, extending it south from the City of Snohomish to Woodinville along the former Eastside Rail corridor. Once completed, the extension will connect with King County's Eastrail network, creating a continuous regional trail connection and new opportunities for walking, biking, rolling, recreation, and non-motorized transportation.
Community input will help shape the future trail, trailheads, and amenities as the County moves through the planning and early design process.
The online survey is available in English and Spanish and will remain open through August 29.
There’s still time to join the Port of Everett and Schack Art Center’s Float Find, a free, family-friendly summer treasure hunt running through August 28.
Every Friday, locally made glass floats are hidden around the Everett waterfront. Float Finders can search for 20 glass floats on Jetty Island or follow online clues to find five clue balls hidden around Waterfront Place, which can be exchanged for a hand-blown glass float created by Schack Art Center artists.
There are even more chances to find a float downtown this month. Summer in the City, August 14-15, and Schack Art Center’s Fresh Paint, August 15-16, will offer additional opportunities to win one of these unique pieces of local art.
Float Find is free to participate in, although reservations are required for the seasonal passenger ferry to Jetty Island.
Learn more about Float Find, see the search boundaries, and follow the weekly clues.
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The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking community feedback on proposed improvements to SR 99 between 212th Street SW in Lynnwood and Airport Road in unincorporated Snohomish County. The study is focused on reducing fatal and serious crashes and improving conditions for people walking, biking, rolling, and accessing transit.
WSDOT has developed a draft list of potential improvements, including safer crossings, continuous sidewalks and bicycle facilities, lower speeds, improved lighting, transit improvements, and changes at intersections and driveways. Community feedback will help determine which improvements should be prioritized first as future funding becomes available.
The survey takes about 15 minutes and is open through August 19. If you live, work, travel, or do business along SR 99, I encourage you to visit the online open house and share your feedback.
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 Funding is still available for eligible Building Trades apprentices through the Washington Building & Construction Trades Council’s Construct a Career program. The program can help cover qualifying work-related expenses such as tools, boots, housing and utilities, and transportation to and from work. Eligibility has also recently expanded, and apprentices with up to three years of on-the-job training may now qualify.
Assistance is available through September 30.
Learn more and apply: https://www.constructacareer.org/
As Snohomish County's stormwater utility, Surface Water Management (SWM) plays a vital role in protecting residents and keeping Snohomish County’s waters healthy. Yet much of this important work – preventing water pollution, maintaining drainage systems, reducing flooding, repairing culverts, and restoring salmon habitat – happens out of public view. To better tell this story and help share these efforts with the people we serve, SWM recently partnered with local videographers to produce five short videos highlighting our vital work in the community.
To watch these videos and learn more visit: SWM Videos | Snohomish County, WA - Official Website.
Everett Farmers Market
- Sundays, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Wetmore Avenue between Hewitt and Pacific, Everett
- The Everett Farmers Market continues every Sunday through October with local farmers, makers, food vendors, and community gathering space downtown.
Summer in the City
- Friday and Saturday, August 14-15
- Wetmore Plaza and surrounding streets, Downtown Everett
- Downtown Everett comes alive for two days of live music, art, family activities, local shopping, food, and more, coinciding with Fresh Paint just a few blocks away.
Hibulb Cultural Center Salmon Bake
- Saturday, August 15, In the Evening
- Hibulb Cultural Center, 6410 23rd Avenue NE, Tulalip
- The annual Salmon Bake fundraiser celebrates Tulalip history and culture with a traditionally prepared salmon dinner, entertainment, and a silent auction featuring works by Tulalip artists.
Fresh Paint Festival
- Saturday and Sunday, August 15-16
- Hoyt Avenue near Schack Art Center, Downtown Everett
- Schack Art Center's annual Fresh Paint Festival brings more than 100 artists downtown for live demonstrations, glassblowing, hands-on art activities, entertainment, and opportunities to purchase locally made art.
Mukilteo Farmers Market
- Wednesdays, August 19 and 26, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Lighthouse Park, 609 Front Street, Mukilteo
- Catch the final two markets of the 2026 season and shop for fresh produce, locally made goods, food, and more along the Mukilteo waterfront.
Movies in the Park: Hoppers
- Wednesday, August 19, movie begins at dusk
- Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Avenue, Mukilteo
- Bring a blanket or low-back lawn chair for a free, family-friendly outdoor showing of "Hoppers" on the upper lawn at Rosehill Community Center.
Free Community Access Night at Imagine Children's Museum
- Thursday, August 20, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Imagine Children's Museum, 1502 Wall Street, Everett
- Families are invited to explore Imagine Children's Museum for free during its monthly Community Access Night, with hands-on exhibits and activities for children.
Everett Art Walk
- Thursday, August 20, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Downtown Everett
- Explore galleries, businesses, and creative spaces throughout downtown during Everett's free monthly celebration of local artists.
Music at the Marina
- Thursdays, August 20 and 27, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Port Gardner Landing, Port of Everett
- The free waterfront concert series wraps up its 2026 season with Antwane Tyler on August 20 and Queen tribute band Queen Mother on August 27. Music begins at 6:30 p.m.
Sail-In Cinema
- Friday, August 21, 8:40 p.m.
- Boxcar Park, Port of Everett
- The Port of Everett closes out its free summer movie series with "Zootopia 2." Come early for face painting, bring a blanket or low-back chair, and enjoy a movie along the waterfront.
Run-A-Muk 5K/10K
- Saturday, August 22, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Lighthouse Park, 609 Front Street, Mukilteo
- Run, walk, or cheer on participants at Mukilteo's annual Run-A-Muk 5K and 10K along the waterfront.
Music at the Beach
- Friday, August 28, 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Lighthouse Park, 609 Front Street, Mukilteo
- Mukilteo's free summer concert series returns for its final show of the season with live music along the waterfront. The event is all ages, with a 21+ beer and wine garden.
Jetty Island Days
- Wednesdays through Sundays through September 6
- Jetty Island Ferry Dock, Port of Everett
- There's still time for a summer trip to Jetty Island. Seasonal ferry service continues through Labor Day weekend, providing access to sandy beaches, shallow water, wildlife viewing, and beautiful Puget Sound scenery. Ferry reservations are required.
Hibulb Free Day
- Thursday, September 3, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
- Hibulb Cultural Center, 6410 23rd Avenue NE, Tulalip
- Hibulb Cultural Center offers free admission on the first Thursday of the month, providing an opportunity to explore exhibits sharing the history, culture, and traditions of the Tulalip Tribes.
Schacktoberfest
- September 3-27
- Schack Art Center, 2921 Hoyt Avenue, Everett
- Schack Art Center welcomes fall with Schacktoberfest, featuring a glass pumpkin patch with 1,000 handcrafted pumpkins, more than 100 works by regional artists, and seasonal glassblowing activities.
Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival
- Friday through Sunday, September 11-13
- Lighthouse Park and the Mukilteo waterfront
- Mukilteo's largest annual community celebration returns with a full weekend of activities, including local vendors, entertainment, food, children's activities, the community parade, and more.
- Taking a stroll in Bath, England at the Roman Baths.
- Jane Austen’s writing desk at her home in Alton.
- Nico and I attended the welcoming of the 737 production line to the Boeing Everett factory.
- I joined Representatives Mary Fosse and Julio Cortes, Senator Marko Liias, and County Executive Dave Somers at the opening of the 737 production line.
- Standing with my husband outside of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.
- Hanging out with my fellow SnoCo Stitchers at Family Day at the County Campus.
- As a big fan of Mr. Bean, my husband and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to take a picture with him on his bench in London.
- It was a special treat to have Nico attend and provide remarks at the Latino Expo at Edmonds College, and watch Indigenous and Latine-American cultural performances on the main stage.
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