County Government

Lucia Schmit appointed as county’s director of emergency management

Lucia Schmit has been appointed the director of Snohomish County’s Department of Emergency Management. Schmit has served as an emergency management leader at federal, state and local agencies, including time spent working internationally. She comes to the county from the City of Seattle, where she has worked since 2018 as the emergency planning coordinator. According…

Snohomish County sets public hearings Dec. 6 on affordable housing, community development needs

Snohomish County is inviting all interested persons to offer ideas during two virtual public hearings Dec. 6 for local community needs for affordable housing, public facilities, infrastructure, public services and economic development projects to be funded with 2023 federal grant funds — and to provide input on 2021 grant performance. Snohomish County, in consortium with…

Snohomish County recruiting for Board of Health members

Snohomish County is seeking interested community members to serve on its new Board of Health. The Board of Health’s role will be to develop, approve and revise countywide policy on public health issues such as opioids, immunizations and climate change. The board evaluates yearly budget proposals, recommends new programs and reviews health department activities. The…

Dennis Worsham named first director of Snohomish County Health Department

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has appointed Dennis Worsham as the first director for Snohomish County’s Health Department. The Snohomish Health District is being integrated into Snohomish County government, and on Jan. 1, 2023, the new Snohomish County Health Department will be launched. Worsham spent time early in his career at the Snohomish Health District….

Snohomish County Superior Court to host National Adoption Day celebration Nov. 18

The Snohomish County Superior Court– in co-sponsorship with the Snohomish County Clerk’s Office and CASA Program — will join others across the U.S. Friday, Nov. 18 in participating in National Adoption Day. “We are so excited to be hosting this annual event,” said Judge Millie Judge, chair of the county’s Adoption Day Committee. “It’s a…

Snohomish County Treasurer warns public of tax debt scam

Snohomish County Treasurer Brian Sullivan is warning local taxpayers about a phony tax debt scam making the rounds. According to Sullivan, the scam involves a letter claiming to be from the Snohomish County “Tax Resolution Unit” and threatens garnishment, property seizure or a lien on the property if fraudulent fees aren’t paid immediately. “Concerned residents…

County encourages residents to use yard debris recyling businesses following windstorm

Recent windstorms have brought down trees and branches, creating excess yard debris for Snohomish County residents. There are many local composting businesses ready to accept yard debris. Due to ongoing rail and container issues, Snohomish County Solid Waste transfer stations and drop boxes are temporarily not accepting these items. This change does not affect curbside…

Snohomish County Council adopts 2023 county budget

The Snohomish County Council on Wednesday unaninimously passed a $1.5 billion operating budget for the upcoming 2023 fiscal year.  “As council chair, it has been an honor to lead the process to pass the 2023 county budget with unanimous support,” said Council Chair Megan Dunn. “During deliberations I prioritized transparency and open collaboration and appreciate discussions…

No mandatory drug treatment at Edmonds hotel shelter

Homeless people seeking shelter at new emergency housing in Edmonds will not have to agree to drug treatment before they are allowed to move in. The Snohomish County Council earlier this week – for the second time – voted not to make drug treatment mandatory at the Edmonds Best Value Inn, along with another hotel…

Nov. 8 general election ballots in the mail

Snohomish County Elections on Thursday mailed ballots for the Nov. 8 general election to 500,000 registered voters. Ballots were previously mailed to military and overseas voters and to out-of-state and rural voters. All eligible voters should receive their ballot no later than Wednesday, Oct. 26. A combined state and local voters’ pamphlet was mailed earlier…

County Human Rights Commission seeks nominations for 2022 awards

The Snohomish County Human Rights Commission is now accepting nominations for candidates for recognition of their contribution to making the county a place that honors the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all people. Nominations are accepted and awards are presented in the following categories: Human Rights Award Young People’s Award Law…

Snohomish County wants feedback on Future of Arts and Culture project   

Snohomish County is seeking input through Dec. 31, 2022 on preferences for arts and culture experiences, activities and community spaces to support economic growth opportunities across the county. Residents, cultural workers, businesses and those who are interested in Snohomish County arts and culture are urged to weigh in through two brief project surveys at https://bit.ly/SnoCoArtsFutures….

Snohomish County Councimember Strom Peterson joins Community Transit board of directors

Snohomish County Councilmember Strom Peterson has joined the Community Transit board of sirectors, attending his first meeting Thursday as a newly appointed member. Peterson replaces outgoing board member Stephanie Wright, who resigned from her county council seat in August to take a job in the county executive’s office. Peterson, who also serves as a Washington…

Snohomish County Executive presents 2023 budget, with focus on public safety

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers on Tuesday presented his proposed budget for 2023. According to a county news release, the budget is focused investments on public safety, including increasing pay for deputies, behavioral health, homelessness, housing affordability, climate resilience, and efforts to improve equity. The executive’s proposed budget includes $80 million in federal American Rescue…

Snohomish County solid waste facilities to be open regular hours this weekend

All Snohomish County solid waste facilities will be open this weekend during regular business hours after a significant effort by county staff to clear excess garbage piles and return facilities to operational standards of safety. This work eliminates the need for a scheduled Sunday, Sept. 25 closure of solid waste facilities, including all transfer stations…

Somers releases proposal for spending county’s remaining $85 million in ARPA funds

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers Thursdayreleased his proposal for the county’s remaining $85 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, which are federal dollars designed to address the public health, social, and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a county news release, the proposal reflects community pandemic recovery priorities identified during a four-month…

Regional railway issues forcing county to prepare for more temporary solid waste facility closures

Snohomish County’s Solid Waste Division said Tuesday it is preparing again for possible temporary facility closures due to ongoing regional railway transportation issues. Excess garbage is piling up and prompting health, safety and environmental concerns for customers and staff, similar to the challenges during May 2022. “Snohomish County continues to work closely with Republic Services,…

Snohomish County surveying residents about possible tire recycling event

Snohomish County wants to hear from residents regarding a potential future tire recycling event. In a Monday morning news release, the Solid Waste Division of Public Works said it is researching the need for a future countywide tire recycling event through an anonymous public survey for Snohomish County residents. The short survey will help county…