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As Council Chair I work closely with staff to ensure meeting logistics move smoothly, agendas are clear, and any proposed amendments or new legislation are brought forward for consideration. I truly believe that our county’s budgets should reflect our values and I’m glad to see that the cauldron of the proposed budget includes commitments to serving the underserved, protecting the environment, and addressing public safety by confronting the underlying issues.
The county works hard to make our budget and budget process as transparent and accessible as possible. There is an interactive Budget Dashboard Webpage where you can search department budgets by year, type, revenues, expenditures, and see how each department’s budget totals in comparison to other departments. There are also several ways that you can provide input:
Incorporated in this year’s budget process are discussions on how the County will allocate the second round of our American Rescue Plan Act (“ARPA”) dollars. There is no doubt that the pandemic has impacted us all and it’s important that we diligently spend this one-time money on ways that we can equitably recover from the pandemic. The county’s Office of Recovery and Resilience worked hard to intentionally reach out to communities and gather information and suggestions from every cobweb in the county to make sure that we are hearing from as many residents, business owners, organizations, workers, and families as possible. As a result, the proposed allocation for the county’s remaining $85M is as follows:
- 34% for Housing, Homelessness, and Behavioral Health
- 26% for Youth, Family, and Senior Supports
- 20% for Economic and Workforce Development
- 13% for Emergency Response and Law & Justice
- 8% for Government Services and Operations
These are preliminary numbers and further details will be worked out by council and the executive’s office over the coming month. I will continue to follow this effort closely and will keep you updated as discussions progress.
The Public Hearing Special Meeting to consider and approve the 2023 Annual Budget is scheduled for Wednesday November 9th, 2022, at 10:30 a.m.Â
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As Council Chair, receiving the Executive's 2023 Proposed Budget |
One major shift in this year’s budget is that the county is formally incorporating the Snohomish Health District into county operations. The Health District has always been a separate entity, but always worked closely with county government and this informal relationship will now be solidified. All five of the county councilmembers serve as members of the Board of Health, and we have been working to iron out the details of how this transition will work out. It has been an honor to serve on the Board of Health these past two years considering that the very first case of COVID in the nation was right here in my district and I look forward to welcoming them to the county family. Â
Outside of COVID, the Health District has continued to work on all other aspects of public health including the ongoing opioid epidemic, communicable diseases like TB and STDs, food safety permits, healthy living, and the health of children. Check out their website for more information about the other public health initiatives and guidance that they provide: https://www.snohd.org/
Snohomish County is seeking input on preferences for arts and culture experiences, hocus pocus, activities, and community spaces to identify economic growth opportunities across the county through December 2022. Residents, cultural workers, vampires, businesses, and those who are interested in Snohomish County arts and culture are urged to speak out, get involved, and influence change.
Provide feedback by the end of the year to help shape the future of arts and culture projects: https://bit.ly/SnoCoArtsFutures.
In late September, Disability Rights Washington presented the second annual Week Without Driving. Participating in the week is intended to gain a better understanding of how difficult it can be for people to get around town if they do not, or cannot, drive a vehicle. People were asked to swap all their daily travels from driving to walking, rolling, busing, or scooting. You could ask someone else to drive you, but you were asked to take note of how much you “owe” that person for their time, or if you used a ride-hail, how much it cost you.
It was my second year participating and like last year, it was an incredible reminder of the barriers people with limited mobility face in our community. I am lucky to live near a bus line that goes to the county offices and was able to walk other places, but there were still logistical challenges and barriers to take into consideration to get where I needed to go, such as the lack of sidewalks in my neighborhood. I recently shared more about my experiences at a panel discussion hosted by Snohomish County Transportation Coalition and a recording can be viewed at this link.Â
Snohomish County’s Energy Assistance program is now accepting applications! The Energy Assistance Program helps eligible County households with costs associated with heating bills, water or sewer needs, and air conditioning support.
You can apply online, over the phone, or in-person at the County Campus in Everett. For more information, visit the Energy Assistance Program website: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/552/Energy-Assistance.
WA Department of Children, Youth, and Family offers a Workforce Retention Grant to help address workforce retention concerns and help providers retain their staff. Licensed family homes, child care centers, school-age care, outdoor nature-based care, and certified providers are eligible for these grants.
Learn more and apply: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/child-care-grants/workforce-retention-grant
The COVID-19 Immigrant Relief Fund is open and accepting applications until November 14. Eligible applicants can receive up to $1,000 in direct financial relief. It’s safe to apply. No information goes to the government, and the public charge rule should not apply.
Learn more: https://immigrantreliefwa.org/
The Homeowners Assistance Fund is now accepting applications for up to $60,000 in relief per haunted household. The HAF helps qualified homeowners in Washington state that have fallen behind on their mortgage due to pandemic hardship.
Learn more and apply: https://washingtonhaf.org/
Join ghosts and werewolves at Rosehill Community Center on Sunday, October 30 from 2-5p for an outdoor Spook-Tacular event presented by the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce. The event will feature all sorts of hair-raising activities for the whole Adam’s Family. Â
On Saturday, October 29 from noon to 6p downtown Everett businesses will be hosting a downtown trick-or-treat event. Bring your little pumpkins to collect goodies in the downtown core and finish up at Wetmore Plaza where there will be games, activities, and tabling by local organizations. Keep your eye on the Downtown Everett Association’s event page for a suggested route map.
Please join Barbara Ogaard, “The Bat Lady”, at the NW Stream Center on Friday, October 21 at 7p to see her fang-tastic and informational bat show called “All About Bats”. The event is $5 for Adopt a Stream Foundation members, $7 for non-members, and pre-registration is requested. Masks will be required to attend the event. And any show goer who wears a costume will receive a free salmon poster from the foundation.
On Saturday, October 29 from 3-5p, the Everett Mall is hosting a Trick-or-Treat Event with face painting, balloon twisting, and music from the Evergreen Community Orchestra. There will also be people on site with Volunteers of America Western Washington to accept food donations. The event is free and all are welcome.
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