Councilmember Nehring's January Newsletter

Snohomish County, Washington sent this bulletin at 01/01/2023 06:00 AM PST

Dear North County Neighbors,

As we enter the new year, I hope you enjoyed a great Christmas holiday with family and friends and stayed safe during our winter weather events last month. In this month’s newsletter, I will share updates on a couple of community events and provide a recap on highlights from the County Council in December.

Leadership Snohomish County Panel

Last month, I was invited to join Leadership Snohomish County for their Elected Leadership Panel. Joining me on the panel was Snohomish Mayor Linda Redmon, Arlington City Councilmember Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam, and Marysville City Councilmember Peter Condyles.

In The News

Snohomish County Launches Grant Program for Flood Risk Reduction Projects | Everett Post, Dec. 13, 2022

Forum: Thanks from across the aisle for Mike Sells’ dedication | Everett Herald, Dec. 17, 2022

Residents are strongly urged to verify broadband coverage on FCC map | Lynnwood Times, Dec. 19, 2022

County says no sign of drug manufacturing inside former Hwy 99 hotel | My Edmonds News, Dec. 18, 2022

On the panel, we discussed issues facing local government in Snohomish County and how to collaborate to get things done. I spoke about the importance of finding common ground and bringing stakeholders to the table to identify solutions to community problems. An example of this approach in action is the work we have done to address housing affordability and some of the legislation the County Council adopted this year.

Rodel Leadership Conference

I was honored to be invited to participate in the 2022 Rodel Leadership Conference with other elected leaders from across Washington State. The conference brings together Republican, Democratic, and independent elected officials to discuss leadership and foundational principles.

This was a great opportunity to collaborate with other elected officials. I appreciate those who organized the conference and my fellow elected officials for a valuable weekend and conference.

Snohomish County Legislative Luncheon

Annually, the Snohomish County Council and County Executive meet with our state legislative delegation to present our legislative agenda for the upcoming session. Our legislative agenda, adopted by the County Council, highlights priorities for Snohomish County in the upcoming legislative session.

This year’s legislative priorities include addressing the Blake Decision (drug use and possession), supporting local pre-apprenticeship programs (such as the RAP Program), and supporting a healthy manufacturing and business climate.

This annual luncheon is a great opportunity to sit down with our State Representatives and Senators and I appreciate them taking the time to meet with us and hear from local elected officials.

Realtor Award

I am honored to have been selected as the 2022 Citizen of the Year from the Snohomish County-Camano Association of Realtors. I appreciate the work of the Realtors Association to make housing more attainable and am thankful for the gracious recognition. I also have to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the staff at the County Council and my fellow Councilmembers for their support and partnership as we work on issues surrounding housing affordability and home ownership opportunities at all income levels.

Compass Health Tour

On Wednesday, December 14th, I had the opportunity to tour the Compass Health facility on Broadway Ave. in Everett with Compass Health CEO Tom Sebastian. Compass Health is the largest behavioral healthcare provider in Snohomish County. It was great to meet Tom and learn more about the services Compass provides as well as some of the challenges they face as a provider of behavioral healthcare.

RAP Advisory Board Meeting

The Regional Apprenticeship Pathways (RAP) Advisory Board held its most recent meeting on Thursday, December 15th. The RAP Advisory Board is made up of trade representatives, education leaders, and community members engaged with the RAP Program. The Board provides feedback and recommendations to ensure that the program is meeting its goals of preparing students for careers in the building and construction trades.

At the December meeting, we received an update regarding the program and some of the great work the students have been doing since the start of the school year. They have been able to attend a number of site visits including the Low Income Housing Institute’s Seattle site, where the tiny-home the students built is now housing a family. These site visits are a great opportunity for students to see firsthand the impact of their work and understand what jobsites look like in the various trades.

MLK Inspiration Breakfast and Day of Service

On January 16th, we will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day to recognize Dr. King’s fight for civil rights and commitment to his community. We observe this day as a holiday but also as a Day of Service, committing to do good in our community and help our neighbors.

In addition to the Day of Service, the YMCA of Snohomish County is hosting their annual MLK Inspiration Breakfast on January 13th at 7:00 AM at the Everett Family YMCA. At the breakfast, we will hear from YMCA community members and youth discussing the answer to Dr. King’s question, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?’” I will be at the breakfast and invite you to join the community. For more information and registration, visit this link.

I send out monthly newsletters to keep you informed about what I am working on and how I am representing North Snohomish County on the County Council. If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate in reaching out to me at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org or 425-512-4810.  

Sincerely,   

Nate Nehring 
Councilmember, District 1 

Snohomish County Council

3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201

8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
E-Mail: Nate.Nehring@snoco.org

Russell Wiita, Legislative Aide