EVERETT – This week, Snohomish County Councilmembers Nate Nehring and Jared Mead introduced Ordinance 25-015 to improve access to childcare across the county. The ordinance aims to reduce local regulatory barriers for childcare providers and allow childcare facilities in more locations throughout Snohomish County.
The ordinance creates a more simplified and cohesive permit process for daycare centers in various zoning areas. By allowing childcare centers in more circumstances through flexible zoning requirements, the ordinance will help address a documented shortage of childcare services.
“Access to quality childcare is one of the most significant challenges our communities face,” said Councilmember Nehring, who serves as Chair of the County Council. “By reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, this ordinance makes it easier for providers to open and operate childcare facilities, which are desperately needed in Snohomish County.”
“As Snohomish County continues to grow at a rapid rate and families continue to move here, our childcare industry has not been able to keep up with demand,” noted Councilmember Mead. “In fact, we’re referred to as a childcare desert by the State. If we want Snohomish County to be able to continue attracting the incredible workforce that we are known for, we need to ensure our community is one that encourages and supports working families and a large part of that is growing our childcare capacity.”
To better understand the challenges facing childcare providers, the Snohomish County Council will host a panel discussion with industry experts from across the county to provide feedback relating to the ordinance. The panel will present at the County Council’s Administrative Session on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Members of the public can observe the meeting in person or via Zoom at this link. To learn more about the meeting, visit the County Council Meeting Webpage.
The date for the public hearing will be announced soon. If you are interested in providing public testimony, you can testify during the public hearing or email contact.council@snoco.org. The full ordinance and staff report can be found at this link.
For additional information about the ordinance or to be added to the distribution list for the public hearing once it gets scheduled, please contact Russell Wiita (Russell.wiita@snoco.org) or Angela Ewert (Angela.Ewert@snoco.org).
Source: County Council member Nate Nehring’s Office
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
