EVERETT—From the front lines of county roads to the recycling area of your local transfer station, Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for fulfilling vital infrastructure services that have positive benefits on our local communities. The American Public Works Association’s annual National Public Works Week, celebrated May 17-23, offers an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedicated professionals working to improve our everyday quality of life.
Snohomish County Public Works is comprised of five divisions dedicated to maintaining and improving critical infrastructure, along with managing the solid waste and recycling needs of county residents. Engineering Services, Transportation and Environmental Services, and Road Maintenance divisions are responsible for more than 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges, and the management of over 200 traffic control signals. Solid Waste processes more than 800,000 tons of garbage per year, helps ensure proper disposal of household hazardous waste, deploy litter wranglers to pick up roadside trash, and operates a junk vehicle, boat, and RV disposal program. Administrative Operations supports various division operations with finance and technology support along with day-to-day responsibilities.
“2026 is off to a busy start,” Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Our staff continue to deliver the best projects, programs and services with limited resources and respond to challenges while proactively planning for the future. I’m proud of their work to keep travelers moving safely and directing solid waste where it needs to go.”
Notable activities in the department, highlighted in the 2025 annual report, also include completed and ongoing repairs from historic flooding in December, the first disposal fee increase in 17 years to maintain current service levels at solid waste facilities, the growth of the county’s Adopt-A-Road program, and the return of the Litter Wranglers.
“Construction work across our road network will continue to ramp up later this spring and well into the summer and fall,” Snohomish County Engineer and Public Works Deputy Director Doug McCormick added. “We’re addressing some of our most deteriorated sections of roadway with paving and chip seal while also working to complete safety improvements and ADA upgrades to sidewalks. Those projects require a lot of coordination and expertise from our teams.”
Residents can learn more about the department through their 2026 APWA National Public Works Week video. Updates and helpful reminders are also routinely shared via Facebook, X, Instagram, and Snohomish County’s Nextdoor page.
Source: Snohomish County Government
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
