South County Fire’s Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a commissioner election district map Sept. 1 that includes the City of Edmonds. The board is seeking applicants for the commissioner position representing that district.
Edmonds is now included in Election District 4, along with Esperance and the Blue Ridge community of Lynnwood. The adopted district map, which can be viewed at www.southsnofire.org/redistricting, was chosen following an unexpected turn of events, when District 4 Commissioner Micah Rowland resigned in early August. This created an opportunity for Edmonds voters to be directly represented on the board earlier than previously possible.
“Edmonds residents have expressed a strong interest in having representation on the board as soon as possible,” said Jim Kenny, chair of the South County Fire Board of Commissioners. “We made good on our promise to redistrict this year and this ended in an unexpected and really positive way for the community.”
The redistricting process began in the first quarter of 2026, following the 2025 voter-approved annexation of Edmonds into the regional fire authority (RFA). An independent consultant drafted proposals to rebalance population across commissioner election districts that include Edmonds.
The RFA is governed by seven elected fire commissioners – two currently elected at-large and five elected from commissioner districts with roughly the same population. Edmonds is also currently represented on the board by a non-voting liaison. The Board of Commissioners oversees the RFA’s long-term vision and guides staff in achieving the goals of the RFA.
The vacant District 4 position will initially be filled by board appointment, with the chosen commissioner serving until the 2027 general election. Anyone interested in the commissioner appointment can apply at www.southsnofire.org/boardvacancy until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23.
To qualify for the appointment, applicants must be a registered voter who has lived within district boundaries for at least one year, be at least 18 years old, and be a U.S. citizen without any felony convictions. Email Board of Commissioner Executive Assistant Melissa Blankenship at mblankenship@southsnofire.org or call 425-551-1251 with questions about the appointment process. Following a period of application review and interviews, the board hopes to appoint a commissioner in October. Commissioner election districts are for election purposes only and do not change or impact the delivery of emergency services.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
