We often hear about the importance of transparency in government, but in practice it requires intentional effort by policymakers to ensure constituents are aware of proposals that may affect them. Earlier this month, my colleagues and I took a small but meaningful step forward to improve public awareness when the Council considered and then approved last Wednesday an ordinance to notify the public on tax increases.
The measure, which I introduced, ensures that residents receive clear and timely notice when the County Council is considering any ordinance that could result in tax increases. It directs Council staff to notify local media, post information to a dedicated page on the County website, and share updates across all County Council social media platforms before a decision is made.
While this may seem like a minor administrative change, it addresses a real gap in how we notify the public about ordinances. For years, state law has required that proposed ordinances be posted on the County’s website and published in a single newspaper of record. In practice, these notices often appear in the “legal notices” section, an area many readers overlook. At the same time, the way people consume information has changed dramatically. This proposal recognizes that shift and takes steps to meet people where they are.
As elected officials, we rely on input from the people we represent in order to make decisions which reflect the will of the public. Public notice and public input are not merely boxes to check; they are the foundation of representative government and play a critical role in shaping better, more informed policy. The perspectives of families, business owners, and other stakeholders have shaped the decisions we make at the County Council and will continue to do so. But meaningful input can only happen when people are aware of what is being considered by their elected representatives.
This new ordinance is not about advocating for or against any specific tax increase. Greater transparency will not eliminate disagreements over tax policy, nor should it. These decisions often require balancing the essential services local government provides with taxpayers’ ability to afford them. But when people feel informed and heard, it builds trust in the process, even when opinions differ.
Nate Nehring is a Snohomish County Councilmember representing District 1. Councilmember Nehring is a lifelong resident of Snohomish County. He and his wife currently live in Arlington, where they are raising their four young children. Councilmember Nehring can be reached by email at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org.
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Author: Mario Lotmore
