Somers appoints Mike Fong as new Executive Director for Economic Development
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—County Executive Dave Somers has selected a new Executive Director for Economic Development. Mike Fong will take over the role starting January 6, 2025. Fong has worked at the local, state, and national level on initiatives to support businesses and invigorate the workforce. He most recently served as Director for the Washington State Department […]
Verizon and AT&T waive usage fees for customers affected by bomb cyclone
Snohomish County cell phone users with an AT&T or Verizon provider could notice a slightly lower-than-expected cell phone bill this cycle as both telecommunication companies waive certain usage in response to last month’s devastating bomb cyclone. For AT&T users who are not currently subscribed to an unlimited plan, all overages on data, whether call or […]
County Council adopts $3.22 billion biennial budget with split vote
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—After months and careful deliberation, the Snohomish County Council adopted its first biennial Budget during a Public Hearing Monday, November 25—a $3.22 billion operating budget for the upcoming 2025 and 2026 fiscal years. “As the Chair of the Council, I am so proud of my fellow Councilmembers who all deliberated both passionately and respectfully […]
County budget talks heated, new questions arise of former sheriff’s residency
EVERETT—Controversary surrounds former Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary after a damning audit report by George Skiles, Partner at Sjoberg-Evanshenk Consulting, on both Executive and Council Office staffing operations, pointed to “duplicative” and “overlapping” staff positions as a contributing factor to a proposed $3.07 billion 2025 Biennial Budget. While the number of core staffing positions has remained relatively the […]
County Executive clears the air and stands firm with $3 billion budget proposal
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—A week after a damning audit report by George Skiles, Partner at Sjoberg-Evanshenk Consulting, County Executive Somers stands firm and clears the air on his proposed 2025 Biennial Budget. Below is a statement by Snohomish County Executive Somers in its entirety: “As budget deliberations continue, my priority remains sustaining core county services that deliver for our […]
County Executive says funds are tight, a recent audit could point to why
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—In Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers’ proposed 2025 Biennial Budget, he said funds are tight for the county driven by inflation, rapid population growth, and COVID relief funds hitting the end of their limits. But a recent county audit, conducted on both Executive and Council Office staffing operations, may point to another contributing factor […]
Liias, Lovick, Sims, Somers among Governor-elect Ferguson transition team
State lawmakers from both parties, lobbyists, local elected officials, lawyers, tribes and unions all have a seat at Bob Ferguson’s table as he moves into the role of governor. Ferguson on Tuesday announced a 53-person team that will help with the transition from Gov. Jay Inslee to the new administration. They’ll assist Ferguson as he […]
Hundreds speak out against proposed 8% property tax increase
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Hundreds gathered in the Jackson Board Room of the Snohomish County Campus’ Robert Drewel Building Tuesday morning, November 13, to speak out against a proposed general property tax levy increase of 8% drafted in County Executive Dave Somers’ proposed $3.07 billion biennial budget. The Executive’s proposed 2025/2026 budget increases the County’s general property tax […]
Boeing lays out ramp up plan as 33,000 machinists return to work
EVERETT—Tens of thousands of International Association of Machinists (IAM) 751 & W24 union members returned to work Tuesday, November 12, following approval of a historic agreement with Boeing on November 4, ending a 53-day strike that cost the aerospace juggernaut billion dollars in lost revenue. The Boeing Production System follows a lean methodology utilizing Just-in-Time, […]
Snohomish County identified as a “High Performer” in advancing equity
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Snohomish County is among the top performers nationwide for advancing equity through its use of federal pandemic recovery funds, according to a recent independent report. Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers welcomed a national report from The New School’s Institute on Race, Power and Political Economy, which found that Snohomish County is a “high performer” […]
