Engineer Julie Meredith to be new Secretary of WSDOT
MUKILTEO—Governor-elect Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Assistant Secretary Julie Meredith, P.E., as Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), while he was on a Washington State Ferries listening tour Tuesday, January 7. The appointment is effective January 15, 2025. “Julie Meredith brings deep experience and leadership and a strong commitment to public […]
‘Friday the 13th’ budget protest: County Exec will not sign Council-adopted budget
EVERETT—In a surprising use of his authority, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, known for his reserved and sagacious leadership, announced late Friday afternoon that he will not sign the $3.22 billion 2025-26 biennium Council-adopted budget. “Since receiving the budget from the County Council on November 27, my team and I have been carefully reviewing what […]
Snohomish County state lawmakers talk 2025 legislative priorities
EVERETT—Under the theme “One County, One Voice,” Representative Mary Fosse (D-Everett) moderated a bipartisan forum hosted by the Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) on December 5 at Elks Lodge in Everett where panelists discussed housing affordability, behavioral health, childcare, economic development and labor force, transportation, infrastructure, and public safety. With Washington state facing a projected […]
Liias leads on jobs, energy, and transportation for 2025 Legislative session
OLYMPIA—Senator Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) expanded his leadership roles in the Washington State Senate, following a vote among Senate Democrats on Thursday, November 21. Liias will continue to chair the Senate Transportation Committee, where he has been focused on expanding sustainable transportation options that help fuel a growing economy and serve the needs of Washington families. […]
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 […]
Public invited to 2025 Legislative Kickoff: “One County, One Voice”
EVERETT—Economic Alliance Snohomish County (EASC) will host the Legislative Kickoff on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Elks Lodge #479 in Everett. Presented by Boeing and Republic Services, this annual event connects local business leaders and elected officials to advocate for policies that drive economic success in Snohomish County. Under […]
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 […]
Easy, low-cost, on-demand travel option from Community Transit to begin in North County
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Residents in Arlington, Darrington, and Lake Stevens will soon get to try out Zip Shuttle, Community Transit’s latest pilot project. Zip-branded vehicles will start road-testing early in December with a target launch date set for later in the month. The flexible, on-demand rideshare service allows anyone to book a ride within a specified zone […]
