Taxation without representation: Tulalip Tribes opposes ballot measure

TULALIP—The Tulalip Tribes are urging the public to vote “no” on the Port of Everett’s Proposition 1 Boundary Enlargement measure this August 6 fearing how the Port’s expansion, if passed, would adversely affect development and taxation on tribal lands and waters. Teri Gobin, Chair for Tulalip Tribes, wrote a letter on Monday, June 22, accusing […]

Prosecutor’s Office still facing case backlog, lack of resources may be the issue

SNOHOMISH COUNTY—The Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office is still struggling to keep up with its ever-increasing criminal case backlog four years after the pandemic closed and restricted the court systems. Snohomish County Prosecutor Jason Cummings informed the Lynnwood Times getting caught up on case backlog is “a little bit like playing whack-a-mole.” Since last the Lynnwood […]

Snohomish County Council to place Public Safety Sales Tax on November ballot

EVERETT, Wash.,  – Today, the Snohomish County Council unanimously (5-0) approved the inclusion of a Public Safety Sales Tax levy on the November 5, 2024, general election ballot. The levy was proposed by Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, and if approved by voters, will bring additional resources to the County’s efforts to reduce crime and […]

County Council Approves Broadband Expansion Projects in Index and Verlot

Today the Snohomish County Council approved contracts with Ziply Fiber to expand broadband access in and around the Town of Index and unincorporated area of Verlot. These projects will bring service to approximately 622 locations in Index and 341 locations in Verlot which are currently unserved by broadband. “As co-chair of the County Broadband Action […]

Snohomish County now to require annual drug testing of its housing properties

EVERETT—The Snohomish County Council adopted Ordinance 24-011 at its Public Hearing on May 1, with a vote of 3-2, that will now require annual drug testing of county-owned supportive housing facilities for hazardous chemicals. The ordinance, introduced by Councilmember Nate Nehring was adopted on a 3-2 vote with Council Chair Jared Mead and Councilman Sam […]

From ’accidental politician’ to Vice President of Federal Relations

WASHINGTON D.C.—Former Lynnwood City Councilwoman, Snohomish County Councilwoman, and Snohomish County Executive Policy Officer, Stephanie Wright, is settling into her new role as Vice President of Federal Relations at Strategies 360. The position, she informed the Lynnwood Times, has been a seamless transition so far from her years working as a public servant in Snohomish […]

A look at Portugal’s drug experiment, what’s working and what’s not

PORTUGAL, August 10, 2023—In July 2001 Portugal made a paradigm shift in how it handled drug crimes. The Portuguese Drug Policy Model implemented that year, decriminalized the public and private use, acquisition, and possession of all legal drugs if the amount did not surpass a 10-day supply. The decision was intent on moving drug use, […]

$20 million Kayak Point Regional Park improvement project kicks off

STANWOOD, Wash., July 8, 2023—Improvements to the Kayak Point Regional Park began on July 7, that will provide additional recreation space, move parking away from the shoreline, improve the boat launch, replace failing water lines and buckling asphalt, and incorporate habitat enhancements. “This project will provide better recreational access, environmental improvements, and replace aging infrastructure,” […]

Mayors across Snohomish County support recriminalizing illegal drugs

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 6, 2023—Fifteen mayors represented by the Mayors and Business Leaders for Public Safety coalition, join forces in a letter urging the Snohomish County Council to pass proposed Ordinance 23-046 to recriminalize controlled and counterfeit substances. “Currently, cites in Snohomish County and across Washington state are looking to enact laws governing the possession […]

Inslee announces Special Session, County leadership split on illegal drug policy

SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash., May 3, 2023—Hours after Snohomish County led the state in proposing an ordinance to recriminalize illegal drugs after the failure of legislature’s passage of the “Blake fix,” Governor Jay Inslee announced that he will call a special session to begin on May 16 that will focus on passing a new drug possession […]