National Assessment of Pandemic Recovery Efforts Identifies Snohomish County as a High Performer in Advancing Equity

Snohomish County has gained national recognition for its efforts in advancing equity during local recovery initiatives, ranking among the Top 20 jurisdictions in a comprehensive report assessing 170 large city and county governments. The report, titled “Advancing Equity with the American Rescue Plan’s Local Recovery Funds,” evaluated factors such as community engagement and investment transparency. Executive Somers's commitment to equity as a guiding principle is highlighted by Dr. Kara Main-Hester, who praised the innovative "Recovery Roadshows" that facilitated diverse community input. These events not only gathered feedback but also included local food trucks and children's activities, ensuring inclusivity.

The report identified Snohomish County as a "high performer," with 75% of its allocated recovery funds dedicated to equity-focused initiatives. Additionally, the county is committed to demonstrating the impact of its investments through a publicly accessible Recovery Dashboard, allowing for transparency in program outcomes. Officials acknowledge that more work remains to advance equity further and are dedicated to raising the bar for community engagement. This recognition serves as a foundation for ongoing efforts to enhance equity and inclusivity in Snohomish County.