Your trusted source for local Snohomish, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Snohomish County is preparing for its annual Point-in-Time Count of homelessness, scheduled for January 23, 2025, after last year's survey indicated a 9.6% decrease in homelessness. The county has secured $16.1 million in HUD funding to support various initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness, including converting hotels into emergency housing and expanding rapid rehousing efforts.
The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is set to launch this month with approximately 130 members, marking a revival of local business representation in Everett. CEO Wendy Poischbeg emphasized the importance of connectivity and plans to offer various networking events, workshops, and resources aimed at supporting small businesses.
Gloria Hopkins, at age 91, retired as the oldest classified employee in Washington state after 27 years of service at the Monroe Correctional Complex. Her retirement celebration on December 31 was marked by heartfelt tributes from colleagues and family, highlighting her significant contributions to the community, including co-founding a nonprofit recreation center for teens.
The article highlights the "Reading with Rover" event held at the Everett Public Library, where children read to therapy dogs, fostering a love for reading. This engaging initiative, featuring Barli the Bernese Mountain Dog and her owner Joya Foster, aims to enhance literacy skills among kids in a supportive environment. The event occurs monthly, creating a beloved community activity for families.
Snohomish County is seeking applicants for a vacancy on the Boundary Review Board, which plays a critical role in managing jurisdictional boundaries for local municipalities and districts. The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of relevant laws and planning processes, as well as a commitment to enhancing the county's livability. Interested individuals can find the application online.
The Snohomish County Human Services Department is set to conduct the annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count on January 23, 2025, to assess homelessness in the region. This essential initiative, supported by volunteers and local agencies, aims to gather data that will inform funding and services for those experiencing homelessness. Community involvement is encouraged, highlighting the county's ongoing commitment to addressing this critical issue.
The Snohomish County Boundary Review Board is seeking a representative to join its five-member panel, which plays a crucial role in decisions regarding annexations, incorporations, and jurisdictional mergers. Candidates must be knowledgeable about local governance laws and committed to enhancing the community, with applications available through the Governor's office.
Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers has appointed Mike Fong as the new Executive Director for Economic Development, effective January 6, 2025. Fong, who has extensive experience in public service and economic initiatives, aims to enhance the county's economic landscape by focusing on industries such as aerospace, agriculture, and sustainable energy. He will succeed Neepaporn “A” Boungjaktha, who is transitioning to a new role at the Port of Seattle.
Mike Fong has been appointed as the new Executive Director for Economic Development in Snohomish County, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles, including Chief Recovery and Resilience Officer and Regional Administrator for the Small Business Administration. His leadership aims to foster innovation, job creation, and support for local businesses, contributing to the region's diverse economy.
Snohomish County's Planning and Development Services Department is set to launch an improved online Permit Portal on December 9, 2024, aiming to enhance efficiency in the permitting process for construction projects. The new system comes as a response to State Bill 5290, which mandates shorter permitting timelines, thereby helping to reduce delays and costs in housing development. PDS Director Michael McCrary expressed enthusiasm about the transition, emphasizing the commitment to quality service as the county grows.