Update on COVID-19 State Mandates

After almost two years of significant restrictions and mandates from the Governor related to COVID-19, it appears we are getting closer to a return to normalcy. Yesterday, the Governor announced that the State would be removing the mask mandate for most settings on March 12th. This is a welcome change as residents and businesses have struggled to recover from the government-imposed restrictions on our daily lives.

For more information regarding the announcement, please visit this link.

WSAC Board of Directors Meeting

I represent the Western Region of the state on the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) Board of Directors. WSAC represents county government and our residents and advocates in Olympia on our behalf.

On Wednesday, February 2nd, the Board of Directors met to make appointments to various boards and receive updates on legislative action and ongoing litigation.

WSAC has represented counties in a number of lawsuits against the state regarding unfunded mandates. Unfunded mandates are regulations or requirements passed by the legislature that force counties to incur additional expenses without additional revenues. This places an additional burden on local budgets and taxpayers. This is important work that I will continue to support to hold the state accountable on unfunded mandates.

EASC Board of Directors Meeting

I also represent the County Council on the Economic Alliance of Snohomish County (EASC) Board. EASC is a countywide chamber and economic development organization that promotes job growth throughout the County.

At our February 23rd meeting, we appointed two new Trustees to the board. Dr. Darrel L. Cain from Everett Community College and Dr. Terry Cox from United Way of Snohomish County are now Board members. I look forward to working with them as well as the rest of the EASC team.

We also received an update from EASC staff on their ongoing work to attract new businesses to Snohomish County. Right now, they have 40 active projects to support expanding businesses and attract new businesses from outside the region. This is critical work to provide job opportunities for Snohomish County residents without having to travel outside the county for employment.

Marysville State of the City

On Friday, February 25th I attended Marysville's State of the City address hosted by the Marysville-Tulalip Chamber of Commerce. The City of Marysville has been a proactive partner with Snohomish County and the City of Arlington on several important initiatives over the past couple of years. Their partnership has been critical for the embedded social worker program which has had great success in helping homeless and addicted individuals find the treatment they need to lead more productive lives. They have also been champions for the Cascade Industrial Center (CIC) which is bringing thousands of jobs to North County.

Resolution in Support of Ukrainian Neighbors

The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is an unacceptable and reprehensible attack in Europe. Several of our Snohomish County neighbors are immigrants from Ukraine and still have family and friends currently in danger as a result of the war.

Yesterday, the Snohomish County Council adopted a resolution I introduced showing solidarity with our Ukrainian neighbors. You can read the full text of the resolution here.

I can’t imagine how difficult of a time this must be for our neighbors in Snohomish County with ties to Ukraine. Our hearts are with them and all Ukrainians, who are a collective profile in courage and have inspired the world. Please join me in praying for an end to the war.

WSU Extension Forestry Resources

Washington State University Extension is offering free, on-demand, self-paced, and peer-reviewed online learning modules on a variety of forest stewardship topics. The modules are geared toward owners of forested and wooded property in the state of Washington as well as anyone interested in learning more about Pacific Northwest forests. Six modules are available now, with many more to come. Visit https://forestry.wsu.edu/fsu/ to view available modules and sign up for free access.

District 1 Newsletter Survey

I conduct a monthly survey to give you the opportunity to provide feedback on a variety of topics regarding Snohomish County and the County Council. This month’s survey is looking for public input on the best way to communicate regarding ongoing issues and ideas. Please take a quick moment to complete this month’s survey at this link. Your input is appreciated.

I send out monthly newsletters to keep you informed about what I am working on and how I am representing North Snohomish County on the County Council. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate in reaching out to me at Nate.Nehring@snoco.org or 425-512-4810.

Snohomish County Council 3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609 Everett, Washington 98201   8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building  Phone: 425-388-3494 E-Mail: Nate.Nehring@snoco.org Russell Wiita, Legislative Aide