Your trusted source for local Snohomish, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Voter registration is crucial in ensuring participation in the upcoming public election in Everett, Washington, scheduled for June 18, 2025. Residents are encouraged to register or update their voter registration to ensure they can exercise their democratic rights on election day. This initiative highlights the importance of civic engagement in the Seattle Metropolitan Area.
State Route 96 near Snohomish will undergo weekday closures from February 18 to May 2 for essential utility work by the Silver Lake Water and Sewer District. Motorists are advised to seek alternate routes, though local and emergency vehicles will have access through the closure. This significant local infrastructure project may impact daily travel for residents and commuters in the area.
A public works event is scheduled for February 14, 2025, in Everett, Washington, focusing on environmental services and community engagement. The event will address key issues related to infrastructure and public works, highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in local governance. Residents are encouraged to participate and engage with the planning process.
Snohomish County is set to host a comprehensive training and exercise event from March 25 to March 27, 2025, aimed at enhancing emergency management skills across various sectors. This initiative, involving public security, first responders, and nonprofit organizations, will focus on improving coordination and response strategies in the face of disasters. The event underscores the importance of community involvement in safeguarding public health and safety.
Hope 'N Wellness, a resource center for the homeless in Everett, faces closure due to city code violations prohibiting social services on the first floor of downtown buildings. Despite serving hundreds of individuals, including many seniors, the city has mandated a shutdown by February 28, raising concerns about the welfare of the unhoused community in the region.
Hope 'N Wellness, a crucial resource for homeless individuals in downtown Everett, is facing closure due to a city code violation. The facility provided essential services such as rest, advice on resources, and winter clothing, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing homelessness in the region. This development raises significant concerns about the availability of safe spaces for vulnerable populations in Everett.
The Historic Downtown Snohomish Association (HDSA) is focused on balancing community events and local business interests as they discuss the future of downtown festivities. HDSA Board President Ken Coman highlights the importance of maintaining First Street as a vibrant business district while still hosting popular events. The organization aims to enhance existing events and advocate for local businesses in 2025.
The Everett City Council recently discussed the escalating housing affordability crisis, with average home prices reaching approximately $822,000. Affordable housing expert Chris Collier warned that the local housing shortage, combined with a minimum wage increase, could exacerbate the situation, pushing more residents into a competitive rental market. Council members emphasized the need for actionable solutions to address the inventory shortage and rising costs.
Starting April 1, residents in Snohomish County will see a 4.9% increase in their power bills, translating to an average rise of about $6 for single-family homeowners and $4 for apartment residents. This adjustment is primarily due to increased fixed charges implemented by the PUD to address revenue balances impacted by energy-efficient appliance adoption and restoration efforts following severe weather events. The PUD anticipates this change will generate approximately $32 million in additional revenue over the next year.
Snohomish city leaders are set to explore the establishment of the city as a sanctuary for unauthorized immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community, following a proposal from Councilman David Flynn. The discussion comes in light of recent changes in Olympia, which expanded its sanctuary city rules, and amid concerns over federal funding cuts to such cities under the new U.S. Attorney General.