May - Check-in and Recap

Over the past several months, I’ve written newsletters focused on some of the biggest issues facing Snohomish County: housing affordability, childcare, parks and open space and the growing challenges that come with a rapidly changing region.

But the goal of these newsletters was never just to share my perspective. The real goal has always been to start conversations.

And in that regard, this project has exceeded every expectation I had.

Since the first newsletter went out, I’ve heard from residents across Snohomish County through emails, social media comments, direct messages, phone calls and even a few in-person coffee conversations. A couple local business owners even graciously invited me to tour their operations and walk through the challenges they face firsthand. Others have shared personal stories about trying to raise a family, build a business, buy a home or simply stay rooted in the community they love.

To everyone who has taken time out of your busy life to engage thoughtfully: thank you!

“I don’t expect overnight fixes. I just want to know there’s a direction and that someone is listening.”

Some people have agreed with me and some have disagreed with me. But almost all of the conversations have been constructive, insightful and grounded in a genuine desire to make Snohomish County better for the next generation.

One of the strongest themes I’ve heard repeatedly is concern about affordability and stability. Young families wonder whether they’ll realistically be able to buy a home here. Parents describe the impossible math of balancing childcare costs, housing costs, transportation and everyday expenses. Some longtime residents worry about rapid change while younger residents worry they may not be able to stay here at all.

I’ve also heard from many residents who feel caught between competing priorities. People care deeply about protecting our environment and preserving open space while also recognizing the need for more housing and infrastructure. Others expressed frustration that roads, utilities and public services often lag behind growth.

“Growth feels inevitable. What people want to know is whether there’s actually a plan or if we’re just reacting to it as it comes.”

On housing, many readers pushed for more housing diversity, better infrastructure planning and faster permitting. Others emphasized the importance of protecting neighborhood character and ensuring growth remains compatible with quality of life.

When I wrote about childcare, I heard from parents, teachers and providers describing just how difficult the situation has become. Families talked about waitlists stretching months or even years while one provider described staffing shortages and rising costs that make expansion difficult even when the demand has become overwhelming.

Several people made the point that childcare is no longer just a family issue, it’s increasingly a broader workforce and economic issue too.

“We want our daughter to be able to raise our grandsons where we raised her, but that's starting to feel impossible. Mainly due to how expensive childcare has become.”

The parks and open space newsletter also generated thoughtful responses. Residents shared stories about the parks, trails, forests and shorelines that shaped their childhoods and remain central to their quality of life today. Others raised important questions about balancing conservation with the realities of population growth.

And perhaps most importantly, I’ve been reminded that many people are hungry for a different kind of political conversation.

“I may not agree with every position you take, but I appreciate being treated like part of the conversation.”

Not every discussion needs to become a partisan fight. Some of the best conversations I’ve had over the past few months have been with people who approached issues from entirely different perspectives than my own but were still willing to engage respectfully and thoughtfully.

That’s important.

Local government works best when it remains connected to the lived experiences of the people it serves. Policy discussions become far more meaningful when they’re informed not just by reports and presentations, but by conversations with parents, workers, business owners, retirees, students and residents trying to navigate everyday life in Snohomish County.

That’s why I plan to continue these newsletters and accompanying social media discussions moving forward.

Not because I think I have every answer, but because I believe thoughtful public conversation still matters. And because hearing directly from residents continues to shape how I think about these issues and the work ahead.

So please continue reaching out, challenging ideas and sharing your experiences and perspectives. The conversations we’re having are valuable, and I’m grateful for everyone who has chosen to be part of them.

Future topics will likely include public safety, transportation planning, homelessness, addiction and mental health, county budgeting and more. If you have an idea or topic that's not on this list but would like to see covered, please join the conversation below.