Annexation

We had an interesting discussion about annexation tonight at Council. We don’t take votes at work sessions, and this was meant to be informational. I’m not sure where all the council members are at on this—I guess we will find out in the coming weeks. It does seem like there may still be four votes to move the issue forward.
The staff has prepared a timeline that would take us to the Boundary Review Board (BRB) either in September this year, or February 3, 2011. It’s available here.
We expect the result, assuming it’s affirmative, would be appealed again by Fire District One. They appealed the last decision of the BRB, which brought us to this point of re-set. With that timeline and contingencies, it would take us into 2012 for the annexation to be in effect. With that timeline, we will also turn to our current residents in Mukilteo to discuss, or possibly to vote on, the issue. There are a variety of election dates after the potential BRB decision and before any vote inside the annexation area. Once the BRB decision is rendered, and any appeals are settled, it makes sense to ask Mukilteo voters: that’s when we’ll have a full picture of what we’re asking, both inside and outside the current city limits.
The discussion about annexation is happening in the framework of another process, our adoption of a long-range financial plan. That plan is taking the shape of a variety of policies governing the city’s finances. We also have a workshop to discuss a vision for the future of Mukilteo scheduled for June 10th. I’m excited for that opportunity to talk about a host of issues facing Mukilteo, and to envision what shape the future may take.

One other topic that came up was the zoning for the manufactured home communities inside the annexation area: the biggest one is Carriage Club Estates. Most of the councilmembers present voiced an interest in adopting a manufactured home park zone, similar to what the County has in place now for those properties. This is great news for the residents of Carriage Club, and I'm glad more of the council now shares my interest in taking this action.

Conference: Opportunities!

Next week, I will join more than 200 other young, progressive elected officials in Washington, DC next week at the fifth annual convening of the national Young Elected Officials Network.
This photo is from a few years ago... on this trip, we will also be attending a White House briefing! I'm not sure that I'll be able to visit the West Wing, though, as I did with Mayor Marine a few years ago.

The participants at the conference next week, progressive elected officials from across the country, are all under the age of 35. The young leaders will meet with a number of national leaders in Washington and share with each other their policy ideas, leadership strategies, and best practices.

I’m excited about learning from other young elected officials. Some of the sessions I’m attending include economic sustainability (economic development and job creation), sustainable green policies and e-Democracy (outreach and involvement). I hope to bring back some good ideas to work on in Mukilteo.

The Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network, organized by the People For the American Way foundation, consists of over 550 young, progressive city, county, state and federal officials from all 50 states. Most are at the start of their political careers; 89 percent are interested in running for higher office in the future.

“These young elected officials play a critical role in our local, state, and national governments,” said Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee City Commissioner and executive director of the YEO Network. “They are leaders in policy debates around the country, and manage billions of dollars in public funds. They are passionate, innovative, and committed to helping their communities be places of freedom, fairness, and opportunity. The YEO Network National Convening is a great way for them to work together to share ideas and empower each other as they continue their careers in public service.”

One great thing about this conference is that the costs are pretty minimal—my council travel budget will pay just for the airfare. The conference covers lodging, workshop costs and most meals. Another great thing-- our State Representative, Marko Liias, is attending as well!

EMS Levy

Just an update-- last week's open houses weren't adequately noticed, which is unfortunate, but some good news-- you get another chance to participate!
Next Tuesday the 11th, come to Fire Station 24 in Old Town, from 6-8pm, and on Wednesday the 12th, come to Fire Station 25 in Harbour Pointe from 6-8pm, to share your views and learn more about the potential EMS Levy reauthorization.

Countywide Vision

Last week, I attended a discussion about countywide planning policies at Snohomish County Tomorrow’s Steering Committee (SCT). SCT is a body of elected officials in the county who advise on vision and frameworks for the future of Snohomish County. Often, that results in sending direction or advisory motions to the County Council for their consideration. It might also result in advocacy for certain policy ideas.
The Countywide Planning Policies are an important piece of growth management policies in the region. All the different comprehensive plans and planning policy documents link together, from the city level up to the state level. This review of these countywide policies is a ten-year update to the policies. The image attached shows how these policies are linked and supportive of other regional planning policies.
As you might imagine, I love this stuff. It’s exciting to see the opportunities to shape the vision of the county’s future, to consider new ideas.
At this particular meeting, we discussed proposed policies for Development Pattern Policies. The materials on the topic are available here.
Some of the more controversial policies (the ones with minority and majority views from the technical advisory committee that is working on drafting the policies) relate to expanding urban growth areas. This doesn’t relate to Mukilteo directly because our urban growth area (areas outside the city that could and probably will be annexed someday) are all contiguous with other such areas. In cities like Snohomish, Lake Stevens, Marysville, and other cities in the north, their urban growth areas abut rural lands. So, at certain times, these cities or landowners might ask the county to expand the urban growth area, which allows more development in these rural areas.
There are some divided opinions on when this should be allowed. Snohomish County has been challenged by the regional goals of keeping future growth in urban areas, and keeping rural areas rural. The County has improved over the last few years. I think it makes sense to keep pushing that line and not provide many exceptions for expanding the urban growth areas.
This is an issue that will come back to Snohomish County Tomorrow in May and later in the year, as well, with the Steering Committee likely voting in late fall. Eventually, these policies will be adopted by the County Council.