NEWS
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- North Star will host a “North Star for Neighborhoods: Strategies to Address our Housing Shortage” forum on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Library Commons. The community is invited to continue discussions about the future of housing in our community, including current efforts to increase housing supply and affordability in Skagit County, and strategies to tackle the homelessness crisis in our region, according to a news release. The event will feature keynote speaker William Kreager, who has extensive experience and a strong passion for sustainable planning and design of affordable housing. (read more)
(OAK HARBOR)— Wetlands on Whidbey Island will be restored and $10,000 invested in wetland conservation in Island County under a settlement agreement between the Washington Department of Ecology and the property owners. In Washington, wetlands are protected by state law and cannot be drained, filled or modified without prior authorization from Ecology, according to a news release from the agency. Wetlands play a critical role in recharging aquifers and filtering pollutants from runoff. “Wetlands are incredibly important for protecting water quality, recharging groundwater, and providing habitat,” said Joenne McGerr, who manages Ecology’s Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program. “We’re pleased (read more)
(OLYMPIA)- On Nov. 5, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) will meet in Aberdeen to discuss how college and career pathways are helping to address regional healthcare needs. The council will host a panel of community partners to explore the landscape of regional healthcare challenges and education solutions. WSAC’s Adult Pathways team will highlight ways Washington Health Corps programs are helping address the state’s shortage of healthcare workers. Other agenda items will focus on college affordability and basic needs supports, according to a news release from WSAC. The meeting will take place at Grays Harbor College on Nov. 5 (read more)
(OLYMPIA)- Tugboats. Street sweepers. Freight switchers. Ambulances. Box trucks. All of these vehicles typically run on diesel engines that produce harmful exhaust. But there is cleaner technology available, and a new, $25 million grant program from the Washington Department of Ecology aims to put more of those clean vehicles to work, according to a news release from the agency. Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller says this is a unique moment for both businesses and nonprofits to shape diesel reduction efforts in Washington. “Diesel exhaust continues to pose significant public health risks in Washington, especially for communities located near industrial operations,” Sixkiller (read more)
(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Skagit County Public Works is in the process of compiling proposed projects for the 2026 – 2031 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is considered a mid-range planning tool for regionally significant transportation projects that may have state and federal funding. These projects include new construction or improvements to the transportation system under the jurisdiction of the County such as road projects, bridge projects, ferry projects, and trail or non-motorized projects, according to a news release from the county. Skagit County will host a public hearing on the STIP on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. Interested citizens may join (read more)