From warm, sunny Mexico, ZOOM allowed Kristin Kelly from Futurewise (Yes, Kristin is unretired for another year!) to present to the Natural Resources Committee on February 21st about the Comprehensive Plan 2024 Growth Management Act updates for Snohomish County. Futurewise is an environmental watchdog organization. Kristin highlighted wins and losses, and upcoming issues, such as rural cluster development. She emphasized the County's adoption of the medium urban growth plan II, focusing on high capacity transit communities. She outlined the wins made with the urban tree canopy policy and wildlife protection, as well as some inroads for climate change mitigations and affordable housing.
However, Kristin noted some losses, such as the adoption of urban growth area expansions in the Southwest County unincorporated areas, Maltby, Monroe, and Marysville. Some of these expansions were deemed illegal under the Growth Management Act. She mentioned future issues, including the appeal of the rural cluster subdivision amendments and the detached accessory dwelling units. She said that ADUs could double the projected growth in the rural areas. Lastly, she cited her upcoming work on the implementation of the urban tree canopy policy and critical areas regulations.
Kristin explained that the County is considering changes to wetland protection regulations. Currently, certain small wetlands can be filled without mitigation, but new scientific evidence suggests that this is causing significant environmental damage. Futurewise is advocating for stronger protections or at least mitigation requirements for wetland impacts. Councilmembers Nate Nehring and Jared Mead are the authors of the new wetland amendments. Even so, some County Council members oppose changing the regulations, and Kristin hopes political pressure and further discussions may convince at least three to support improved wetland protections. Futurewise may consider appealing if the Council does not strengthen the regulations.
Kristin closed with the announcement that Futurewise is having its spring fundraiser on May 18th at 21 Acres in Woodinville. Kate Lunceford is assisting. She encouraged attendees to support the organization's work and promised that all proceeds from her table would go towards her work. One question from Michael Leonard shifted focus to the state legislature. Michael raised a concern about the accessory dwelling units and proposed bill 1345, which he believed to be a good bill that forwards affordable housing and doesn't lead to subdivisions. Kristin clarified that she doesn't personally work on state issues and she only reports on what Futurewise is doing. She emphasized the need to consider the long-term impacts of growth in rural areas.
Addressing governance actions of the President's first 100 days, Chair Joan Smith expressed concern about the President's use of emergency powers and the impact of his executive orders on governance. She highlighted issues such as the unreal border and economic emergency declarations, tariffs, and the firing of key Inspector Generals. The group discussed potential actions the League could take, including passing resolutions or engaging in litigation. Joan emphasized the need to communicate with legislators about these issues. Later, Carol McMahon offered the idea of numerous letters to the editors.
REPORTS:
TRANSPORTATION: Lael White sent a video and action request on rail transit urban issues. The Herald did a feature on the Legislature’s interest in putting funds toward a larger “mosquito fleet” to augment the ferry connections. Earlier, Kristin Kelly made mention of the upgrading designation for Marsh Rd. to justify more traffic.
SIERRA CLUB: The Sierra Club hosted a visit February 22 to the Shoreline Historical Museum to tour the “urban forest” by the Miyawaki method, created a year ago.
BOOK SHELF: Joan shared her interest in Wide Wide Sea by Hampton Sides highlighting the challenges and clash of values Captain James Cook encountered during his final voyage.
NEXT MEETING: March 7, 10:00 A.M. by Zoom – Guest speakers Molly Beeman and Jay Tavarez-Brown of Snohomish County Energy and Sustainability will enlighten us on The Healthy Forest Project.