FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Notice of Skagit County Economic Development and Affordable Workforce Housing Grant Applications
PRESS RELEASE November 9, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENotice of Skagit County Economic Development and Affordable Workforce Housing Grant Applications Skagit County will begin accepting applications Monday, November 9, 2026, for grants to fund the construction of public facilities that retain and/or create family-wage jobs or affordable workforce housing projects, in accordance with RCW 82.14.370. In
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Passing Our Fields Forward: Skagit County Announces Three Winter Workshops to Support Farmland Succession
PRESS RELEASE November 6, 2026 Contact Sarah Stoner, Agricultural Lands Coordinator sstoner@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1417FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPassing Our Fields Forward: Skagit County Announces Three Winter Workshops to Support Farmland SuccessionFree winter workshop series brings farmers, landowners, and agricultural partners together to explore successful land transfers and preserve Skagit Valley's agricultural future. As a growing number of Washington farmers approach retirement age, the
AWB to Host December 1 Webinar Exploring Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure
AWB to Host December 1 Webinar Exploring Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Burlington Chamber of Commerce Shares Upcoming Educational Opportunity for Business Leaders As technology continues to shape how businesses operate, understanding the infrastructure behind our increasingly digital world is becoming more important. The Association of Washington Business (AWB) is hosting an upcoming webinar focused on data centers, the physical facilities that help power the internet, cloud-based services, and
AWB Election Update: Washington Democrats on Track for Historic State House Supermajority
Source: Association of Washington Business (AWB) The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has shared its analysis of Washington's November 3, 2026, election results, highlighting significant changes in the state's political landscape and potential implications for businesses, economic policy, and the upcoming legislative session. According to AWB's post-election update, Democrats are on track to secure a historic supermajority in the Washington State House of Representatives, while voters rejected a
AWB Update: Washington's Tax Competitiveness Falls to 47th in the Nation
AWB Update: Washington's Tax Competitiveness Falls to 47th in the Nation Source: Association of Washington Business (AWB) Washington state's tax competitiveness has declined again, according to findings shared by the Association of Washington Business (AWB) from the Tax Foundation's newly released 2027 State Tax Competitiveness Index. The annual index ranks Washington 47th among the 50 states, down one position from 46th in the previous year's rankings. This places Washington among the four lowest-ranked
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Applications Open for Skagit County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
PRESS RELEASE November 7, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApplications Open for Skagit County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board The Skagit County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board works with the Parks, Recreation, Fair & Facilities Department and advises the Board of County Commissioners on proposed parks and recreation projects, policies, and fees. The advisory board will be working to update the
Skagit Valley College announces Dr. Thomas Broxson as new president
For Immediate ReleaseNov. 3, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollegeHED: Skagit Valley College announces Dr. Thomas Broxson as new presidentMOUNT VERNON, Wash. — The Skagit Valley College (SVC) Board of Trustees has selected Dr. Thomas A. Broxson as the college's next president following an
Burlington Chamber Encourages Community to Stay Informed on 2026 Skagit County Election Results
Burlington Chamber Encourages Community to Stay Informed on 2026 Skagit County Election Results FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 4, 2026 | Burlington, Washington Following the November 3, 2026, General Election, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce encourages local business owners, Chamber members, and community residents to stay informed by following election results through the official Skagit County election reporting website. As an organization committed to supporting the local business community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Skagit County Launches Live Strategic Plan
PRESS RELEASE October 23, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Launches Live Strategic Plan The Skagit County Commissioners are excited to announce the launch of an online, live strategic plan via ClearPoint to publish the County’s progress towards the organization’s goals and initiatives. The public can now view the County’s shared priorities, data, and projects within the strategic plan using
Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees announces three presidential finalists, invites public to co
For Immediate ReleaseOct. 20, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollegeHED: Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees announces three presidential finalists, invites public to community forumsMOUNT VERNON, Wash. — On Tuesday, Oct. 20, the Skagit Valley College Board of Trustees announced the
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Bay View Community Meeting Scheduled for November 12, 2026
PRESS RELEASE November 2, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEBay View Community Meeting Scheduled for November 12, 2026 Skagit County will host a community meeting in Bay View on Thursday, November 12th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bay View Civic Hall, 12615 C. Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. The meeting is free and open to the public. This meeting is only available to join in-person, there will be no
Through North Star, Local Governments Invest More Than $2.3 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds to Ex
October 30, 2026 info@northstarskagit.org Through North Star, Local Governments Invest More Than $2.3 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds to Expand Behavioral Health Care and Recovery Housing Behavioral health and recovery needs don’t stop at city limits. That’s why Skagit County and the cities of Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley worked together through North Star to use opioid settlement funds for two shared priorities: improving behavioral health care and expanding recovery
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Skagit County Partners with Housing Authority of Skagit County to Build Affor
PRESS RELEASE October 29, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Partners with Housing Authority of Skagit County to Build Affordable Housing Skagit County has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Housing Authority of Skagit County (HASC) to build affordable housing units for seniors, along with a resident clubhouse that provides space for resident support services, at the current site of
Skagit Valley College announces Christina Castorena as vice president of student services
For Immediate ReleaseOct. 29, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollege Photo credit: Skagit Valley College HED: Skagit Valley College announces Christina Castorena as vice president of student servicesMOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Skagit Valley College is pleased to announce the appointment of
Employers in Olympia: Legislative Day and Hill Climb coming Feb. 9
Legislative insights: Employers make a difference when they join together and talk directly with lawmakers. AWB brings together the business leaders to Olympia each year for the Legislative Day & Hill Climb, co-presented by Cascade Natural Gas and Heritage Bank — and the 2027 event has been set for Feb. 9. Amplify the voice of business: This one-day event is a chance to talk with relevant policy-makers, from top statewide executives down to key legislators on the policy committees that matter to
$5,000 Disaster Preparedness Grants Available to Small Businesses Through U.S. Chamber Foundation
$5,000 Disaster Preparedness Grants Available to Small Businesses Through U.S. Chamber Foundation BURLINGTON, WA — The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is sharing an important funding opportunity for small businesses looking to strengthen their preparedness for natural disasters. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with Verizon, has launched the Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Mitigation Grant Program, offering $5,000 grants to selected small businesses to support disaster risk reduction
Washington paid leave rate to hit 1.2% cap in 2027
Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave Premium Rate to Increase to 1.2% in 2027 Washington employers should prepare for changes to payroll contributions beginning January 1, 2027. BURLINGTON, WA — The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is sharing an important update for Washington businesses regarding upcoming changes to the state's Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) program. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD), the Paid Family & Medical Leave premium rate will increase
Early-bird tickets available for Legislative Day & Hill Climb
Early-Bird Registration Now Open for 2027 AWB Legislative Day & Hill Climb Washington business leaders invited to connect with state lawmakers in Olympia on February 9, 2027. BURLINGTON, WA — The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is sharing an opportunity for local business owners and employers to participate in the 2027 Legislative Day & Hill Climb, hosted by the Association of Washington Business (AWB) on Tuesday, February 9, 2027, in Olympia. Early-bird registration is now open, giving attendees an
West Mount Vernon bridge to close Nov. 1 to complete restoration work
Beginning Sunday, Nov. 1, the State Route 536 Skagit River/Division Street Bridge will close in both directions to all passenger and freight vehicles for at least two weeks. The full closure will allow contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation to speed up completion of an ongoing painting and preservation project on the historic bridge linking Mount Vernon’s downtown and West Mount Vernon. Once work is finished, the bridge will fully reopen to eastbound and
Prepare for Winter Weather: Sign Up for Skagit Ready Emergency Alerts
Skagit County encourages residents and businesses to register for emergency and severe weather notifications before winter arrives. BURLINGTON, WA — As winter approaches, the Burlington Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local businesses, residents, and community members to take a few minutes to prepare for severe weather and potential emergencies by registering for Skagit Ready Alerts, Skagit County's emergency notification system. From winter storms and flooding to high winds and other emergencies,
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Guemes Island Ferry Operating Vehicle Service Under Load Restriction Until Further Notice
PRESS RELEASE October 30, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEGuemes Island Ferry Operating Vehicle Service Under Load Restriction Until Further Notice Due to structural concerns with the Guemes Island and Anacortes ferry terminal bridges, the Guemes Island Ferry is operating under a load restriction of 5 tons, 10,000 pounds, per vehicle. Vehicles or vehicles and trailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight
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Skagit County to Celebrate Completion of East County Bridge Projects
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County to Celebrate Completion of East County Bridge Projects The Skagit County Commissioners are excited to announce the reopening of the Marblemount Bridge and the completion of a temporary bridge over Jordan Creek, reestablishing important access points for east county residents. In recognition of these two important projects, the County Commissioners will be hosting a ribbon cutting event at the Marblemount Bridge on Thursday, October 29, at 10:00 a.m. The Marblemount
Climb set for Feb. 9 in Olympia (AWB Legislative Day & Hill Climb)
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share the following update from the Association of Washington Business (AWB), Washington state's chamber of commerce and a leading advocate for employers across the state. AWB works to strengthen Washington's business climate by connecting employers with policymakers, championing business-friendly policies, and ensuring the voices of businesses of all sizes are heard in Olympia. Their annual Legislative Day & Hill Climb provides an opportunity for
Learn about key employment laws at L&I webinars
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is sharing the following information provided by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) as a resource for our local business community. Understanding Washington State employment laws is important for employers and employees alike. To help businesses and workers stay informed, L&I is offering a series of free educational webinars throughout October, November, and December 2026. These webinars are hosted and presented by the Washington State
Board of County Commissioners to Hold Work Session on Outdoor Events Code Rewrite
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a work session on Monday,October 19 at 11:00 AM to discuss the SCC 9.08 - Outdoor Events Code Rewrite. The second draft is available now and the comment period will be open from today, Thursday October 15, 2026, to Wednesday November 4, 2026 at 4:30 PM. Board of County Commissioners Work Session Documents The documents for the work session can be viewed by visiting the project website or in the linked documents below.Staff Report - 9.08 AmendmentsExhibit A -
EDASC names new CEO
The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce David Ballif as the organization’s new CEO. Ballif, who is currently the Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Jefferson County (WA), will begin his tenure as EDASC’s CEO starting Jan. 12, 2027. "The Board and I have the utmost confidence that David will build upon the strong trajectory [current CEO] John Sternlicht has set out and bring EDASC into the next decade to further impact our
Washington State DES Offers Recurring Introduction to State Contracting Workshop
BURLINGTON, Wash. — Businesses interested in learning how to work with Washington State agencies can take advantage of a recurring virtual workshop offered by the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES). The Introduction to State Contracting Workshop is held on the third Thursday of each month and is designed to help businesses better understand how state contracting works, where to find upcoming opportunities, and what resources are available to help businesses begin selling products
SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Skagit County Businesses and Private Nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible Washington small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the ongoing drought that began May 12, 2026. Skagit County is among the Washington counties included in the disaster declaration, along with Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Stevens and Whatcom counties. Under SBA Disaster Declaration WA-20034, eligible organizations may apply for
Skagit County Superior Court Clerk's Office Announces Fee Changes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Superior Court Clerk's Office Announces Fee Changes The Washington State Legislature has recently updated several fees administered by County Clerks. These revisions, outlined in House Bill 2543, must now be reflected in our fee schedule.Effective June 11, 2026Fee CategoryNew FeeNon‑certified copies$0.50 per page (electronic or paper)Exhibit photos$5 per photoDigital exhibit copies$25 per exhibitCopies on electronic storage medium$5 per storage
