Below are a list of current activities, meeting and hearings as advertised on KSER 90.7 FM each Monday morning at 8:45 a.m.  This list is updated every week, so visit this site for the latest information.

Futurewise Annual Dinner and Auction--Join the Snohomish County Table

Futurewise's Annual Dinner and Auction is at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 30 in the Fisher Pavillion at Seattle Center.  Kristin Kelly will  host a Snohomish County Table or tables, depending on the response, for $85 per person.  You can also become a sponsor.  Key note speaker is Denis Hayes, President and CEO of the Bullitt Foundation, and a founder of Earth Day.  For more information, contact Brad Benson at 206-343-0681, ext. 122 or brad@futurewise.org, or contact Kristin at kristin@futurewise.org.

Livable Snohomish County Coalition Website

The Livable Snohomish County Coalition is a network of community groups and individuals who are interested in the future of Snohomish County.  It is not an organization but a networking and educational coalition.  The website can be found at http://www.livablesnohomish.org
and will be a central place for folks to go to find out what is going on in the county.  If you have something you want posted, please send it to Kristin Kelly at kristin@futurewise.org.

Please send postings for this website at least 2 weeks in advance!

Transition Port Gardner Potluck

Earth Ministry's Jessie Dye will be speaking about coal in Washington state at Transition Port Gardner's Potluck with a Purpose. She will address the coal plants as well as the coal trains that are bringing coal from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to Canada, bound for China where it will be burned.   The Potluck is Sunday, February 12, at 12:30 p.m. at the Everett United Church of Christ, 2624 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett.  Bring a dish to share and your own plate and fork.   for more information contact http://transitionportgardner.org/

Lake Stevens Planning Commission Meeting

The Commissioners will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1 at the Community Center, 1808 Main Street.  Their agenda includes informaiton on the North Davies Road Roundabouts and an Introduction to the Lake Stevens Subarea Plan and Draft EIS, as well as discussion items on multi-family code amendments.

For more information, visit http://www.lakestevenswa.gov/planning.htm

Transportation Lobby Day

Transportation Lobby Day will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 31st.  To register click on http://transportationchoices.org/blog/events/transportation-advocacy-day
For more information on the Transportation for Washington Campaign, visit http://www.t4washington.org

Woodway Meeting On Shoreline Master Plan Update

Due to weather conditions, the Town Council will be briefed on the town's Shoreline Master Plan Update on Monday, February 6th at their regular meeting time and place.

Lake Stevens Workshop on the Lake Stevens Center (Frontier Village Area) Subarea Plan

The City of Lake Stevens are seeking public comment on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement and it's three proposed Alternatives for redevelopment and rezone of the Lake Steven Center, in and around the Frontier Village area at Highway 9 and SR 204.  Deadline for comments is February 10th, and discussion at the City Council will begin February 21st.

To review the alternatives click on http://www.ci.lake-stevens.wa.us/LakeStevensCenter.htm

Public hearings are scheduled for April 18th, May 14th and May 29th.

To view the documents online, visit http://www.ci.lake-stevens.wa.us/LakeStevensCenter.htm 

For more information, contact the City Planning Department planner at rwright@lakestevenswa.gov.

Everett Planning Commission Public Hearing

The City of Everett Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the city's Evergreen Revitalization Plan at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21st (rescheduled from January 17th due to weather), located in the Wall Street Building, Wall and Wetmore Streets.

Evergreen Way Revitalization Plan

The City hired Makers, a local urban design and architectural firm, to assist in the preparation of the corridor study and long-term vision for Evergreen Way/Rucker Avenue from 41st Street to Gibson Road.  The study will analyze various elements of the corridor, including land use and zoning, redevelopment potential, economics, pedestrian safety, transportation and aesthetics.  The consultant team also includes Perteet Engineering to assist with the transportation analysis, and Property Counselors to evaluate economic conditions and potential within the corridor.

The City, in partnership with Snohomish County and the City of Mukilteo, Everett Transit and Community Transit, was awarded the American Revitalization and Recovery Act (ARRA) grant from the U.S. Department of Energy and Washington State Department of Commerce for $121,000.  The grant money will be used to develop plans to promote energy efficiency by reducing vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions.  As a result of the grant award, the scope of the study will be expanded to include an additional segment of the Evergreen/SR 99 corridor extending south from Gibson Road to 148th Street SW.  Everett's portion of the grant will be used to expand the study to include neighborhood areas within a one-half mile radius of the new Swift bus stops, with a focus on providing pedestrian and bicycle linkages from adjacent neighborhoods to bus stops.  The result will be a plan that encourages increased transit usage through improved access to transit facilities.

If you would like to be added to the mailing list or would like to receive more information, please contact Jim Hanson at 425-257-7133 or at jhanson@ci.everett.wa.us.

Stormwater and Low Impact Development Events for 2012

The Snohomish Conservation District will be sponsoring numerous events listed below.
For more information on the following events, contact Stacy Aleksich at stacy@snohomishcd.org or call 425-335-5634, ext. 112.

Rain Garden Tour, March 10, North Everett.  Exact locations to be announced.

Garden Affair Grange Classes on Saturday, April 7th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Stillaguamish Grange at the Stanwood-Camano Fairgrounds.
  *  Making Your Own Rain Barrett (1-3 p.m.)
  *  Rain Gardens for your Yard (2-3 p.m.)

Arlington Centennial Trail Rain Garden Workshop and Planting Day.  April, date to be announced.

Mill Creek Natural Yard Care, first three Wednesdays in April.  This is for Mill Creek residents.  Registration will be open to others after March 23.
  *  Gardening with a Purpose
  *  Composting/Building Healthy Soils
  *  Sustainable Garden Design

City Council and Planning Commission's Meeting Schedules

Below is a list of meetings and hearings for cities.  Visit their respective websites for information on meetings and hearings to do with land use planning and development regulations.  For most cities web addresses, type in http://www.ci.[Name of City].wa.us.

Monday

Lake Stevens City Council workshop, 7 p.m., Lake Stevens School District administration building, 12309 22nd St. NE.

Lynnwood City Council, 7 p.m., council chambers, 19100 44th Ave. W.

Lynnwood Arts Commission, 7 p.m., council chambers, 19100 44th Ave. W.

Marysville City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall, 1049 State Ave.

Monroe Planning Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall, 806 W. Main St.

Snohomish County Council, 10:30 a.m., eighth floor, County Administration Building, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.

Tuesday

Bothell City Council, 6 p.m., Municipal Court, 10116 NE 183rd St.

Brier City Council, 7:30 p.m., Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St. SW.

Edmonds City Council, 7 p.m., 250 Fifth Ave. N.

Everett Parks and Recreation Board of Commissioners, 6 p.m., Spruce Hall, Forest Park; 802 E. Mukilteo Blvd.

Gold Bar Planning Commission, 7 p.m., 107 Fifth St.

Granite Falls Planning Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall, 206 S. Granite Ave.

Marysville Planning Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall, 1049 State Ave.

Mill Creek City Council, 6 p.m., 15728 Main St.

Monroe City Council budget review, 7 p.m., City Hall, 806 W. Main St.

Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board, 2:30 p.m., Park Department Administration Offices conference room, 9623 32nd St. SE, Everett.

Wednesday

Brier Parks and Recreation Board, 7 p.m., Brier City Hall, 2901 228th St. SW.

Darrington City Council, 7 p.m., City Hall, 1005 Cascade St.

Everett City Council, 6:30 p.m., City Hall chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave.

Lake Stevens Arts Commission, 6:30 p.m., Annex, 1812 Main St..

Lake Stevens School Board, 7:30 p.m., Educational Service Center, 12309 22nd St. NE.

Marysville Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, 7 p.m., Jennings Memorial Barn, 6915 Armar Road.

Mill Creek Youth Advisory Board, 6:30 p.m., 15728 Main St.

Monroe City Council budget review, 7 p.m., City Hall, 806 W. Main St.

Snohomish County Council, 9 a.m., eighth floor, County Administration Building, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.

Snohomish School Board, 7:30 p.m., 1601 Ave. D, Snohomish.

Thursday

Lake Stevens Library Board, 4 p.m., library, 1804 Main St.

Mill Creek Design Review Board, 5:15 p.m., 15728 Main St.

Mill Creek Planning Commission, 7 p.m., 15728 Main St.

Snohomish County Public Facilities District, 3 p.m., 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett. Snohomish County Administration Building West, third-floor conference room 3A00.

Stanwood City Council, 7 p.m., Stanwood-Camano School District Administration Building boardroom, 26920 Pioneer Highway.

Green Drinks In Everett

If you are interested in hosting a future Green Drinks, it is really simple.  You find the place, make sure there is beverage and some snacks (host or no-host is ok) --simple or complex is your choice.  The folks at Green Drinks will send the e-vite at no charge and then the people will come.  They are inviting firms, organizations and individuals to show their green by hosting.  Call Valerie Steel at 425-252-7601 or email her at valerie@greeningproperties.com to sign up.

Green Drinks now has a blog at

For more information, visit the Green Drinks website at http://www.greendrinks.org

Let’s raise a toast to the planet while we figure out ways to NOT toast the planet!

Never Heard of GreenDrinks?

It began in Europe and now sustainability people in over 342 cities all over the globe meet monthly for libations.  It is a lively mixture of people from non-profits, academia, government and business and is a great way of catching up with folks you know and for making new contacts.   Greendrinks is simple, unstructured and rather organic.  People have found jobs, developed new ideas, done deals and had epiphanies at Greendrinks.

And visit their new blog at: http://greendrinkssnoco.blogspot.com/

Snohomish County Council Public Meetings and Hearings

For more information visit the council's long-term calendar webpage http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/Departments/Council/About/Meeting_Calendar/long_term_calendar.htmat

NEW!!!!  All County Council meetings and hearings are now available for viewing on the web.  To log on, visit http://www.snoco.org and search for "Council Webcasts."

All Wednesdays starting at 9 a.m. are the Council's General Legislative Session.  There is public comment time during this session.

Snohomish County Planning Commission

For more information, contact the Planning Commission Clerk, Sally Evans at 425-388-3285 or by email at Sally.Evans@snoco.org.

Snohomish County Agricultural Advisory Board

For more information, contact Tom Niemann at 425-388-3311, ext. 2214.

Snohomish County Working Group for Land Use Issues

A final report of recommendations for the County Council from the Land Use Working Group for public review is available on their website at www.snoco.org, and type in Land Use Working Group in Search Box and follow the links to their webpage.

As a result of a complaint by the Master Builders Association regarding decisions by the County Hearing Examiner, and as a result of the Hearing Examiner Report for 2007-2008 click http://www.snoco.org and Type in Land Use Working Group in Search Box.

During the 2009 Budget Process, the Snohomish County Council directed Planning and Development Services to form a working group to analyze and propose recommendations concerning the County’s land use decision-making process. This group has now been formed and will begin its work by crafting an issue paper on the topic for County Council review.

Consistent with goals of the UDC Update Project, the working group is providing opportunities for public involvement.  Interested parties are invited to subscribe to the Land Use Decision-making Process web page.

For more information, contact Angela Day, Working Group Chair, angmday@gmail.com.

Snohomish County Ag Sustainability Project Workshop

Does Snohomish County farming have a future?  The public is invited to envision the future of agriculture. The project is a community-based initiative created to enhance and strengthen the County's agricultural economy as well as preserve local farmlands.

The Agricultural Sustainability Report is now available.  You can read the report on the county's website at http://www1.co.snohomish.wa.us/County_Services/Focus_on_Farming/agsustainability.htm

For more information, contact Linda Neunzig, Agriculture Project Coordinator, Office of Economic Development, 425-388-7170 or by e-mail at linda.neunzig@co.snohomish.wa.us.

Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County (SDTF) Events

For more information and directions, visit the SDTF website at http://www.sustainablesnohomishcounty.org/

The Sustainable Development Task Force of Snohomish County offers:
•    Professional technical assistance
•    Educational presentations
•    Code/ordinance review
•    Guidance through the permitting process
The Sustainable Development Task Force is available to help you with your green site development or your green building project. We can also help with your technical presentation.

Click Here for more information, or to contact the Task Force at their website.

Farmers Markets:

Support your local farms in Snohomish and discover what a difference fresh, seasonal food tastes like. Click here for a listing of a farmers market near you!

For a list of other Puget Sound Farmers Markets, visit the website http://www.pugetsoundfresh.org/

U.S. 2 at Bickford is funded

The state House passed a two-year transportation bill that included $20.5 million to improve the U.S. 2 at Bickford Avenue intersection in Snohomish.
The project would create an overpass for drivers turning west onto U.S. 2 from Bickford Avenue. Right now drivers must cross two lanes of fast-moving eastbound U.S. 2 traffic to merge into the fast lane of westbound U.S. 2.
The House Bill 1175 also includes $1.7 million to support Sunday service for Community Transit. The agency cut all Sunday and major holiday services in response to declining revenue.

Port Susan Food and Farming Center

A new cooperative food processing center is under development in Snohomish County.  The facility will be a center for the production of value-added and niche market agricultural products and business incubation support, with a strong retail and educational component.  The project team recently launched an informative web site http://www.portsusanfoodandfarmingcenter.org

The mission is to provide long-term vitality for the food and farming community in Stanwood/Camano Island area by providing bottling, labeling, baking, and curing access among other vital production needs.  The project is being organized by Slow Food Port Susan.

Farmers and food entrepreneurs are encouraged to log in to the convenient online survey and communicate their needs, and what skills or knowledge they would be willing to contribute to the development efforts.  The survey is no available on-line until the end of March at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PortSusanCenter

For more information about the center, please contact Vivian Henderson at (360) 652-2569, email vmail@cedarcomm.com or Donna King at (360) 629-2362, email dk@wavecable.com.  For more information about Slow Food Port Susan, log on to http://www.slowfoodportsusan.org

Sustainable Development Task Force

For more information on these workshops visit http://snohomishcd.org/workshops

Green Ribbon Climate Task Force Monthly Meetings

The final report of recommendations is now available on line.  To access the report, click here.

Granite Falls Alternate Truck Route is no open for use

The long-awaited truck route between Granite Falls and Highway 92 is now open to the public.  The 1.9 mile route has roundabouts at intersetions of Jordan and Engebretsen roads, at Burn Road and at Highway 92.  The $2.8 million project was funded through local, state and federal funds.  More than six million tons of gravel, equaling 2,000 daily truck trips passed through Granite Falls in 2005 and this truck route will alleviate that problem.  The new road will give truck drivers a faster route and also be good for tourism in the city.

Link light rail to Sea-Tac Airport is now available

Link includes stops in Downtown Seattle, SODO, Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley neighborhoods and Tukwila.

Normal Link operating hours are from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 6 a.m. to midnight on Sundays.  Sea Tac / Airport Station connects to the airport garage via a pedestrian walkway. Airport passengers will follow a separated guideway through the garage to the main terminal. Luggage carts will be available at the station. 

Community Transit

Traveling the Puget Sound region by bus, train and ferry is even easier with the arrival of ORCA - One Regional Card for All. The ORCA card works like cash or a pass, automatically tracking the value of different fares and transfers so you don't have to.

Purchase your card online by visiting the ORCA card website at http://www.orcacard.com/ERG-Seattle/p1_001.do

For more information, contact Community Transit at:

(425) 353-RIDE (7433)

(800) 562-1375

TTY Relay: Dial 711

riders@commtrans.org

Community Transit operates 33 local bus routes, 31 commuter routes and DART paratransit service throughout Snohomish County. It also offers carpool matching, one of the nation’s largest vanpool programs and offers transit instruction to disabled and senior citizens. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-RIDE or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to http://www.communitytransit.org.

Transit’s next Citizens’ Advisory Committee meetings are held every third Wednesday of the month in different locations in the Community Transit service areas.  These meetings provide information to the public about what is going on with Community Transit and for the public to talk about the issues as well.

Community Transit, along with its partner Everett Transit, has constructed 24 Swift stations and two terminals along a 17-mile route primarily on Highway 99 between Everett Station and the Aurora Village Transit Center in Shoreline.

Swift runs every 10 minutes on weekdays between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. and every 20 minutes at night and weekends. With only 12 stops in each direction, Swift will fly down the corridor much faster than local bus service which has about 50-60 stops in each direction.

With stations rather than bus stops and stylized hybrid buses, Swift provides a fast, frequent and reliable new transit experience for the region. Swift will be the first bus rapid transit line in Washington state.

“Bus rapid transit is gaining popularity across the country for its flexibility and low cost,” said Community Transit CEO Joyce Eleanor. “In these economic times we need to provide the most efficient public transportation service to those who need to get around for work, school, shopping or whatever destinations they choose.”

Swift stations are equipped with two ticket vending machines and two ORCA smart card readers for offboard fare payment. Passengers will pay their fares at the stations rather than on board so the buses can depart quickly.

Stations also will have markings on the curb to indicate where passengers in wheelchairs or other mobility devices, and passengers with bikes should board. When a Swift bus pulls up, all three doors will open simultaneously so people can board or get off the bus quickly. Swift buses are equipped with three onboard bike racks to eliminate the delay of loading bikes on the front of the bus.

“As the name implies, Swift is about moving people quickly,” said Eleanor. “Everything from the station design to the bus layout and new technology at intersections are geared toward moving the bus swiftly down the corridor.”

For more information about Swift and station construction, visit www.communitytransit.org/swift.

Community Transit strives to help Puget Sound commuters think transit first. With an electronic alert system for instant rider information and one of the nation’s first double decker transit buses, the agency is a leader in finding new ways to make alternative transportation an attractive option. Call Community Transit at (425) 353-RIDE or (800) 562-1375 for bus information, or (888) 814-1300 for carpool or vanpool information, or go to www.communitytransit.org.

The Puget Sound Partnership has released their draft action plan for cleaning up Puget Sound

To review the plan, click on their website at http://www.psp.wa.gov

Pilchuck Audubon Society

Snohomish Program Director for Futurewise is also Smart Growth Director for Pilchuck Audubon Society serving Snohomish County and Camano Island.  In the monthly newsletter, The Profile, you will find the Director's Smart Growth Report, as well as other information going on at PAS.  You can view The Profile by

Clicking Here.

Island County

The Island County Planning Department is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The County's Shoreline Master Program Update is underway, starting with a public workshop on Shoreline Stabilization on Monday, January 30th from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioner's  Hearing Room in Coopeville.

For more information on all planning processes, visit http://http://www.co.island.wa.us/planning/