Contact: Kent Patton, Communications Director
               Kent.Patton@snoco.org
               425-388-3883

Snohomish County Leads on Equity and Inclusion

Leadership Snohomish County Step Up event on Friday, April 28 in Lynnwood is opportunity for engagement and action

EVERETT, Snohomish County, Wednesday, April 26, 2017 – Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers, Snohomish County Council Chair Brian Sullivan, and Snohomish County Council Vice Chair Stephanie Wright today announced the county’s fundamental commitment to inclusion and equity. They reiterated the county’s longstanding support for all people who work, live, or play in Snohomish County.

“We are committed to treating everyone equally and with the respect and dignity they deserve, “said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. “We are a stronger community because of our diversity, and we will continue to work hard to ensure everyone knows that they are welcome in Snohomish County.”

On April 28, 2017, Snohomish County Human Resources Director, Annie Cole, and Governor Jay Inslee will be taking part in an all-day conference held by Leadership Snohomish County in Lynnwood, Step Up: Understanding and Implementing Racial Equity. As a sponsor of Step Up, the county strongly support this event and plans to use it as a springboard for efforts to do more to make Snohomish County a leader for racial equity and inclusion.

Executive Somers, Council Chair Brain Sullivan, and Council Vice Chair Stephanie Wright are committed to strengthening partnerships for better outreach and engagement with historically underrepresented communities. They also support inclusive hiring practices and new and renewed partnerships that support inclusion and equity within Snohomish County Government and the communities it serves.

“We must find ways to more fully represent our entire community, ensuring fairness and equity for all,” said Brian Sullivan, Snohomish County Council Chair. “I will continue to fight for everyone’s rights in Snohomish County regardless of age, faith, race, national origin, immigration status, gender identity, ability, ethnicity, housing status, sexual orientation or any other social status.”

 “I am grateful to live in a diverse community, one that continues to work towards equity for all,” said Stephanie Wright, Snohomish County Council Vice Chair.