Somers sees Paine Field as focal point of a thriving county

EVERETT — Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers’ big annual address to political and business leaders weighed his community’s exciting economic prospects against the need to preserve its natural beauty.

The county’s population, on pace to surpass 800,000 this year, is now expected to rise by 250,000 over the next two decades, Somers said Wednesday. That’s more than earlier forecasts.

“We are all very fortunate to live here in a place with a rich history, abundance and deep beauty, and we have an obligation to ensure the future is as rich, abundant and beautiful,” he said.

Somers delivered his county update to a few hundred political and business leaders gathered at a conference room at the recently renamed Angel of the Winds Arena.

His theme was similar to last year. It was his third annual address since becoming executive. Economic Alliance Snohomish County organized the event.

Among the positives, Somers said that county-run Paine Field is preparing to host regularly scheduled passenger flights from three major carriers starting this fall. Those flights could encourage more businesses to locate here.

The county government, with Gov. Jay Inslee’s backing, also is making a pitch to be the manufacturing site for a new mid-market aircraft dubbed the 797. The Boeing Co. hasn’t yet decided whether to build the plane.

“Today, Paine Field is the most important economic engine in the county,” he said.

Challenges abound on other fronts.

Somers discussed the county’s efforts to stem the tide of opioid addiction, along with crime, homelessness and other social ills it brings. He thanked the sheriff’s office, prosecutors, human services staff and others for creative approaches that are being put into practice.

“We see the epidemic in our population of homeless living in our cities and in rural camps,” Somers said. “We see it with needles in parks and on school grounds. We see it with nuisance properties. We see it in the overdoses of loved ones and neighbors.”

Somers also touched on ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and customer service countywide. He talked about initiatives to support the military community. Improving east-west highways also will be an increasing focus of his transportation plans.

He issued two executive orders. One is aimed at preserving and growing the county’s’ farmlands. Another order aims to create a strategy to boost outdoor recreation as part of the tourism economy.

After the speech, Everett City Council President Paul Roberts said he appreciated Somers’ regional focus on economic development, transportation and other priorities. Roberts serves alongside Somers on the Sound Transit Board of Directors, where Somers is chairman, and on the Puget Sound Regional Council, where Somers is board president.

“The focus on economic development was critical, and how we need to expand our economic base,” Roberts said.

In his address, Somers announced the pending retirement of deputy executive Marcia Isenberg later this spring.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @NWhaglund.