2 minute read
Mayor's Message
How Can We Serve You Better?
BY LINDA REDMON, MAYOR
That’s the question I started with when I took office as Mayor. How do we provide excellent, responsive service that is efficient and effective? How do we operate in an open and accessible manner in which you can be informed and engaged? And how do we make sure essential services are there for you in an emergency?
During the last couple of years, cities everywhere have seen a boom in demand for new ways to access city services and government. From online payment and permitting portals, to “virtual” meetings, Snohomish has worked to meet these newly urgent needs. In addition to the traditional ways we have always served you, we will be continuing to provide these online services that many people have come to expect and prefer.
The benefits of the switch to virtual services and meetings have increased convenience for customers, and increased community participation. We are investigating ways to make doing business with the City even easier through additional online services, such as being able to snap a picture to report a service issue at any time instead of having to make a phone call during business hours. I have asked staff to look at innovative platforms for City Council meetings, town halls, and other such events that would allow you to participate at times and in ways most convenient for you. Other cities implementing these methods have seen greatly increased public participation, with better representation of all demographics. We are also looking at ways to provide easier and enhanced access to public records.
Lastly, the past couple of years have highlighted the need to have suitable
supports in place to handle emergencies so that our community is secure and essential needs are met. We are focusing on utilizing recovery monies to support our business community, provide aid to people in need of financial assistance, and repair and improve foundational infrastructure. Additionally, we are determining appropriate and best uses for housing and mental health funding based on feedback from our community, our first responders, and experts working in these service categories. The goal is to address these areas of highest concern in a way that fills gaps to support all members of our community, from businesses to their employees, from children to elders, from individuals to families, and all the social systems in which they are part. Our goal is to make sure Snohomish continues to be strong enough for anything that comes our way. -Linda
Snohomish Quarterly is published by Scenic365 LLC for the City of Snohomish. ADVERTISING SALES Jennifer Coleman 360-739-0701 / jennifer@visitorsguide.com EDITOR Wendy Poischbeg DESIGN & PRODUCTION Jason Becker
