Snohomish County Council Imposes Emergency Moratorium on Data Centers

The Snohomish County Council unanimously approved an emergency moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated areas this week, effective immediately. The council also accepted a disaster-planning mitigation plan, advanced a sales-tax proposal, and set a July 15 public hearing on a transportation district measure.

Data Center Moratorium

During the June 24 general legislative session, the council voted 5-0 to enact an emergency ordinance halting new data center development in unincorporated Snohomish County. The moratorium takes effect at once. No duration was specified in the meeting minutes.

Charter Amendment Fails for Lack of Votes

A proposed charter amendment that would have required mandatory political history disclosure for County Executive and Council candidates failed 3-2 on June 24. The measure needed four votes to advance.

Emergency Funds for Prosecutor’s Office

Also on June 24, the council approved an emergency appropriation for the Prosecuting Attorney’s office by a 5-0 vote. No dollar amount was given in the minutes.

Hazard Mitigation Plan Adopted

On July 1, the council approved Motion 26-230, adopting the 2025 Snohomish County Hazard Mitigation Plan, by a 5-0 vote. The plan guides disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.

FAA Grant for Runway Rehabilitation

A Federal Aviation Administration grant for airport runway rehabilitation was approved 5-0 on July 1. The dollar figure was not listed in the consent agenda actions.

Other Actions

• A consent agenda covering fair contracts, a LiDAR agreement, and a Tulalip waterline project passed 5-0 on June 24.
• The council confirmed reappointments of Layla Bush and Karl Niemela to the Planning Commission.
• A public hearing on a Stanwood flood-risk mitigation agreement was scheduled for July 15.
• A performance audit notice to proceed was approved 5-0, with an amendment.
• A resolution celebrating America 250 was adopted 5-0.

Coming Up

• **July 7 Administrative Session:** The council will review a proposed sales tax for the Snohomish County Transportation Benefit District (public hearing set for July 15), an interlocal agreement with Mukilteo for fire vehicle maintenance (up to $400,000), and a five-year, $55,000 contract for a work management platform with Vesta Digital Intelligence. Adoption of the 2026 Drainage Manual and Engineering Design Standards is also on the agenda.
• **July 7 Public Infrastructure and Conservation Committee:** Members will examine a Commute Trip Reduction Plan (Ordinance 26-029), a road right-of-way franchise for Verta, and several project motions including a North High Rock Road slide repair.
• **July 7 Planning and Community Development Committee:** Agenda items include a fire protection agreement with Fire District 4 and the Mukilteo mechanical services contract.
• **July 8 General Legislative Session:** The council will consider Ordinance 26-030, a proposed 0.1% sales tax increase for criminal justice. Also on the docket: the Vesta Digital Intelligence contract, the drainage manual, and a resolution recognizing the Snohomish County Civic Assembly on AI.
• **July 8 Public Hearings:** A final vote is expected on Motion 26-155, amendments to the County Comprehensive Plan and GMA Development Regulations under Docket XXII.

Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.