EDASC names new CEO
The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce David Ballif as the organization’s new CEO. Ballif, who is currently the Executive Director of the Economic Development Council of Jefferson County (WA), will begin his tenure as EDASC’s CEO starting Jan. 12, 2027. "The Board and I have the utmost confidence that David will build upon the strong trajectory [current CEO] John Sternlicht has set out and bring EDASC into the next decade to further impact our
Prescribed Burn Planned at North Cascades National Park Service Complex to Improve Habitat and Reduc
SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. — The National Park Service and the U.S. Wildland Fire Service are preparing for prescribed pile burns in Ross Lake and Lake Chelan national recreation areas throughout October and November, conditions and staffing permitting. The burn piles consist of brush, logs and branches from fire suppression activities on the Border 2 and Sisi fires. Fire managers will conduct the burns when conditions are favorable and the potential for fire to spread beyond the pile footprint is low. Smoke
Governor Ferguson appoints Haley Wolcott Sebens to Skagit County Superior Court
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Brionna Aho, Governor's Communications Director, Brionna.aho@gov.wa.gov, 360-628-3843Governor Ferguson appoints Haley Wolcott Sebens to Skagit County Superior CourtSebens joins Skagit County Bench in first expansion in 20 years OLYMPIA – Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Haley Wolcott Sebens to the position of Skagit County Superior Court Judge. Sebens’ appointment, effective January 1, fills the new position created by a law signed by Governor
Skagit Valley College selected as pilot college for national community college baccalaureate quality
For Immediate ReleaseOct. 8, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Photos: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/prex7bs5hpgb6bd6gugvh/AAWADSc8FostzRrZ3pNnuWA?rlkey=8wqsrx9v26bfmv5utba2ofwb1&st=asjf9fka&dl=0Photo credit: Skagit Valley College, 2020-2026 BAS cohort classes Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollegeHED: Skagit Valley College
Planning Commission Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Community Members, The Planning Commission will be meeting on Tuesday, October 13, at 6:00 p.m. Skagit County is conducting Planning Commission meetings in a hybrid format. The Skagit County Planning Commission is hosting meetings in the Skagit County Commissioners’ Hearing Room at 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. You may also participate online via Zoom or live stream on Skagit 21. The agenda, meeting details, materials, and information on how to participate can be found
Funding Opportunity - HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance
Skagit County has released the 2026 HOME Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The NOFA and all application materials can be found on the Skagit County HOME Consortium webpage at the following link: Skagit County HOME Consortium | Skagit County. Questions regarding this NOFA should be submitted via email to Shelley Kjos, Housing Resource Coordinator, at skjos@skagitcountywa.gov, with "HOME TBRA NOFA Questions" as the subject line.
WA’s nation-high minimum wage rising to nearly $18 an hour in 2027
Editor’s Note: The following article was originally published by the Washington State Standard on October 1, 2026, and was written by Jerry Cornfield. It is republished here under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. Read the original article here. Washington’s minimum wage workers will get a 3.5% pay bump in 2027. The state’s minimum wage will climb to $17.73 an hour starting Jan. 1, the state Department of Labor and Industries announced this week. That’s a 60-cent increase from the
Burlington Chamber Seeks Business and Community Feedback on Proposed 2027 City Budget Changes
Burlington Chamber Seeks Business and Community Feedback on Proposed 2027 City Budget Changes The Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business Advocacy & Government Relations Committee is seeking feedback as it reviews the City of Burlington’s proposed 2027 budget and potential new taxes and increases that could affect Burlington businesses and residents. Information presented during the City’s budget process includes discussion of a potential new utility tax on water, sewer/wastewater, stormwater, and solid
New I-9 Inspection Notice Requirements Take Effect October 1
Originally published by the Washington Retail Association on October 1, 2026. Shared by the Burlington Chamber of Commerce as an informational resource for Washington employers. Washington’s new Immigrant Worker Protection Act requirements for I-9 inspections take effect October 1, 2026, creating new notification and posting requirements for employers. Under the new law, employers must notify workers within five business days of receiving a federal Notice of Inspection (NOI) for Form I-9 and related
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Skagit County Lifts Outdoor Burn Ban October 1st
PRESS RELEASE September 28, 2026 Contact Jenn Rogers Communications and Engagement Manager jrogers@skagitcountywa.gov 360-416-1300FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Lifts Outdoor Burn Ban October 1st Effective 8:00 am on October 1, 2026, and until further notice, residential yard and land-clearing fires are permitted again within unincorporated Skagit County. In unincorporated Skagit County, burn permits are required for piles larger than 4 feet by 4 feet. These permits can be obtained
Employers Encouraged to Register for Oct. 21 Regional Job Fair
MOUNT VERNON, WA — The Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC), in partnership with WorkSource and the Northwest Workforce Council, is preparing for the next WorkSource Regional Pop-Up Job Fair on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and local employers are encouraged to reserve their space soon. The job fair will take place from 12:30 to 4 p.m. at WorkSource Skagit, located at 2005 E. College Way in Mount Vernon. Military veterans will receive early admission from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Employers
EDASC to Offer Startup School in Spanish Beginning Oct. 6
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to share the following opportunity on behalf of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County (EDASC). EDASC is offering its Startup School program in Spanish beginning Oct. 6, providing entrepreneurs with an opportunity to build their business knowledge through a proven curriculum and guidance from Spanish-speaking business professionals. The six-week online course is designed for entrepreneurs who are just getting started as well as existing business
Peoples Bank Establishes $25,000 Endowed Scholarship at Skagit Valley College Foundation
MOUNT VERNON — Peoples Bank has donated $25,000 to the Skagit Valley College Foundation to establish the Peoples Bank Endowed Scholarship, reinforcing the bank's long-standing commitment to supporting education, workforce development, and opportunities for students throughout Northwest Washington.The newly created endowment will provide ongoing scholarship support for Skagit Valley College (SVC) students, helping to reduce financial barriers and empower future generations to achieve their educational
Skagit Valley College Introduces Handshake Employer Recruiting Platform
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce recently received information from Skagit Valley College regarding a new resource for local employers, and we wanted to share it with our business community. We believe this opportunity may provide value to many of our members who are looking to recruit employees, connect with emerging talent, offer internships, or build stronger relationships with the local workforce. Skagit Valley College is transitioning to Handshake, a modern job board and recruiting platform
Ask a Master Recycler
Ask a Master RecyclerGet your recycling questions answered Skagit County Master Composter Recyclerswill be available one Saturday each month from April through October, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Skagit County Transfer & Recycling Center (14104 Ovenell Rd, Mount Vernon). Stationed in the recycling area staff shed, they’ll answer residents’ questions while you drop off materials at the free recycling drop-off area. Stop by to pick up helpful tips, learn what belongs in your recycling bin, and make your
For Immediate Release: Skagit Valley College welcomes James Monroe as Whidbey Island Campus administ
For Immediate Release Sept. 15, 2026 Media contact: Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications | marisa.pierce@skagit.edu | 360.416.7957 Photo credit: James Monroe, Skagit Valley College Follow SVC: LinkedIn @skagit-valley-college | Tiktok @skagitvalleycollege | Facebook and Instagram @SkagitValleyCollege HED: Skagit Valley College welcomes James Monroe as Whidbey Island Campus administrator OAK HARBOR, Wash. — Skagit Valley College has selected James
PeaceHealth United General earns Level IV Trauma Center redesignation
SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. – PeaceHealth United General Medical Center has officially received a full three-year redesignation as a Level IV trauma center—a significant achievement that underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality, lifesaving care in a rural setting. The designation reflects rigorous evaluation by the Washington State Department of Health and recognizes United General's continued investment in clinical excellence, staff training and community engagement. Among the
Washington State DES Offers Recurring Introduction to State Contracting Workshop
BURLINGTON, Wash. — Businesses interested in learning how to work with Washington State agencies can take advantage of a recurring virtual workshop offered by the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services (DES). The Introduction to State Contracting Workshop is held on the third Thursday of each month and is designed to help businesses better understand how state contracting works, where to find upcoming opportunities, and what resources are available to help businesses begin selling products
SBA Disaster Assistance Available for Skagit County Businesses and Private Nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans for eligible Washington small businesses and private nonprofit organizations impacted by the ongoing drought that began May 12, 2026. Skagit County is among the Washington counties included in the disaster declaration, along with Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Stevens and Whatcom counties. Under SBA Disaster Declaration WA-20034, eligible organizations may apply for
Skagit County Superior Court Clerk's Office Announces Fee Changes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESkagit County Superior Court Clerk's Office Announces Fee Changes The Washington State Legislature has recently updated several fees administered by County Clerks. These revisions, outlined in House Bill 2543, must now be reflected in our fee schedule.Effective June 11, 2026Fee CategoryNew FeeNon‑certified copies$0.50 per page (electronic or paper)Exhibit photos$5 per photoDigital exhibit copies$25 per exhibitCopies on electronic storage medium$5 per storage
From Growth to Goodbye: Knowing When to Sell Your Business
Selling your business can be one of the hardest — and smartest — decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’ve built something from scratch or scaled a thriving enterprise, there comes a point when holding on may no longer align with your goals, your market, or your personal energy. You might be ready to sell your business if:Growth has plateaued and reinvestment feels forced.Market conditions are favorable for an exit.Your personal goals or energy no longer align with ownership.Financial or succession
