This legislative agenda is focused on specific legislative actions that will enable the Council to more efficiently and effectively provide critical services to San Juan County residents.
||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||
In anticipation of the 2026 Legislative Session of the Washington State Legislature and the United States Congress, the San Juan County Council discussed and adopted its legislative priorities during their November 25 meeting. These priorities reflect issues Council believes are fundamentally important to the residents of San Juan County, including reliable ferry service, making housing more affordable, protecting our environment and Salish Sea, and adequately funding K-12 education, among others.
What are legislative priorities?
The Council tracks and comments on legislation that may impact the County, particularly in areas such as funding, financing, and service delivery. This legislative agenda is focused on specific legislative actions that will enable the Council to more efficiently and effectively provide critical services to San Juan County residents.
The adopted priority list may be amended as needed as new priorities arise throughout the year.
Key legislative priorities and objectives:
- County marine infrastructure: The Council is requesting support for the first phase of repairs and improvements to the Orcas Landing marine facility.
- WA State Ferry reservation system for essential service providers: The Council is proposing authorization for WSF to give priority access to the existing reservation system for essential services such as food, fuel, and freight.
- Mosquito Fleet bill: The Council supports 2025’s HB 1923, which seeks to allow expansion of passenger-only ferry service across the Puget Sound, including in the San Juan Islands.
- Detached accessory dwelling units in rural areas: The Council supports the passage of 2025’s HB 1345 / SB 5413 to provide clear authority for the use of accessory dwelling units that may contribute to more affordable housing.
- Funding affordable housing through tourism: The Council supports 2025’s HB 1763 / SB 5576 that would tax vacation rentals to generate revenue for local affordable housing expenditures.
- County fiscal sustainability: The Council is seeking financial support from the State in an effort to keep up with rising inflation and to provide new services on behalf of the State.
Other important topics the Council will emphasize if/when they are brought forward for discussion include the value of Ferry Advisory Committees (FACs), the desire to use Lodging Tax funding more broadly, and the broadening of the definition of ‘affordable’ housing that will open more subsidized housing opportunities for islanders. The Council also supports the continued investment in the Housing Trust Fund, the Climate Commitment Act, the Puget Sound Partnership Salmon Recovery Fund, and DNR’s derelict vessel programs.
Looking Ahead
The Council will monitor the 2026 Legislative Session of the Washington State Legislature and the United States Congress, providing comments or letters of support as necessary. Council will also support the priorities of the Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC) and work alongside members of the 40th Legislative District to advocate for issues that impact islanders.
You can learn more about the Council’s legislative priorities and read the full list and descriptions here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.
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