Council reviews major initiatives and priorities for 2026 at two-day retreat

The County Council elected a new chair and vice chair, reviewed significant projects from 2025, and began setting priorities for the upcoming year.

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

This week, the San Juan County Council completed a two-day retreat where they reviewed significant projects from 2025 and began setting priorities for 2026. Main topics included ongoing budget discussions, lobbying efforts in Olympia, and upcoming projects across multiple departments.    

During the meeting, Justin Paulsen was elected Council Chair and Kari McVeigh was elected Vice Chair. The Council assigned board, committee, and commission liaison roles, all of which will be listed on the associated board pages.

Monday’s Retreat 

Monday’s agenda included a review of major initiatives, including code work priorities and lobbying efforts in Olympia. Budget discussions continued with the setting of an annual budget calendar, reviewing specific program expenses, and exploring other revenue options, including a levy lid lift.

The discussion of a possible levy lid lift in 2026 will be ongoing. The Council reviewed previously approved levies and the programs that benefited from prior funding. The Council then asked staff to provide information on the level of increased funding that would help to maintain County services supported by the Current Expense Fund. During the retreat, the Council did not approve any specific rate or term. Discussions will continue during Council meetings on January 20 and February 3. The public is invited to attend these meetings in person or online. 

Tuesday’s Retreat 

Tuesday’s agenda included presentations from the County Manager’s Office about the Capital Improvement Plan and Public Defense standards, as well as an update on a new financial management system. The Council expressed interest in long-term capital planning, as the County owns several buildings that could benefit from maintenance projects.

The Department of Community Development shared updates about permit reviews and key work planned for 2026.   Additionally, Conservation Land Bank staff shared program goals for 2026 and a progress report on the developing Beaverton Trail project.  

What’s Next

The County Council will continue its regular meeting schedule on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

You can stay up-to-date with Council news throughout the year by subscribing to ‘SJC Council News Flashes’ sent to your inbox here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/list.aspx