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Sustainable & Resilient County Government

Desired Outcome: Skagit County is a flexible, effective, and transparent partner focused on delivering high quality services to residents and stakeholders. Skagit County must constantly reinforce a culture that supports data-driven, service oriented, collaborative and adaptable policies and services. Skagit County will be able to respond to and recover from any type of disaster or event, including health related pandemics and natural disasters such as a flood or fire. This includes sustainability practices and a commitment to the preservation of natural resource lands and the natural environment.
Sustainable & Resilient County Government Icon

Sustainable & Resilient County Government

Desired Outcome: Skagit County is a flexible, effective, and transparent partner focused on delivering high quality services to residents and stakeholders. Skagit County must constantly reinforce a culture that supports data-driven, service oriented, collaborative and adaptable policies and services. Skagit County will be able to respond to and recover from any type of disaster or event, including health related pandemics and natural disasters such as a flood or fire. This includes sustainability practices and a commitment to the preservation of natural resource lands and the natural environment.

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Goal and Definition

5.1 - Ensure an effective and efficient county government.

Addressing the critical policies and processes at which Skagit County must excel to deliver value to all Skagitonians.
How we’re getting there What we’re watching

We are strengthening internal controls, processes and stewardship of public trust and fiscal responsibility; using data to assess and strengthen our efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability; enhancing contracting and procurement systems and opportunities; implementing innovative technologies that support the delivery of high-quality, effective services; fostering partnerships that leverage resources to support the continuous improvement of incorporating best practices; and implementing policies and practices that improve performance, reduce costs, and eliminate redundancies.

How we’re getting there

We are strengthening internal controls, processes and stewardship of public trust and fiscal responsibility; using data to assess and strengthen our efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability; enhancing contracting and procurement systems and opportunities; implementing innovative technologies that support the delivery of high-quality, effective services; fostering partnerships that leverage resources to support the continuous improvement of incorporating best practices; and implementing policies and practices that improve performance, reduce costs, and eliminate redundancies.

5.2 - Ensure high standards of customer service accessibility for all county services and programs.

Ensure high standards of customer service accessibility for all county services and programs.
How we’re getting there What we’re watching

We are evaluating opportunities for customer service efficiencies and improvements; we are developing a comprehensive approach to consistently solicit customer feedback on their service experience and share results regarding the quality of the county’s programs and services.

How we’re getting there

We are evaluating opportunities for customer service efficiencies and improvements; we are developing a comprehensive approach to consistently solicit customer feedback on their service experience and share results regarding the quality of the county’s programs and services.

5.3 - Prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, events, incidents, and hazards.

The purpose of the Continuity Planning and Program Management initiative is to institutionalize resilience by creating a centralized, end-to-end framework that ensures both essential operational functions and governance authorities can be sustained through any disruption.
How we’re getting there What we’re watching

We are doing this by embedding continuity requirements into policy, budgeting, and organizational structure via a dedicated Continuity Management Program; standardizing the development and maintenance of key continuity documents—such as mission-essential function lists, orders of succession, and delegations of authority; coordinating risk assessments, resource allocations (alternate facilities, redundant communications), and regular training and exercises; and establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track readiness, identify gaps, and drive continuous improvement.

How we’re getting there

We are doing this by embedding continuity requirements into policy, budgeting, and organizational structure via a dedicated Continuity Management Program; standardizing the development and maintenance of key continuity documents—such as mission-essential function lists, orders of succession, and delegations of authority; coordinating risk assessments, resource allocations (alternate facilities, redundant communications), and regular training and exercises; and establishing metrics and reporting mechanisms to track readiness, identify gaps, and drive continuous improvement.

5.4 - Protect, enhance, and provide responsible stewardship and sustainability of our natural resources and environment.

The natural environment of Skagit County is very special, and the County has prioritized its protection and stewardship to preserve it for the residents and visitors who come to the county.
How we’re getting there What we’re watching

We are prioritizing restoration projects to positively improve both habitat and flood resilience, one process revolves around removing salmon barriers and increasing riparian restoration. We are also focusing on reducing food waste, integrating sustainability into county operations, preserving productive farmland, reducing pollution, and protecting critical areas throughout the county.

How we’re getting there

We are prioritizing restoration projects to positively improve both habitat and flood resilience, one process revolves around removing salmon barriers and increasing riparian restoration. We are also focusing on reducing food waste, integrating sustainability into county operations, preserving productive farmland, reducing pollution, and protecting critical areas throughout the county.