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Tyler Verda, a Democrat, Homeless Housing Specialist for Snohomish County and former Council Aide announced his candidacy for County Council District 2, which represents Everett, Tulalip-owned areas, and Mukilteo. The seat is currently held by former Mukilteo Mayor Brian Sullivan, who is term-limited.

“I’m running for County Council to get things done for working people,” Verda, an Everett resident, said. “I’ll prioritize attracting family-wage jobs to build the economy from the middle out, increase affordable housing, and ensure public safety.

“Whether you hit the work site at 6 a.m., work swing, run a small business, make salary or tips, you should be able to get ahead here.”

Verda was born and raised in Snohomish County in a union household. After earning a degree from Everett Community College, he worked construction jobs before transferring to the University of Washington. With a union job that included tuition reimbursement, Verda was able to work his way through the UW.

After college, Verda worked as an aide to Rep. Mike Sells and, later, County Councilmember Hans Dunshee. Verda currently serves on the Snohomish County Labor Council.

In his work at Snohomish County, Verda manages homeless housing and human service programs, working with law enforcement embedded social workers, homeless shelters, and eviction prevention programs to develop more effective and efficient solutions to homelessness. In addition, Verda works on strategic planning efforts including the five-year Snohomish County Homeless Prevention and Response System Strategic Plan.

“Part of building a healthy, safe, and thriving Snohomish County is going to require practical cost-effective solutions to homelessness and addiction,” Verda said. “I have the experience that is needed to deliver real results on these issues.”

Verda led Councilmember Dunshee’s Opioid Crisis Intervention Plan to increase treatment services, housing, staffing for law enforcement embedded social workers, and abatements of abandoned buildings with high rates of illegal activity.

As an aide to Rep. Sells, Verda helped advance legislation to increase the minimum wage, strengthen prevailing wage laws, gender pay equity, and fund local transportation projects.

“If elected, I know Tyler will be the first one in the office every morning and the last one out at night. Tyler has my vote because I know his work ethic, experience, and tenacious support for working people,” said Sells.

Verda is now the eighth person to announce their candidacy.

Mukilteo has three citizens vying for the seat. Mukilteo Mayor Jennifer Gregerson announced her candidacy late last year. City Councilmember Anna Rohrbough announced her candidacy earlier this week, and Mukilteo resident Louis Harris, who works for the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, recently announced his bid as well.

Megan Dunn, Alex Lark, Sharita Burton, and Cecilia Wilson join Verda as Everett residents vying for the seat.

The filing period is in mid-May, and the primary election is Aug. 6. The two candidates with the most votes will move on to the general election on Nov. 5.