In a pivotal meeting held on January 14, 2025, the Skagit County Planning Commission gathered to discuss the North Star Collaborative, a new initiative aimed at addressing the pressing issues of homelessness and housing affordability in the region. The meeting featured presentations from Monica Negrilla, the newly appointed Director of Strategic Initiatives, and George Kosovich, the Public Health Community Services Division Manager, who outlined the collaborative's structure, goals, and recent accomplishments.

Negrilla emphasized the collaborative's formation in July 2022, initiated by the mayors of Skagit County's four cities and county commissioners, to tackle homelessness and behavioral health challenges through a unified approach. The North Star Initiative aims to leverage resources across jurisdictions, recognizing that these complex issues cannot be solved by any single entity alone. The initiative is structured around a leadership team composed of city mayors and county commissioners, supported by an advisory group and several task forces focused on specific community needs.

A key focus of the North Star Initiative is addressing housing affordability, which has become increasingly critical as rental prices in Skagit County have surged. The average rent has risen from $900 a month a decade ago to $1,407 today, creating significant barriers for families seeking stable housing. Kosovich highlighted that the primary drivers of homelessness are the high cost and low availability of housing, underscoring the urgent need for more diverse and affordable housing options.

The collaborative has made notable strides, securing over $40 million in funding for housing and behavioral health services. One of the most significant projects is the Skagit Star Center, set to open in early 2026, which will provide essential detox and stabilization services for individuals in crisis.

During the meeting, commissioners expressed their support for the initiative and discussed the importance of regulatory changes to facilitate faster housing production. They highlighted the need for innovative solutions to create affordable housing, particularly in rural areas where development is challenging.

As the meeting concluded, the collaborative's leaders invited further dialogue with the planning commission, seeking to identify opportunities for collaboration and support in their ongoing efforts to improve housing and health services for all Skagit County residents. The North Star Initiative represents a hopeful step towards a more coordinated and effective response to the region's housing crisis, aiming to ensure that no one in the community has to face homelessness or inadequate access to essential services.