Historic agreement formalizes the North Star partnership in Skagit County





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January 18, 2026

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Skagit County Commissioners and City Councils Sign North Star Interlocal Agreement

The cities of Mount Vernon, Sedro-Woolley, Anacortes, and Burlington, together with the Skagit County Commissioners, have signed a historic interlocal agreement to formalize the North Star partnership. The agreement represents a unique collaboration among the five governments to jointly address homelessness and behavioral health challenges in Skagit County.

The effort to develop and adopt the agreement was advanced by the 2025 North Star Leadership Team, including former Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki, Sedro-Woolley Mayor Julia Johnson, Burlington Mayor Bill Aslett, Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan, and former Anacortes Mayor Matt Miller, working in collaboration with the city councils of each jurisdiction and the Skagit Board of County Commissioners to turn North Star into a lasting partnership.

The interlocal agreement commits the cities and county to work together using a shared planning framework and data-driven strategies to improve outcomes for residents. It supports the work of North Star as a true collaboration of local governments, nonprofits, service providers, and other community partners to coordinate resources and services to maximize impact. The parties share a vision where no one in Skagit County has to live in their car or on their street, people have timely access to behavioral health services, and that key partners and the community are engaged in fulfilling the vision.

Established in 2022, North Star unites local governments, first responders, housing and health providers, and many other community leaders to tackle homelessness and behavioral health challenges in Skagit County. Through the joint leadership of elected officials, including City Councils, the North Star Leadership Team, made up of the four city mayors and one county commissioner, and community partners, North Star has achieved significant milestones. Some of these include:


* Securing $24 million from the Washington State Legislature to expand Skagit STAR Center, a facility that provides intensive, long-term treatment for adults facing substance use and mental health challenges.
* Facilitating the opening of Martha’s Place, Skagit’s first permanent supportive housing development.
* Implementing a shared software system for first responders to coordinate and improve care for people in crises.

Looking ahead, North Star plans to develop a transitional housing facility to support people leaving detox facilities or jail who need temporary housing and services while waiting for permanent housing and will continue expanding crisis response services countywide.

The interlocal agreement reinforces the collective commitment of the cities and county to two key priorities: building a community-based system of care and ensuring access to stable and safe housing. By coordinating crisis response, strengthening recovery and behavioral health services, and increasing access to diverse housing options, North Star aims to create a thriving community for all. An aligned and collaborative approach is more effective, efficient, and ensures that individuals receive the care and housing they need, when they need it.

More information on North Star can be found on our website: www.northstarskagit.org [ [link removed] ] 

 

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