Sue Marshall, the outgoing chair of the Clark County Council, gave her final State of the County address, talking about accomplishments as well as challenges ahead, and she appreciates residents who are involved, thanking them for caring about Clark County

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

Sue Marshall concluded her final State of the County Address, talking directly to the small gathering in front of her as well as the audience watching on CVTV or online:

“Thank you for caring about Clark County,” she said.

It is the people, after all, working with elected officials and county staff that make Clark County special, Marshall implied.

“The Clark County Council appreciates all of the hard work of our county employees, our fellow elected officials, directors and managers, and the county manager for all that you do to serve our community,” Marshall said. “I’m grateful for your continued service to move our county forward.”

Marshall, who announced earlier this year she would not run for re-election to county council’s district 5 representative, is the chair of the council. On Tuesday evening, just prior to the regularly scheduled council meeting, she gave the 2026 State of the County Address.

Before looking forward, Marshall opened with a quick look at the past, highlighting some long-term successes that started long before her and her fellow councilors were elected.

Last year, the county recognized the 40th anniversary of the Legacy Lands Program.

“The program has protected and restored 5,500 acres of natural open space by acquiring properties throughout the county on every major lake and stream system,” she said.

The county also celebrated 30 years of the Neighborhood Outreach Program.

As far as the future, well, it starts now.

She thanked those on the Charter Review Commission, which is reviewing and recommending potential updates to the county’s home rule charter. She pushed residents to offer their feedback. In fact, some members of the commission were on hand Tuesday prior to the state of the address, asking for opinions from the public.

“I’ve been impressed with the amount of work they have done in a relatively short time,” Marshall said, calling the charter the county’s rulebook that defines roles, powers, and processes. “On behalf of the council, I commend all the commissioners.”

The Clark County Council also remains busy with the Comprehensive Growth Plan. That is a long-range policy guide to lead the county on how it will manage growth and development for the next 20 years.

Among the new components of the plan, Marshall said, is to address climate change. The county wants to help reduce the number of vehicle miles traveled as well as identify measures that will “make us more resilient to climate-related impacts.”

The county also will continue to address housing needs and housing affordability.

Marshall said that the 2026 budget reflects “both our continued fiscal discipline, and our collective progress in generating new revenue.”

One of the largest expenses of the county budget (more than 70 percent, she said), is law and justice services. That includes the courts, the jail, and law enforcement.

“We understand that county residents are concerned about safety in our community, and we know that means having a strong and resilient law and justice system,” Marshall said.

Among the accomplishments Marshall pointed out in her address was using new tools to add to safety in the county.

One of those tools was a new funding mechanism. Last year, the council approved a one-tenth of a percent increase to the sales tax, specifically to be used for public safety.

“This decision will add 22 new deputy positions and several support staff positions,” Marshall said, adding that Clark County Sheriff John Horch has indicated that hiring will begin this summer.

Also this summer, the county parks are ready.

“Now that the weather is warming up, it’s a great time to enjoy the beautiful, natural treasure of our county parks,” Marshall said, specifically pointing out the new Curtin Creek Park at 12603 NE 72nd Ave in Brush Prairie. The park is open now but the official grand opening is set for June 6.

Marshall also noted that the community is mourning the loss of the central picnic shelter at Lewisville Park, destroyed by fire earlier this month. The shelter was built in the 1930s. She appreciates all associated with the parks who are working with people who had reservations at the shelter this summer.

Marshall said it has been an honor to serve the people of Clark County, as well as work with the 1,800 employees of the county, serving more than a half million people.