FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

City of Oak Harbor Secures Grants for Affordable Workforce Housing Project

City of Oak Harbor – February 3, 2026 - The City has been awarded three million dollars in grants to support the Mulberry Village Affordable Housing Project being developed by the Opportunity Council.   

Island County awarded two million dollars to the City from the Rural County Economic Development (RCED) grant program.  The funding from Island County will be used to extend the Mulberry Court Road through the property to Swantown Avenue.  The road extension is essential to alleviate traffic congestion on Mulberry Court and reduce concerns from neighboring households. There will need to be approximately 168 parking spaces at the housing development.

The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded one million dollars to the City from the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program (CHIP). The funding is provided from the State Building Construction Account. The funding will be used to install infrastructure for water, sewer and storm utilities.

In 2023, Island County issued a Request for Qualification seeking an experienced developer to acquire and develop affordable workforce housing. Opportunity Council partnered with Blue Ridge Cascade, its mission is to deliver high-quality, attainable housing for families, eniors, and America’s workforce. Opportunity Council was selected as the development partner for the site.

Mulberry Village, a multifamily rental housing development, will include 96 affordable units with a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units. It will feature a dedicated community building for residents with a range of amenities including laundry facilities and a community kitchen for resident events and programs. Supportive services, including resident assistance, case management and resource navigation, will be provided through a partnership with Opportunity Council.

The City of Oak Harbor is proud to support this affordable workforce housing development and will work closely with Opportunity Council and Blue Ridge Cascade to ensure the development in on track and meets the obligations of both the RCED and CHIP grant. “Investments like this help our community who work here afford to live here too. Mulberry Village represents the kind of collaborative development housing that supports working families” said Mayor Ronnie Wright.

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For more information and media inquiries, contact Communications Officer Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org   

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sandi Peterson Sworn in as Councilmember for Council Seat 6 

Oak Harbor, WA – January 7, 2026 – Sandi Peterson has officially been sworn in as the new Councilmember for Seat 6 at the January 6, 2026 council meeting. A dedicated community leader and Oak Harbor resident since 2007, Peterson brings years of experience in civic engagement, including her roles on the Planning Commission and Civil Service Commission.

In addition to her council responsibilities, Peterson has been appointed to serve on the Arts Commission Board and the Law Enforcement Officer & Firefighter Disability Board.

"Sandi has been a passionate advocate for Oak Harbor for many years, and I’m confident her leadership will be invaluable in making important decisions for our community," said Mayor Wright.

Peterson, a thyroid cancer survivor, has shown a lifelong dedication to community well-being and public service. She is also the co-founder of Civility First, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting respectful dialogue and bridging divides. Outside of her civic duties, Peterson enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, their four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The Oak Harbor City Council looks forward to working with Sandi Peterson as she continues to make a positive difference in the community.

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For more information or media inquiries contact Communications Officer, Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org

A LINK TO THE ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND HERE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Oak Harbor Receives Washington State Auditor’s Stewardship Award (SASA)

Oak Harbor, WA —December 15, 2025 - The City of Oak Harbor has been awarded the State Auditor’s Stewardship Award, recognizing the City’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, accountability, and transparency in managing public resources.

Between August and late October 2025, the City underwent its annual financial audit conducted by the State Auditor’s Office (SAO). During this period, the City’s finance team collaborated closely with state auditors to review the accuracy of financial transactions and reporting, federal grant management, and other City processes. The audit concluded with exceptional results.

The award is presented to government entities that demonstrate excellence in financial management, maintain clean audit results, and exhibit strong internal controls. It also recognizes a proactive commitment to improving operational practices and working cooperatively with auditors to safeguard public funds.

“I’m incredibly honored that our City received this award, it's incredibly validating for all of the hard work that the finance team and other key members put in throughout 2024 and 2025,” said Ashley Ramos, City of Oak Harbor Accounting Manager and audit lead.

The City earned the award for its outstanding responsiveness and collaboration during the audit process, especially while managing the implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The finance team was also commended for leadership in advancing financial reporting and best practices.

Key participants in this year’s audit included David Goldman, Deputy City Administrator & Finance Director; Ashley Ramos, Accounting Manager; Chas Webster, Financial Planning & Operations Manager; Wendy Horn, Grants Administrator; Heidi Childs, Senior Accountant, Rachel Steckel, Human Resources Generalist & Payroll; Sandra Place, Administration Manager; Philip Esqueda, Capital Project Manager; Tony Slowik, Police Chief; and Tammy Glover, Records Specialist.

The City also extends its appreciation to Adrian Gonzales, Staci Baier, Kimberly Schmal, Emma House, Julie Nester, Macalle Finkle, Marianne Ledgerwood, Stephanie Lee-Saunders, Mayor Ronnie Wright, and Mayor Pro Tempore Tara Hizon for their invaluable support throughout the audit process.

The City of Oak Harbor will continue its dedication to financial excellence and transparency principles that ensure the responsible use of public funds and continued trust within the community.

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For more information or media inquiries contact Communications Officer, Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Oak Harbor Secures Grant Funding for SE Barrington Drive Project

Oak Harbor, WA - November 25, 2025 - The City was notified on Friday, November 21 that it had been awarded nearly $670,000 for a street improvement project on Southeast Barrington Drive.   

The Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) Arterial Pavement Preservation grant will provide 76 percent of the funding necessary to repave Southeast Barrington Drive from Highway 20 to Southeast 8^th Avenue. This segment of roadway was an ideal candidate for Arterial Pavement Preservation grant program as it does not need significant utility upgrades such as Pioneer Way and Southwest Barrington Drive, but does need repaving. The project includes removing two inches of current pavement and replacing it with a new overlay of pavement for the full-width and over a half mile of the road. The project will also replace substandard ADA ramps, restripe the road with two travel lanes, a center turn lane for a portion of the road, and add buffered bike lanes on each side.

The TIB received requests to fund 330 different projects, totaling $335 million.  They awarded $152.1 million in transportation investments to 160 cities and counties throughout the state. The City of Oak Harbor received a Transportation Improvement Board grant in 2023 which funded the pavement portion of the West Whidbey Avenue project, a 2024 grant which funded the pavement portion of the NE 7^th Avenue project, and a 2025 grant which funded the new pavement on Swantown Road. This new 2026 grant brings the total amount of State grant funding from the Transportation Improvement Board for street projects in Oak Harbor to $1.92 million dollars.  The Transportation Improvement Board is an independent state agency, created by the legislature, and funded through three cents of the statewide gas tax. The Board funds high priority transportation projects in communities throughout the state to enhance the movement of people, goods and services.

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For more information and press inquiries contact Communications Officer, Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2025

City Announces Transition to Community Development Director Role and Welcomes Stacie Pratschner 

Oak Harbor, WA – The City is pleased to announce the transition of its former Development Services Director position to a Community Development Director position, reflecting the City’s commitment to a more community-focused approach to growth.

City Administrator, Sabrina Combs said the updated title aligns more closely with the City’s direction and priorities. “This change represents where we are headed as a city,” she said. “Our focus is on redevelopment and economic vitality, and this new role positions us to do exactly that.”

As part of this transition, the City is proud to introduce Stacie Pratschner, AICP, RPA as its new Community Development Director. Stacie brings nearly 20 years of planning experience across both urban and rural jurisdictions in Northwest Washington. She most recently served as the Community Development Services Director for the City of Mount Vernon.

Stacie’s extensive background includes legislation and policy development, strategic planning, permitting, code enforcement, parks planning, and transportation planning. She has guest-lectured in urban planning and anthropology at Western Washington University and is a regular contributor to the Washington State Department of Commerce Short Course on Local Planning.

She holds a master’s degree from Western Washington University and professional certifications from the American Institute of Certified Planners, the University of Washington College of Engineering, the International City/County Management Association, and the Register of Professional Archaeologists.

City Administrator Combs added, “Stacie brings a clear vision for how to support our community’s growth in a thoughtful, and balanced way. We are excited for her to lead the City’s efforts in planning, development, and strategic community initiatives.”

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For more information contact Communications Officer, Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org.

The Power of Science and Determination: Cory Prusha's Experiment 

There was a moment when someone told our lab chemist, Cory Prusha, that his groundbreaking experiment would never work.

“It cannot be done. Not here.”“You are mad, Cory Prusha. Mad!”“This endeavor will drive you to financial ruin and an early grave.”

Okay, okay, so maybe things weren’t that dramatic, but you get the idea. Cory was facing some serious skepticism from his peers. The odds were stacked against him, and many were ready to bet that his experiment was doomed to fail.

But guess what happened next? Cory didn’t just prove the naysayers wrong, he succeeded beyond expectations. His experiment, centered on using biosolids from the Clean Water Facility, and his experiment thrived!

We have a banana tree! Yes.....a banana tree with the magic of biosolids! Below is the evolution of Cory's banana tree.....

Swantown Avenue Paving and Safety Project

FAQ

What data do we have regarding bike ridership and the need for this bike lane? 

In recent years the city developed its first Active Transportation Plan. This plan was adopted in 2024 and recommendations from that plan are now being implemented.

The feedback from the community showed a growing demand for safe and comfortable transportation options in Oak Harbor, with a focus on creating an inviting network for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, and roll throughout the city.

Extensive community engagement and outreach was a critical part of the planning process, including focus groups, a Steering Committee representing various organizations and agencies, an online survey and interactive web map, and a pop-up event. Gathering input from residents, City staff, and community leaders, allowed the project team to understand local perspectives, concerns, and priorities.

The overarching sentiment heard from the public was that community members want: dedicated space for walking and biking, and separation from motor vehicles. With few exceptions, most of the comments received were about how people, including students from elementary to college age, do not feel safe walking or biking in Oak Harbor.

The Plan as an integral step toward enhancing quality of life, improving mobility and safety, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting local economies.

Active Transportation Plan - 2024-03-19-Oak-Harbor-ATP_Final-Adopted-41624

Will more bike lanes be added as we do future road improvements? Does data on bike usage support it?

You can absolutely expect more bike lanes in the coming years! You may have already noticed them on Whidbey Ave, NE 7^th Ave, and Oak Harbor St. We look for every opportunity to redefine our city streets by narrowing lanes, adding bike lanes, enhancing pedestrian crossings, and slowing down vehicles, all to support the vision of making Oak Harbor a more vibrant, healthy, and sustainable city.

Public input has shown overwhelming support for adding bike lanes throughout the city, and the intention to bike more if only those facilities existed.

Will the reduction of the lane substantially slow traffic?

Slowing traffic is a great way to make other road users feel more comfortable. You’ve likely seen electric bikes and scooters zipping around town. Countless school children walk along and cross our streets. Many people walk to bus stops for their transportation.

It is a goal of the city to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes to zero by the year 2045 and make streets safe for all users.

Why are the lanes narrower?

Narrowing lanes is an effective tool to slow vehicles down and allow for other uses of the roadway space. Narrow lanes have been deployed across the city over the last few years where they are appropriate. The lanes on this section of Swantown are in fact not narrower. Due to the number of large truck trips and the new Fire Station it was determined that the 12-foot lane width should remain, rather than the now-common 10-foot narrow lane width. They may feel narrower as increased activity on the street requires your active attention.

Is there concerns about people in the left turn only lane going straight through and cutting people off?

The contractor is working to supply the appropriate signing to clearly communicate the traffic revision to a left-only lane.

They are also working on the traffic signal at Ft. Nugent Avenue and Swantown Avenue to reduce the wait times.  The contractor is still completing their work to hook up the new vehicle detection traffic loops into the signal controller.

Where did the money come from for the project?

The City won grant funding from the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) providing $400,000 for this project. The remaining project costs are paid by local street fund.

Remember how bad Whidbey Avenue was? That street was paved with grant funding.

Remember the goat trails along NE 7^th? The sidewalk connections and trail were built with grant funding.

City staff has been hard at work to successfully bring this money into our community and address decades of deferred maintenance and provide community desired improvements.

Future…

SR 20/Swantown Road - Intersection Improvements

The Washington State Department of Transportation has budgeted $30,000,000 to make improvements to SR20 in the Swantown area to reduce traffic congestion and implement Complete Street standards. The design and permitting work may begin as soon as 2027!

For more on the “Complete Streets” or “Target Zero” standards they will apply:

https://wsdot.wa.gov/construction-planning/statewide-plans/strategic-highway-safety-plan-target-zero

Stay Connected

Just a few examples of the public outreach, community feedback and adopted plans are below:

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ISLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION (IRTPO) FEDERAL FISCAL YEARS 2024 – 2029

https://www.islandcountywa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/7772/IRTPO-Adopted-RTIP-2023

Whidbey News-Timer

Survey planned for active transportation

https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/survey-planned-for-active-transportation/

City of Oak Harbor Active Transportation Plan Workshop - 8-17-23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33Pf1wKnb80

[ARCHIVED] City is Holding a Virtual Open House for the DRAFT Active Transportation Plan

https://www.oakharbor.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=119&ARC=207

ISLAND REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION - TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

https://www.islandcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_02082024-706

OAK HARBOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN - ADOPTED APRIL 16th , 2024

https://www.oakharbor.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2284/2024-03-19-Oak-Harbor-ATP_Final-Adopted-41624?bidId=

Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan - Oak Harbor Open House - September 25, 2024

https://islandcountywa.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=1952

The U.S. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) established the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program 

https://www.transportation.gov/grants/ss4a/faqs

City Council Resolution 25-18: Adopting the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and Establishing a Goal of Zero Traffic Deaths and Serious Injuries - Presentation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqhWU1L97pQ

Resolution 25-18: Adopting the Comprehensive Safety Action Plan and Establishing a Goal of Zero Traffic Deaths and Serious Injuries – Council Packet starting on page 201

https://www.oakharbor.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202025-496

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Flashing Crosswalk at Olympic View Elementary to Improve Safety and Ease Traffic Congestion

Oak Harbor, WA - September 4, 2025 — As students return to school this year, families attending Olympic View Elementary will feel safer as they navigate the busy streets around the school. Traffic around Olympic View Elementary has been a challenge, particularly during busy drop-off and pick-up hours. After carefully reviewing safety concerns and listening to feedback from the community, the City engineering team worked diligently to improve the situation.

"Thank you to all who expressed the challenges they faced during the busy drop-off and pick-up times at Olympic View Elementary. I heard your concerns during The Wright Blend events, and through pubic comments. Safety is priority, so I couldn’t ignore the need for improvement. I’m proud to say that we took action" said Mayor Wright. 

This week the City announced the opening of a new flashing crosswalk at Olympic View Elementary, providing a safer way for students and families to cross Regatta Drive. While compacted gravel is in place for now, permanent concrete ramps will be added soon for a long-term solution.

This new crosswalk not only enhances safety, but it also encourages the use of Sumner Park as an alternative drop-off and pick-up location, helping to alleviate congestion around the school.

The City would like to thank Oak Harbor Public Schools, the Oak Harbor Police Department, and the Public Works team for working together and completing this project during the summer break. This collaboration is a great example of how we came together to solve a problem and make our community safer.

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For more information, contact Communications Officer, Magi Aguilar at maguilar@oakharbor.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Island County Sales Tax Increase Effective January 1, 2026, to Support 9-1-1 Emergency CommunicationsOak Harbor, WA – December 1, 2025 -  Beginning January 1, 2026, a countywide sales and use tax increase of 0.2% will go into effect to support critical upgrades and ongoing improvements to Island County’s 9-1-1 emergency communications systems and facilities.

Island County voters approved the increase on April 22, 2025, through Resolution C-08-25, under the authority of RCW 82.14.420. The additional tax will be used solely to fund the improvement of    9-1-1 emergency communication systems and facilities throughout Island County.

This investment in public safety is vital to ensuring reliable and modern emergency response infrastructure for all Island County residents and visitors. Please note that although sales taxes are collected at the point of sale in cities across the country, this tax is a countywide measure and not administered by individual cities.

For more information regarding the tax measure or 9-1-1 emergency communications services in Island County, please contact Island County ICOM 9-1-1.

Contact information is available at: https://icom911.org/contact

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SPIN CAFE Frequently Asked Questions

The location of SPIN Cafe has raised some questions in the community. To help keep everyone informed, we’ve put together this FAQ to provide clear, accurate answers all in one place. Our goal is to create open communication so everyone has access to the same information.

1. Why can’t the city shut SPIN Cafe down? 

In Washington State, the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) mandates that certain transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, indoor emergency shelters, and indoor emergency housing, be permitted in zones where hotels are allowed, The RCW 35.21.683 states: "A city shall not prohibit transitional housing or permanent supportive housing in any zones in which residential dwelling units or hotels are allowed." 

This RCW allows facilities like SPIN Cafe to be legally entitled to operate in areas zoned for hotel use. 

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature modified and codified definitions of “emergency shelter” and “emergency housing” in RCW 36.70A.03. In addition to these changes, two other significant provisions affecting zoning codes were made. Per RCW 35.21.683:

• A city shall not prohibit indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing in any zones in which hotels are allowed, except in such cities that have adopted an ordinance authorizing indoor emergency shelters and indoor emergency housing in a majority of zones within a one-mile proximity to transit.
• Reasonable occupancy, spacing, and intensity of use requirements may be imposed by ordinance on permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters to protect public health and safety.

Reference: https://mrsc.org/explore-topics/housing-homelessness/homeless/homeless-housing

2. Why did the City allow SPIN Cafe to go into its current location?

SPIN Cafe looked for locations allowing shelters and transitional housing in Oak Harbor and entered into a lease with the owner of their current building. The City is not a party to that lease, nor did the City assist SPIN Café in finding a suitable location.

3. Why has there been an increase in public activity near SW Barlow Street and SPIN Cafe?

Since SPIN Cafe relocated to SW Barlow Street, the area has seen a notable increase in foot traffic. Many individuals stay at the facility throughout the day, while others come and go for meals or appointments. During opening and closing hours, large groups, often 20 or more, are transported to and from The Haven, a night shelter located south of Coupeville.

Some individuals who have been trespassed from (meaning forced to leave) SPIN Cafe continue to frequent the area but are not allowed back in to SPIN Cafe. These individuals are often observed loitering on private property, panhandling, or sitting along sidewalks. This increased activity has raised safety and livability concerns among residents and nearby businesses. Here’s what we’re doing about it:

• In 2024, the Oak Harbor Police Department (OHPD) organized quarterly business district meetings at which businesses, SPIN representatives, and residents discussed Safety, Crime, Loitering, and Public Nuisance concerns.
• OHPD, in partnership with SPIN staff, is conducting frequent walk-throughs of commercial property around the SPIN location, working collaboratively to address litter, found property, and vagrancy concerns on private property.
• At the request of Mayor Wright and approval of the Oak Harbor City Council, five new police positions were funded starting in 2025 using a Department of Justice grant and City revenues. The new police staff will enhance the visibility of officers and provide additional coverage throughout the City.
• In May of 2025, OHPD stood up a three-officer Community Response Team to address community public safety concerns and work with regional law enforcement task force partners.

4. What does the data show about safety and police activity in the area of SPIN Cafe?

An analysis of police data within a 600-foot radius of the SPIN Cafe facility shows:

• 42% increase in calls for service in 2024 compared to 2023
• 52% increase in calls compared to the five-year average
• 280% increase in arrests in 2024 compared to the previous year
• 158 referrals made by officers to mental health, housing, and addiction services

This data reflects both increased public safety concerns and correlated law enforcement responses in the area.

5. Have there been discussions about relocating SPIN Cafe?

Yes. In response to community concerns, the City of Oak Harbor has expressed the desire to have SPIN Cafe relocated to a more suitable location. This desire has been shared with SPIN Cafe’s Executive Director and Board of Directors.

Additionally, the City has requested that SPIN Cafe construct a protective fence at the rear of the property to help prevent trespassing and better protect their clients. SPIN Cafe’s Board of Directors has expressed a willingness to move forward with the project if the City provides support. However, as of now, no formal plan has been submitted to the Oak Harbor City Council.

Oak Harbor Police Chief Slowik has stated that while the services provided by SPIN Cafe are necessary and valued, the current location presents ongoing safety and livability challenges for the Oak Harbor community. The Mayor and Police Chief are in constant contact with SPIN Cafe and its Board of Directors on ways to address community concerns.

6. Why doesn’t the police department take more action on drug use? In 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the state's felony drug possession law was unconstitutional in State of Washington v. Shannon Blake.  As a result, law enforcement are limited in their ability to enforce the remaining drug laws, including:

• Police must generally witness the crime in progress to make an arrest, unless specific legal exceptions apply (RCW 10.31.100).
• Many cases are referred to prosecutors for charging, rather than resulting in an immediate arrest.

This shift in the legal framework can create the perception that no enforcement is taking place, even though officers are actively documenting incidents and forwarding cases for prosecution.

Resources:

• MRSC - New Law on Drug Possession, Use Takes Effect July 1, 2023
• RCW 10.31.100: Arrest without warrant.  

7. Does the City have any loitering or nuisance laws?

The City of Oak Harbor does not have a general loitering ordinance. Instead, police use existing laws, such as trespassing statutes, to address public behavior.

Washington State Courts have found many general loitering laws unconstitutional for being overly vague or broad.  In 2024, in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, the U.S. Supreme Court determined ordinances imposing penalties for sleeping or camping in public spaces were unconstitutional.  However, laws prohibiting loitering tied to specific illegal acts (e.g., drug dealing or prostitution) may be upheld when they clearly define unlawful behavior.

The City Prosecutor and City Attorney regularly assess potential changes to local codes. Any new proposed municipal codes must be presented to and approved by the Oak Harbor City Council before implementation.

8. Are people bused to Oak Harbor from other cities?  There are no large buses bringing homeless people to Oak Harbor.  

The SPIN Cafe’s Executive Director told the City: “SPIN Cafe does occasionally get people from Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish and King Counties who are ‘shelter shopping’ but because of the lack of services, they often leave to find other places with services.”

In the late winter of 2023 and 2024, during the planned closure of a winter night shelter in Skagit County, there were groups of people who were transported to Oak Harbor by van.  When the City was notified of this practice, the City began regularly communicating with other jurisdictions and no longer sees this type of migration of unhoused individuals.

9. What is the OHPD doing to enhance public safety?

OHPD is implementing several initiatives to improve public safety:

• New Officer Positions: In 2025, because of Mayor Wright’s request through the law enforcement grant, the City Council approved five additional officer positions. Due to training requirements, it may take 12–18 months before these officers are fully deployed.
• Increased Patrol Visibility: Investments in new patrol vehicles and Mobile Data Terminals help increase the presence of uniformed officers throughout the City. Officers are encouraged to proactively patrol parks, business areas, and neighborhoods when not responding to calls.
• Community Response Team: The City established a three-person unit, focused on addressing crime, homelessness, mental health issues, and livability concerns.
• Mental Health Co-Responder Program: In partnership with Island County Human Services, trained specialists accompany officers to assist individuals facing homelessness, addiction, or mental health crises.
• Community Engagement: OHPD fosters public trust and transparency through programs such as:
  • Coffee with a Cop
  • Business and neighborhood meetings
  • Annual Public Safety Survey
  • Citizen Academy
  • National Night Out
  • Public speaking events and outreach “Community Catch Up” “The Wright Blend-Coffee & Conversation with Mayor Wright”

These efforts ensure that community voices are heard and create opportunities for residents, businesses, and local leaders to collaborate with law enforcement to maintain a safe Oak Harbor. The City also partners with county officials – the government entity that receives ALL funds from the state for homeless issues.

Additionally, Mayor Wright has put together a task force called Pathways to Stability. The task force meets once a month. The purpose of Pathways to Stability is to bring like-minded people together to work on a long-term plan to keep Oak Harbor a vibrant and safe community, to address homelessness/unhoused, and address the need for services/resources in Oak Harbor.