The Washington County Board of Commissioners unanimously on Nov. 4 declared two local states of emergency — one addressing a disruption to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and a second responding to recent federal immigration enforcement activity — and delegated spending authority to the county administrator to support residents.

Commissioner Snyder introduced the SNAP declaration, saying the county would "formally declare a state of emergency for Washington County effective on the fourth day of November 2025" and noting the resolution delegates authority to the county administrator to authorize up to $250,000 to combat food insecurity linked to SNAP reductions. "This is not just money we have sitting around," Snyder said, describing the decision as one taken because of threat to vulnerable residents.

The immigration-focused declaration, presented by Commissioner Willie, cites data about the countypopulation and describes a rise in community fear and anxiety tied to enforcement actions. The resolution authorizes the county administrator to spend up to $200,000 to support immigrants and refugees and specifies the authorization expires Dec. 31 with a required report back to the board by Jan. 31.

County Administrator Tanya Angie cautioned that both expenditures would be drawn from contingency reserves and that using reserves takes the county below its policy targets. "If your board does move forward with this expenditureI would be following up with you next week on what the plans for that expenditure are and to ensure that that has your support," Angie told the board. She noted the county is preparing its budget forecast and that any funds spent now would need to be replaced in the upcoming budget.

Commissioners described the declarations as emergency measures intended to unlock immediate resources. Commissioner Fye said the amounts were "better than nothing" but urged continued work to seek more resources; Commissioner Therese described the ICE activity discussed in testimony as "horrific" and said she was proud to join colleagues in declaring an emergency. Chair Jerry Harrington emphasized care for lawful practice by local staff and agencies while expressing support for the board action.

Both resolutions passed on unanimous votes (5-0). The board and county administrator indicated further work would follow to detail how funds will be disbursed, including prioritizing grants or contracts with local organizations that provide direct legal or emergency food assistance.

Public testimony during both comment periods included multiple residents and service providers urging the county to adopt both declarations and to prioritize funding for immigrant legal services and food distribution programs. Speakers representing Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon SOAR and local advocacy groups described increased demand for legal assistance and food support, with caseloads and daily calls markedly higher than in prior years.