HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORKSHOP re 2026 Local Celebrations of 250 Anniversary JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WORKSHOP AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Heather Dudley-Nollette, County Commissioner
DATE: March 17, 2025
RE: Workshop: 2026 Local Celebrations of 250th Anniversary of the United States
STATEMENT OF ISSUE:
July 4, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of our nation's Declaration of
Independence. Jefferson County Commissioners, the City of Port Townsend, our local historical
museums, and other local entities have been asked to consider participation in a planning
process to create or support celebrations of this momentous occasion through a partnership
with a national planning effort called "America250."
ANALYSIS:
On February 26, 2025, Commissioner Dudley-Nollette met with a representative from
America250 to learn about a national effort to create locally-coordinated celebrations of
America's "semiquincentennial." Since that time, the Commissioner has had follow-up
conversations with staff at Jefferson County and the City of Port Townsend. There seems to be
some interest in coordinating our efforts locally to plan local celebrations throughout 2026. And
there is also interest in engaging in formal government-to-government outreach with our local
tribes to discuss if and how they might want to be involved.
More information about America250 can be found on their website at:
https://www.America250.org
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no current proposals to use county funds to support this opportunity. This discussion
would only address ways for Jefferson County to lead and/or participate in the planning
process. If future proposals for funding are developed, they would be addressed separately.
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss ways to engage in and/or lead this planning process.
REVIEWE BY:
Mark McCaul y County Administrator Dat