SKAGIT COUNTY, WA – A newly formed group of Skagit County leaders met for the first time this week to discuss plans for addressing homelessness and behavioral health in the community.

GoSkagit reports the North Star Initiative was formed earlier this year by elected officials across the county.

Mayors and city councilmembers attended the meeting Wednesday where the discussion focused on what to expect from the project in 2024.

They stated goals of unifying their approach to the issues across the county, beginning with standardizing procedures when responding to behavioral health emergencies.

The groups also pledged to evaluate publicly owned land in their respective jurisdictions that could be used for affordable, multifamily housing.