latrisha suggs, port angeles city council
I am a proud Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Citizen. I am the first enrolled Native American to serve on the City of Port Angeles Council.
I was appointed to the Port Angeles City Council in 2019 and began serving in January of 2020, and then elected to Position 1 in 2021.
Over the past 5 years, our community has accomplished a lot. Together, we improved permitting processes and enhanced collaboration within the Public Works and Utility departments by implementing same day permits (Type 0: Over the Counter Permitting), established timeframes for all reviews and concurrent permit reviews, and modernizing the permitting process through an enterprise permitting and licensing software.
Together we have made impacts to help our most vulnerable population through “Operation Shielding Hope”. After twelve months of implementation of the post overdose response team Clallam County has seen a 63% decrease in fatal overdoses, and the warm handoff to co-response partners (REdisCovery, Reflections Counsel Services, Peninsula Behavioral Health, North Olympic Health Network, Jamestown Healing Center, OMC, County Jail MOUD program, and Clallam County Health & Human Services) lead to greater than 70% acceptance into MOUD and MAT services.
LaTrisha speaking at an event about the importance of the Elwha River.
Together we developed creative solutions to address the housing crisis through permit fee waivers for up to 15 different types of housing, multi-family Tax Exemptions, Hardship Waivers, and off the self-plans for small lot homes/townhomes/duplexes, accessory dwelling units (ADU’s).
Together we worked to protect the City’s sole source of water, the Elwha River. Just 5 miles west of the City of Port Angeles, surrounded by legacy forests that provide vital ecosystem services that include water storage.
Together we maintained critical infrastructure, promoted environmentally and climate resilient policies, such as implementing the City Shade Street Tree Program, established a Natural Resources/Grants Manager Position, and installed EV Stations.
I love Port Angeles-that’s why I actively work to make it better for all. Port Angeles needs a focused, committed leader who actively listens to the needs of our community as we navigate the challenges facing us over the next four years. We need consistency and stability to maintain a healthy City budget, continue to reduce debt, expand housing opportunities for all, protect our sole water source, work with State and Federal Legislatures on Infrastructure needs, advocate for traffic improvements throughout our community, and housing solutions for affordable/attainable units.
Can LaTrisha count on your support?
LaTrisha is reaching out to local community members for their financial support in this election. Your support will give LaTrisha the ability to share her vision and policies with voters across Port Angeles.