San Juan County is experiencing the effects of the federal administration’s sweeping changes, both directly through funding freezes and indirectly with the rising uncertainty of ever-changing information and requirements.

President Donald Trump has signed more than 120 executive orders since taking office in January, implementing significant federal adjustments in rapid succession. These changes aren’t just fodder for headlines or social media posts — they are impacting the real lives of San Juan County residents.

The County

San Juan County Manager Jessica Hudson addressed the county council on Feb. 25, armed with information about how federal funding freezes and cuts could potentially impact the islands.

“I asked all of our departments and elected officials if they had information about potential implications of future funding freezes at the federal level,” she said. “We don’t know what’s going to come, but we have to do what we can to be informed and aware and ready.”

The most notable departments in the Council’s discussion were emergency services, health and community services, and environmental stewardship – all of which rely heavily on state and federal funding.

Hudson acknowledged during her presentation that while the amount of federal funding for the County may seem minor to those unfamiliar with local government, the impact on the community would be significant.

“It seems almost like budget dust, and I’m sure it is at a federal level,” she said. “But those are dollars we do not have locally and that we have not had to expend. So, if that money is not there, the funding would need to be pulled from elsewhere or would not be funded at all.”

The only alternative for additional funding to the County would be via property tax increases – something that Hudson thinks shouldn’t be taken lightly.

“People love living here in the islands,” she said in an interview. “There’s a wonderful high value in living here, but it costs a lot of money to live here. I think our Council would have to think really strongly about if there is value in that balance between incoming revenue and the burden on taxpayers.”

Although she is realistic about potential issues and doing what she can to prepare the Council and other departments within San Juan County for funding cuts, Hudson emphasized in an interview that panicking isn’t necessary, as most issues and their impacts are still hypothetical.

“There are many signals coming out of the federal administration about where their priorities lie, but they’ve also taken actions that they’ve subsequently had to walk back,” she said, describing the back-and-forth nature of the last few months. “So the position the County has taken so far is: we are going to do everything that we can to be informed and prepared, but we’re not going to borrow trouble. I appreciate that many individuals are very concerned about what might be coming next, which is why we’re trying to do everything we can to be thoughtful and knowledgeable so that we don’t have to make snap judgments and decisions.”

Conversations about the County’s funding situation inevitably lead to discussions about the state budget, which is currently being drafted.

The state budget for 2025-2027 was barely finalized by the end of the legislative session on April 27. Legislators had to resolve a $16 billion deficit. Their initial proposal was to introduce a “wealth tax” rather than cut programs. Gov. Bob Ferguson rejected that plan, saying now is not the time for untested taxes that will end up in federal court.

“We need to accept the reality that we are in the midst of unprecedented times with a federal government that is intent on making significant cuts, no matter the resulting harm to Americans,” Ferguson said during a presser after rejecting the operating budget. “We must take a balanced approach that prepares our state for an extremely challenging situation with the federal government and our economy.”

Ultimately, an operating budget of $77.8 billion was approved, with program cuts and tax-increases.

“We’ve worked diligently to write a budget that addresses the fiscal challenges that we have, and continues to fund the core services that the people of Washington expect us to fund, and they depend on,” said Sen. June Robinson, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, told the Washington State Standard.

“There are many reductions throughout the budget that are harmful, are going to be hard for people, and for agencies to implement,” she continued. “We’re all eyes wide open about that.”

Research and conservation

The islands serve as a natural hub for science, conservation and stewardship. The University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Marine Labs and The Whale Museum are just two of the many local organizations that rely on federal funding for their research and operations, and there are scientists within county government as well. As things get more charged, public servants are less inclined to go on the record.

“It’s tough,” one County official said anonymously. “It’s tough to see an institution like NOAA under attack. It’s tough to see your colleagues and their work being devalued. I think, as a scientist, that’s one of the things I find hardest. I’m bringing my kids up in a world that no longer values this kind of expertise, dedication and public service.”

This person was hesitant to speak openly because other scientists had been outspoken online or in their work and faced repercussions, including being denied entry at the border. They’re not alone in their concerns.

On March 31, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine issued an open letter warning about a “climate of fear that has descended upon the research community.”

“I think one of the biggest things when I think about trying to strip funding or safety from science and terminating probationary employees from science agencies is we are going to lose a whole generation of scientists,” the local public servant said. “The best and the brightest. It’s going to have ripple effects far into the future that we probably can’t comprehend right now.”

The Whale Museum’s new executive director is no stranger to federal politics. Dr. Mike Kuperberg will join the island full-time this year after spending the last 20 years working at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, Office of Biological and Environmental Research. He is joining the museum’s conservation efforts at a pivotal time.

“Our programs, including Soundwatch and Be Whale Wise, efforts critical to the SRKW recovery plan, are fully funded through federal and state grants,” Kuperberg told the Journal. “We are not yet aware of any impact to our funding, though there is significant uncertainty across many of our programs. This uncertainty makes it challenging to plan ahead, maintain staff and invest in the future of the museum as a whole.”

Kuperberg emphasized that while some may find research to be distant or academic, it is deeply connected to life in the San Juan Islands. Soundwatch connects visitors to the wild marine mammals that draw them here. The Whale Museum’s programs provide education about respectful behavior around the animals. This year, with avian influenza spreading rapidly among marine mammals, it could be an especially important year for the stranding network.

“The stranding network and its dozens of local volunteers are the first responders to reports of sick, dead or entangled marine animals, often detecting the emergency of zoonotic diseases,” he said. “Conservation doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it takes everyone, and it begins with awareness. As federal funding grows more uncertain, we are preparing for a future where community and regional support will become essential.”

Kuperberg’s comments about uncertainty were echoed by Friday Harbor Labs Director Dr. Megan Dethier when asked about the impacts of the current federal administration on the University of Washington’s renowned Friday Harbor facility.

“It’s very mentally disruptive when people don’t know about their jobs and their funding,” she said. “It generates an overall climate of anxiety. We are getting emails daily – often multiple times — from various federal entities, from the university.”

Dethier has been advised to avoid certain words when writing grant proposals, such as “diversity,” “women” and “climate change.” She’s worried about federal funding but grateful for the private funding available at the labs.

“But actually, more of an impact for us is the state budget being in bad shape because that’s where most of our funds come from directly,” Dethier said. “Double whammy.”

Kuperberg acknowledged the many organizations that are in the same boat right now and feels hopeful that working together can help them all overcome the funding obstacles.

“This moment can be an opportunity,” he said. “We are entering a new chapter at The Whale Museum, one focused on collaboration, where local conservation organizations can come together, share resources and amplify our collective efforts. Community support will be critical, not only for The Whale Museum but for all the organizations working to protect the Salish Sea – the place we all call home.”

Education

The San Juan Island School District receives just over 4% of its budget from federal allocations, which amounts to approximately $700,000. Orcas School District also receives just over 4% of its budget from federal funding, at $590,000. The Lopez School District has the highest percentage, at almost 7%, for a total of $381,000. These funds are allocated toward special education, Title services and food services. According to Superintendent Fred Woods, “The extent of the impact of losing these funds would be significant.”

However, he’s very clear that there have been no cuts at this time.

“It is the uncertainty that causes angst. We must consider the potential for changes in funding,” he acknowledged. “That said, there are no indicators that point to a scheduled reduction in our federal funding as of today. The fact is that we have a great school system that works diligently to make sure that everyone feels like they belong and have opportunities to succeed. Our teachers put the students first. It is important for us to keep our focus on the current reality and we will manage any changes, if there are any, in the future. OSPI [Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction] will provide good guidance for us moving forward.”

On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education sent a “Dear Colleague” letter, a tool used by federal agencies to disseminate information, suggesting that all schools should cease any programs or activities related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) or risk losing federal funding. On Feb. 27, the department launched its “End DEI” portal, where concerned parents can report schools, teachers and administrators for continuing such programs. On April 3, they announced a requirement for state education programs to certify their compliance or lose funding.

OSPI responded immediately. On April 8, Washington State Superintendent Chris Reykdal released a statement warning that the U.S. Department of Education’s reintroduction of a certification process in the middle of the funding award period is unusual and an overstep of its legal authority.

“Washington will not suppress its core values or cede our right to determine our own education system to the federal government,” he wrote. “We will not sign additional certifications that lack authority, lack clarity, or are an assault on the autonomy of states and local school districts.”

Woods is following OSPI’s direction.

“Friday Harbor is committed to ensuring that all students are welcome and belong as valued members of our school community,” he said. “The current work we do to encourage this type of culture has been in place for several years. There doesn’t appear to be any specific DEI programming that would run in opposition, thereby putting us in danger of losing federal funding.”

The FAQ on the U.S. Department of Education’s website regarding the end of the DEI requirement states that even programs using phrases like “social-emotional learning” or “culturally responsive” teaching are still considered discriminatory and non-compliant.

On April 14, the Trump Administration announced that it is investigating Washington’s OSPI over its handling of a school district’s pronoun policies. The Department of Education is also investigating Washington’s Tumwater School District regarding transgender athletes. Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights within the Education Department, warned, “If Washington wants to continue to receive federal funds from the Department, it has to follow federal law.”

While it may seem unlikely that federal education funding would actually be withheld, a similar battle has been raging over transgender student-athletes in Maine. On April 11, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it is moving forward with terminating Maine’s funding due to non-compliance with Title IX issues.

Food bank

Orcas Island Food Bank Director Amanda Sparks was worried about funding even before the executive orders began to be issued. COVID grants are set to expire this year, and she has been trying to determine how to sustain the programs and relationships she has worked hard to establish. Even without executive orders specifically targeting food banks, Sparks says they are still seeing the consequences of federal cuts.

“For us, any time social service funding is cut, anywhere from Medicaid/Medicare to social security, to SNAP benefits to low-income housing benefits or any of that – it drives people closer to needing a food bank,” she explained. “Any decrease in services is taking money right out of somebody’s food budget. Sometimes people don’t think about it, but food banks are directly impacted no matter what the landscape is doing. It doesn’t have to be a food access program.”

She feels more hope than fear, though. She knows that the community understands the importance of the food bank’s work and is confident that a solution will be found.

“We’ve proven there’s a need and that food banks are a benefit to strengthening the community and keeping the workforce here in the islands,” Sparks said. “Now the community gets to decide: what does the future look like? Do we want to lean in and strengthen our workforce and keep the islands thriving and our economy moving?”

She thinks the community will rise to the occasion. While things may be scary on a broader level, she is certain that the answer lies in leaning into what we can do.

“We don’t have control over the federal stuff,” Sparks acknowledged, “but we always have control over what happens locally.”