Category: Mason County Government

For a lot of Mason County households, the question isn’t whether fiber internet would improve life — it obviously would. The question is when it’s actually coming to your street, and what you’re supposed to do in the meantime.

Here is the honest, practical answer based on how PUD 3’s buildout actually works.

Step One: Check If Your Address Is Already Covered

PUD 3 maintains a live service zone map at pud3.servicezones.net/masoncounty. Enter your address and it will tell you whether fiber is already built to your area, whether construction is underway, or whether your neighborhood hasn’t reached the sign-up threshold yet.

If you’re in Pacific Ridge, Arcadia Shores, or Fern Way — those fiberhoods went live in March 2026. Cloquallum Communities and the adjacent Wivell Road and Loertscher Road fiberhoods came online in February. If you’re in any of those areas and don’t have fiber yet, the infrastructure is likely already in front of your house — you just need to schedule an installation.

How the Fiberhood Model Works

PUD 3 doesn’t build fiber everywhere at once. It uses a fiberhood model: neighborhoods that reach a minimum sign-up threshold get prioritized for construction. Think of it as a neighborhood petition, except instead of signatures you’re pre-committing to subscribe to internet service once the fiber is built.

This matters for households in areas that haven’t been reached yet. The most effective thing you can do is go to pud3.org, sign up, and tell your neighbors to sign up. Every address in your fiberhood that signs up is one step closer to getting on the construction schedule.

What Internet Speeds Are We Talking About?

PUD 3’s fiber delivers symmetrical gigabit service — 1,000 Mbps upload and 1,000 Mbps download. To understand what that means in practice: streaming 4K video takes about 25 Mbps. A video conference call uses around 4 Mbps. A family of four running multiple devices simultaneously rarely needs more than 100 Mbps of consistent speed.

Gigabit is future-proof capacity. But the real improvement for many Mason County households isn’t the ceiling — it’s the floor. Some neighborhoods have been operating on connections of 1.5 Mbps or less. That’s not enough to stream video reliably, let alone work from home or connect to telehealth. Fiber doesn’t just upgrade their internet — it changes what’s possible in their daily life.

What About the Cost?

PUD 3 does not set the retail price — that’s handled by the internet service providers that deliver service over PUD 3’s fiber. Because PUD 3 runs an open-access network with multiple competing providers, pricing tends to be more competitive than in areas where a single private ISP holds a monopoly. Check PUD 3’s website for a list of current participating retail providers and their pricing in your area.

What If You’re Waiting for Fiber and Need Internet Now?

Satellite internet (Starlink being the most common in rural Mason County) is the most viable interim option for households that can’t wait for the fiber buildout to reach them. It requires a clear view of the sky and runs around $120/month for residential service. It won’t match fiber speeds or reliability, but it’s substantially better than legacy DSL or cellular-based connections for most households.

For the full picture on PUD 3’s expansion and which areas have already been connected, read our main coverage: Mason County PUD 3 Fiber Internet Is Reaching More Homes in 2026

Related: SR-3 Belfair Bypass: The other big Mason County infrastructure investment in 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if PUD 3 fiber is available at my Mason County address?

Go to pud3.servicezones.net/masoncounty and enter your address. The map will show whether your area has fiber built, is under construction, or is still in the sign-up phase. You can also call PUD 3 directly at their customer service line.

What is a fiberhood and how does PUD 3 decide which areas get built first?

A fiberhood is a geographic cluster of addresses that are grouped together for fiber construction purposes. PUD 3 builds fiberhoods that reach a minimum customer sign-up threshold first — so neighborhoods where more residents pre-commit to service get prioritized. This community-driven model helps ensure construction investment goes where demand is confirmed.

If fiber is already built to my area, how do I get it connected to my house?

Contact PUD 3 to schedule a drop installation — the short cable run from the utility pole or underground conduit to your home. Once that’s done, choose a retail internet service provider that operates on PUD 3’s open-access network and schedule service activation.

Does PUD 3 fiber require a long-term contract?

Contracts vary by retail service provider, not by PUD 3 itself. Check with the specific provider you choose. PUD 3 itself does not impose service contracts — the infrastructure connection is separate from your retail service agreement.

If you have been waiting for fast internet in Mason County, the map is getting smaller. Mason County Public Utility District No. 3 has been connecting fiberhoods across the county through the winter and into spring 2026 — and two of the county’s biggest expansion projects are in their final stages right now.

In March alone, PUD 3 lit up three neighborhoods: Pacific Ridge connected on March 18, Arcadia Shores on March 25, and Fern Way on March 26. Each connection means residents who may have been running on dial-up-equivalent speeds — some areas were getting as little as 1.5 Mbps — are now able to access gigabit service: symmetrical 1000/1000 Mbps fiber, the same kind of speeds most Seattle households take for granted.

Cloquallum Communities: 680+ Homes, October 2026 Target

The Cloquallum Communities Fiberhood is one of the largest single projects in PUD 3’s fiber buildout, serving more than 680 customers across the greater Cloquallum area. This project is funded through an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant that PUD 3 was awarded in late 2023 through the Washington State Broadband Office.

The main fiber backbone was completed in July 2025. Individual home connections began in September 2025 and are expected to wrap up by October 2026. In a significant milestone, the Cloquallum Fiberhood — along with Wivell Road and Loertscher Road fiberhoods — officially connected on February 10, 2026, meaning the first Cloquallum homes are already online. The October 2026 date marks full project completion for the entire service area.

Three Fingers Fiber: Federal ReConnect Grant, Final Connections Underway

The Three Fingers Fiber Project was funded through a federal ReConnect Program grant awarded to PUD 3 in early 2020. Construction of the mainline distribution network is complete. PUD 3 is now in the customer connection phase, working through individual service hookups with an April 2026 project completion deadline.

Like all PUD 3 fiber, Three Fingers runs on an open-access network — meaning multiple internet service providers can deliver service over the same fiber cable. Residents aren’t locked into one provider. Unlimited, symmetrical gigabit speeds (1000/1000 Mbps) are available from participating retail providers.

What PUD 3’s Fiber Network Means for Mason County

Mason County is largely rural, and rural broadband access in Washington State has historically lagged well behind urban and suburban areas. PUD 3’s aggressive fiberhood buildout — which uses a neighborhood-based sign-up model to determine construction priority — has been one of the most significant public infrastructure investments in the county in years.

The combination of federal ReConnect grants, ARPA funding, and the state Washington Broadband Office partnership has allowed PUD 3 to extend fiber to communities that private carriers have never reached and likely never would on a commercial basis. For residents who have been working from home on spotty satellite connections or driving to the library to upload files, these connections are genuinely life-changing.

For Mason County as a whole, reliable broadband is increasingly a prerequisite for economic development — attracting remote workers, supporting small businesses, enabling telehealth, and making rural property competitive with suburban alternatives.

Is Fiber Coming to Your Area?

PUD 3 uses a fiberhood model: neighborhoods that meet a minimum sign-up threshold get prioritized for construction. If your neighborhood hasn’t been connected yet, the way to move it up the list is to sign up and encourage neighbors to do the same. Check current project status and sign up at pud3.org.

For residents in areas already built out, connection to your home requires scheduling an installation with PUD 3 and then selecting a retail internet service provider. Visit PUD 3’s service zone map to check your address.

Related: SR-3 Belfair Bypass secures $48.3M — another major Mason County infrastructure win in 2026

Related: Mason County infrastructure beat recap — April 9, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mason County neighborhoods got fiber in March 2026?

PUD 3 connected Pacific Ridge on March 18, Arcadia Shores on March 25, and Fern Way on March 26, 2026. The Cloquallum Fiberhood and adjacent Wivell Road and Loertscher Road fiberhoods also came online in February 2026.

When will the Cloquallum Communities Fiberhood be fully complete?

The project targets full completion by October 2026. More than 680 homes and businesses in the Cloquallum area are included. Individual connections began in September 2025 and are being installed in stages through the October deadline.

What speeds does PUD 3 fiber provide?

PUD 3’s fiber network supports symmetrical gigabit service — 1000 Mbps download and 1000 Mbps upload — through its participating retail internet providers. This is a significant upgrade for areas that previously had speeds as low as 1.5 Mbps on legacy connections.

How is PUD 3 funding its fiber expansion?

The buildout is funded through multiple sources: a federal ReConnect Program grant (Three Fingers Fiber), an American Rescue Plan Act grant through the Washington State Broadband Office (Cloquallum Communities), and PUD 3’s own fiberhood program funded through customer sign-up revenue. No property taxes are being raised for this expansion.

What is PUD 3’s open-access fiber model?

Unlike most private ISPs, PUD 3 builds and owns the fiber infrastructure but allows multiple retail service providers to deliver internet, TV, and phone service over the same cable. Customers choose their preferred provider. This prevents monopoly pricing and gives Mason County residents more options than they typically have in rural areas.

How do I get fiber internet through PUD 3 in Mason County?

Check your address on PUD 3’s service zone map at pud3.servicezones.net. If your area is built out, you can schedule an installation with PUD 3 and then select a retail internet provider. If your area hasn’t been built yet, signing up on the fiberhood waitlist helps push your neighborhood toward the construction threshold.

More From This Series

• When Is Fiber Coming to My Mason County Neighborhood? Step-by-step guide for residents
• What PUD 3 Gigabit Fiber Means for Mason County Business Owners

For Mason County Parents: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28 ballot determines whether athletics, arts, music, counseling, and after-school programs survive for the 2026–2027 school year. This is the district’s third attempt after failures in February and November 2025.

The April 28 Levy Vote: What It Means for Your Child’s School Year

If your child attends school in the North Mason School District, the April 28 special election matters directly to their upcoming school year. The replacement levy on the ballot funds the programs that go beyond what the state pays for — and after two levy failures, several of those programs have already been cut back.

Which Programs Are on the Line

The North Mason School District replacement levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 per year through 2029 to fund programs Washington’s basic education formula doesn’t cover:

• Athletics: Middle school and high school sports programs
• Arts and music: Elective programs across grade levels
• Counseling services: School counselors providing academic and social support
• Security staff: Campus safety personnel
• After-school programs: Enrichment and extended day activities
• Facilities: Community gymnasium roof replacement

What Has Already Been Cut

The February 2025 levy failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts at the district. North Mason families have already seen reductions in athletics, arts, counseling staff, and after-school programming. A third failure in April 2026 would force further cuts for the 2026–2027 school year — district leadership has stated these would be more severe than the 2025 reductions.

This Is the Third Vote on This Levy

The North Mason School District has brought this replacement levy to voters in February 2025, November 2025, and now April 28, 2026. The levy is not a new tax — it replaces an expiring measure that previously funded these same programs. Each prior failure has led to cuts that students are currently experiencing.

How to Cast Your Vote

Your ballot was mailed April 7. Drop it at any official Mason County drop box (open 24/7 — find locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov.

Last day to register: April 20. Questions? Contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.

For full ballot and election details, see our main coverage: North Mason School District Levy: Full Voter Guide. For Mason County civic news, see Mason County Government Update.

Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy and Mason County School Programs

What school programs does the North Mason levy fund?

The levy funds middle and high school athletics, arts and music programs, counseling services, security staff, after-school programs, and facilities like the community gymnasium roof — programs the state’s basic education formula does not cover.

What happened to North Mason school programs after the levy failed?

The February 2025 failure led to approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts across the district, reducing athletics, arts, counseling, and support staffing. A third failure would trigger deeper cuts for the 2026–2027 school year.

How much does the levy cost per household?

The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value. On a $300,000 assessed home, that is approximately $384 per year, or roughly $32 per month.

When do April 28 election results come out?

Results are released after 8 PM on April 28, 2026, after ballot processing begins for the evening.

Who can vote on the North Mason School District levy?

Registered voters within the North Mason School District boundaries — which span parts of both Mason County and Kitsap County — received ballots for this measure.

For Mason County Property Owners: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28, 2026 ballot would collect an estimated $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value annually through 2029. This is a replacement levy, not a new tax. Total annual collection: up to $5,577,446 across the district.

The North Mason Levy and Your Property Tax: What the April 28 Vote Means

For Mason County property owners, the April 28 special election brings a concrete question: what does the North Mason School District replacement levy mean for your tax bill, and what has already changed in the district since the levy funding lapsed after the February 2025 failure?

The Numbers: What You Would Pay

The replacement levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 per year collected from property owners within the district from 2026 through 2029. The estimated collection rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

Estimated annual cost at common Mason County assessed values:

• $200,000: approximately $256/year ($21/month)
• $300,000: approximately $384/year ($32/month)
• $400,000: approximately $512/year ($43/month)
• $500,000: approximately $640/year ($53/month)

This is a replacement levy — it renews an expiring measure, not a new tax layer. Property owners who were paying under the previous levy would see their rate continue at roughly the same level.

School Quality and Property Values

After the February 2025 levy failure and the resulting $4.5 million in cuts, the North Mason School District reduced athletics, arts, music, counseling, and after-school programs. A third consecutive failure in April 2026 would force further reductions for the 2026–2027 school year.

School district quality is consistently among the top factors prospective homebuyers evaluate when assessing a community. The relationship between school funding and residential property values is well-documented in Washington state real estate markets.

This Is the Third Attempt

The levy failed in February 2025 and November 2025. April 28, 2026 is the third vote on this replacement measure. The district has operated under reduced funding since the first failure, absorbing cuts to programs that levy revenue previously supported. A third failure would deepen those cuts further.

How to Vote

Ballots were mailed April 7 and processing began April 13. Drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box (locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot at VoteWA.gov. Last day to register: April 20.

For the full voter guide, see Mason County April 28 Special Election Coverage. For Mason County economic news, see Mason County Business Update.

Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy and Property Taxes

What is the North Mason School District levy rate in 2026?

The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The levy would collect up to $5,577,446 per year from 2026 through 2029 from properties within the district boundaries.

Is this a new tax or a replacement?

This is a replacement levy — it renews an expiring measure rather than creating a new obligation. Property owners within the North Mason School District were already paying under the previous levy at a comparable rate.

Does the levy apply if my property is in Kitsap County but within the school district?

Yes. The North Mason School District covers portions of both Mason County and Kitsap County. Property owners within the district boundaries in either county are subject to the levy if it passes.

What happens to school programs if the levy fails again?

A third failure would force the district to implement additional cuts beyond the $4.5 million already absorbed after February 2025, affecting athletics, arts, counseling, security staffing, and after-school programming for the 2026–2027 school year.

Where can I find Mason County drop box locations?

Official drop box locations are listed at masoncountywa.gov. Boxes are open 24/7. You can also mail your ballot postmarked by April 28 or register and vote in person at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.

Civic Context: The North Mason School District replacement levy on the April 28, 2026 ballot has failed twice in 14 months — in February and November 2025. Each failure deepened cuts. The April vote is the district’s third attempt to restore this funding stream.

North Mason’s Levy Has Failed Twice. April 28 Is the Third Attempt.

For Mason County civic watchers, the April 28 special election is more than a routine levy vote — it’s the third chapter in a policy story that has reshaped the North Mason School District over the past 14 months.

The replacement levy failed in February 2025. It failed again in November 2025. The district cut approximately $4.5 million following the first failure. Now, heading into a third election, the question is whether Mason County voters are prepared to restore the funding stream — and what a third failure would mean for public education in the North Mason region.

How Washington’s Levy System Works

Washington state’s school funding model pays for a defined “basic education” baseline. Programs and services outside that definition — athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, after-school programs, certain facility needs — must be funded locally through voter-approved levies.

Replacement levies renew expiring authorization; they are not new taxes. When voters decline to renew, the district cannot substitute other funds. The programs either operate at reduced capacity or are eliminated.

A Chronology of the North Mason Levy Battle

• February 2025: First vote — levy fails. District responds with $4.5 million in cuts across athletics, arts, counseling, security, and after-school programs.
• November 2025: Second vote — levy fails again. District continues operating under reduced budget heading into the 2025–2026 school year.
• April 28, 2026: Third attempt. The levy would authorize up to $5,577,446 annually at $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value through 2029. District leadership has stated that a third failure would require additional cuts beyond the current level for the 2026–2027 school year.

What Makes This Pattern Unusual

School levy failures of this duration are uncommon in Washington state. Most districts that bring replacement levies to voters see them pass on the first or second attempt. North Mason’s situation reflects a pattern of voter resistance that has emerged in several rural and semi-rural Washington communities since 2024, where skepticism about school spending levels has grown alongside property tax increases from other sources.

The North Mason School District serves communities in both Mason County and portions of Kitsap County, meaning the vote outcome is shaped by two different county electorates.

What Civic Watchers Should Watch For

April 28 results will be released after 8 PM. Initial returns typically reflect mail-in ballots received before Election Day. If the levy fails a third time, watch for district budget discussions in the weeks following — the 2026–2027 school year budget process will need to begin with the assumption of no levy funding.

Track results at masoncountywa.gov and via the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.

Full voter guide: Mason County April 28 Special Election Coverage. For broader Mason County government news, see SR-3 Belfair Bypass Funding and Commissioner Meetings.

Related: Full Mason County April 28 Election Voter Guide

Frequently Asked Questions: North Mason Levy History and April 28

How many times has the North Mason levy failed?

Twice — in February 2025 and November 2025. The April 28, 2026 vote is the third attempt. Each prior failure has led to budget cuts and program reductions across the district.

What did the first levy failure cost the district?

The February 2025 failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts and staff reductions, affecting athletics, arts, music, counseling services, security staffing, and after-school programs.

Why can’t the district use other funding to replace the levy?

Washington state school funding has categorical restrictions. Levy revenue covers programs outside the state’s basic education formula — the district cannot legally redirect state education funds to replace voter levy revenue.

What would a third levy failure mean for the 2026–2027 school year?

District leadership has stated that a third failure would require additional cuts beyond the current $4.5 million level — likely more severe reductions affecting programs for the upcoming school year.

Does the district serve only Mason County voters?

No. The North Mason School District covers portions of both Mason County and Kitsap County. The April 28 levy vote involves registered voters within district boundaries in both counties.

Where do official Mason County election results get posted?

The Mason County Auditor releases results after 8 PM on Election Day at masoncountywa.gov. The Auditor’s office is at 360-427-9670 ext. 468.

April 28 Special Election: Mason County voters are deciding the fate of the North Mason School District replacement levy — the district’s third attempt after failures in February and November 2025. Ballots were mailed April 7. Return yours by April 28 or drop at any official Mason County drop box.

North Mason School District Levy Is on the April 28 Ballot — For the Third Time

Mason County voters have another chance to decide the future of their local public schools. The North Mason School District replacement levy is on the April 28, 2026 Special Election ballot — and for many residents, the stakes feel higher than ever.

The levy failed in February 2025. It failed again in November 2025. A third consecutive failure would leave the district without any levy funding for the 2026–2027 school year and likely trigger cuts deeper than the $4.5 million the district already absorbed after the first failure.

If you haven’t returned your ballot yet, here’s everything you need to know before April 28.

What the Levy Does

The North Mason School District replacement levy is a four-year renewal measure that would authorize the collection of up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029. The estimated property tax rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2026.

This is not new money — it’s a replacement for an expiring levy. The funds cover programs and services the state’s basic education formula does not pay for, including middle and high school athletics, arts and music programs, elective course offerings, counseling services, security staff, after-school programs, and community gymnasium roof replacement.

What Two Levy Failures Have Already Cost

The February 2025 levy failure triggered approximately $4.5 million in budget cuts and staff reductions across the North Mason School District. Those cuts affected every program category funded by the levy — reduced athletics, scaled-back arts, fewer support staff in counseling and security roles.

A third failure in April 2026 would mean the district goes without levy funding entirely for the upcoming school year. District leadership has indicated further reductions would be necessary — likely more severe than the previous round.

Who Is Affected

The North Mason School District serves communities in both Mason County and portions of Kitsap County. Registered voters within the district boundaries in both counties received ballots for this measure.

How to Return Your Ballot

Ballots were mailed to all registered voters on April 7, and ballot processing began April 13. Results will be available after 8 PM on Election Day, April 28.

To return your ballot: drop it at any official Mason County drop box (open 24/7 — locations at masoncountywa.gov), or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot status at VoteWA.gov under “Your Ballot and Voting Materials.”

For ballot questions, contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours or 360-968-4131 after hours.

Key dates: April 20 is the last day to register by mail or online. Same-day in-person registration is available at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.

Related Mason County Civic Coverage

For recent Mason County government decisions, see our coverage of the SR-3 Belfair Bypass $48.3M funding and Mason County Government Update.

Related: Mason County Forest Festival 2026 — June 5–7 in Shelton

Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County April 28, 2026 Special Election

What is on the Mason County April 28, 2026 ballot?

The primary measure is the North Mason School District replacement levy, which would authorize up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029 to fund programs not covered by the state’s basic education formula — including athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, and after-school programs.

How many times has the North Mason levy been on the ballot?

The April 28, 2026 vote is the third attempt. The levy failed in February 2025 and again in November 2025. Each failure has resulted in budget cuts and program reductions at North Mason schools.

What programs were cut after the first levy failure?

The February 2025 levy failure led to approximately $4.5 million in district cuts, affecting athletics, arts, music, counseling services, security staffing, and after-school programs across the district.

What is the North Mason levy tax rate?

The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026. On a $300,000 assessed home, that is approximately $384 per year.

How do I return my Mason County ballot?

Drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box (locations at masoncountywa.gov) or mail it postmarked by April 28. Track your ballot status at VoteWA.gov.

When are April 28 election results released?

Initial results will be available after 8 PM on April 28, 2026, once the Mason County Auditor begins processing returned ballots.

What is the last day to register to vote for the April 28 election?

April 20, 2026 is the last day to register by mail or online. Same-day voter registration is available in person at the Mason County Auditor’s office on Election Day.

April 28 Special Election: Mason County ballots were mailed April 7. Ballot processing begins April 13. Results will be available after 8 PM on April 28. The North Mason School District replacement levy is among the measures on the ballot.

Mason County’s April 28 Special Election Is Underway — Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re a registered voter in Mason County, your April 28 Special Election ballot should already be in your hands. Ballots were mailed out on April 7, and Mason County began processing them today, April 13.

Results will be available after 8 PM on Election Day, April 28. The Mason County Auditor’s office is handling all ballot questions — you can reach them at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours, or 360-968-4131 after hours.

North Mason School District Replacement Levy

The most consequential item for many Mason County residents is the North Mason School District’s replacement levy — the district’s third attempt to pass the measure after failures in February and November 2025.

The levy would renew an expiring four-year measure, collecting up to $5,577,446 annually from 2026 through 2029 to fund programs and operations not covered by state basic education funding. That includes athletics, arts, music, counseling, security staff, and classroom support. The estimated rate is $1.28 per $1,000 of assessed property value in 2026.

Prior levy failures have already resulted in roughly $4.5 million in district budget cuts and staff reductions. A third failure would likely trigger further reductions for the 2026–2027 school year.

Key Dates

• April 7 — Ballots mailed to registered voters
• April 13 — Ballot processing begins
• April 20 — Last day to register to vote by mail or online
• April 28 — Election Day; vote centers open until 8 PM; results after 8 PM

How to Return Your Ballot

Ballots must be received or postmarked by April 28. You can drop your ballot at any official Mason County drop box — locations are listed at masoncountywa.gov. To track your ballot status, visit VoteWA.gov and select “Your Ballot and Voting Materials.”

Questions? Contact the Mason County Auditor at 360-427-9670 ext. 468 during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions: Mason County April 2026 Election

Related: North Mason Levy Voter Guide: Full Analysis

Big news for North Mason: State legislators Drew MacEwen, Dan Griffey, and Travis Couture have secured $48.3 million in the 2026 supplemental transportation budget for the SR-3 Freight Corridor project — the long-awaited Belfair Bypass. The 6-mile new highway will route through-traffic around downtown Belfair, with construction currently scheduled for 2027–2029. Environmental review is complete and land acquisition is well underway. This is the single largest infrastructure investment in North Mason in a generation.

On the local government calendar, the Mason County Board of Commissioners met Monday, April 6 with the Clean Water District on the agenda. Briefings are held at the Courthouse in Shelton (411 N. 5th St.) and are also available via Zoom — a good habit to check in on if you want to know what’s happening with county water quality initiatives.

Shelton City Council holds its regular business meeting Tuesday, April 7 at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center (525 W. Cota St.). And looking ahead, Mason Transit Authority holds its April board meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 1 p.m. — this month at the Hoodsport Regional Library (40 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Hoodsport). The public is welcome to attend all of these.

Civic Calendar & Key Updates

• SR-3 Freight Corridor / Belfair Bypass: $48.3M secured in 2026 WA supplemental transportation budget. 6-mile new alignment routing around downtown Belfair. Construction: 2027–2029. Environmental review complete, land acquisition underway.
• Mason County Commissioners: Regular briefings at 411 N. 5th St., Shelton + Zoom. Clean Water District updates ongoing. Check masoncountywa.gov for agendas.
• Shelton City Council: Regular business meetings at 525 W. Cota St., 6 PM. Check ci.shelton.wa.us for full agenda.
• Mason Transit Authority Board: April 21 at 1 PM, Hoodsport Regional Library, 40 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Hoodsport. Public welcome.

Sources: WSDOT SR-3 Freight Corridor project page, WA State Fiscal LEAP Transportation Document 2026-2, Mason County Journal, MasonWebTV.com, Shelton City Council agenda, MasonTransit.org

Your Mason County commissioners are meeting this morning — Monday, April 6 — with the Clean Water District on the agenda. Briefings begin at 9 a.m. at the Courthouse in Shelton (411 N. 5th St.) and are also available via Zoom. Then tomorrow, Tuesday April 7, Shelton City Council holds its regular business meeting at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center (525 W. Cota St.). 🏛️

Big news for North Mason: State legislators Drew MacEwen, Dan Griffey, and Travis Couture have secured $48.3 million in the 2026 supplemental transportation budget for the SR-3 Freight Corridor project — the long-awaited Belfair Bypass. The 6-mile new highway will route through-traffic around downtown Belfair, with construction currently scheduled for 2027–2029. Environmental review is complete and land acquisition is well underway.

Also coming up: Mason Transit Authority holds its April board meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 1 p.m. — this month at the Hoodsport Regional Library (40 N. Schoolhouse Rd., Hoodsport). The public is welcome to attend.

Sources: MasonWebTV.com | Mason County Commissioners Agendas | WSDOT SR-3 Project Page | Mason Transit Board Meetings