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2 hours ago

Everett forecast warns of $15 million‑plus structural deficit in 2027; council discusses reserves and assumptions Interim Finance Director Mike Bailey told the council the long‑range forecast shows a structural deficit of more than $15 million in 2027 if unaddressed; the council probed assumptions including vacancy savings, a $5.4 million budget variance and the city’s 20% fund‑balance target.

Everett's interim finance director warns of a looming $15 million structural deficit by 2027, raising urgent questions about budget management and future planning.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #EverettBudget #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #CommunityPlanning

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1 week ago

Residents urge protecting initiative process and consider 'rights of nature' after judge struck down watershed measure At a Charter Review Committee public hearing in Everett, residents urged keeping the city’s 5% initiative threshold, argued for equal repeal rules, and asked the committee to consider placing watershed protections or 'rights of nature' language in the charter after a recent court ruling struck down a city initiative.

Residents of Everett are rallying to protect their initiative process and push for "rights of nature" in response to a recent court ruling that challenged citizen measures.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #EverettInitiatives #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #CommunityAccess

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1 week ago

Charter review panel votes to forward three-term limit proposal for Everett mayor, council The Charter Review Committee voted to forward a proposal recommending three consecutive four-year term limits for Everett’s mayor and city council, with partial terms of two years or less excluded; the committee approved forwarding by a recorded 10–4 vote.

The Charter Review Committee is shaking things up by proposing a three-term limit for Everett's mayor and city council—could this be the change voters have been waiting for?

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CivicAccountability #ElectionReform #CitizenPortal #EverettCityCouncil

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1 week ago

Charter panel asks staff for draft language and fiscal analysis on making Everett council full time After a lengthy debate about diversity, workload and budget, the Charter Review Committee voted to ask staff to prepare proposed charter language and comparative fiscal information on a full‑time council model; the procedural vote passed by a narrow majority (reported 7–6 with one abstention).

Everett's Charter Review Committee is diving into a heated debate on whether to transform the City Council into a full-time body, weighing the potential for diverse representation against significant fiscal impacts.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #EverettCityCouncil

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1 month ago

Mayor Franklin issues directive on local response to immigration enforcement; outlines jobs, housing and new outdoor event center In her 2026 State of the City address, Mayor Cassie Franklin announced a mayoral directive limiting city staff cooperation with civil immigration enforcement, and highlighted infrastructure investments, Boeing’s fourth 737 production line and the planned Everett Outdoor Event Center, projected to draw visitors and economic activity.

Mayor Cassie Franklin's bold new directive aims to protect community trust while unveiling exciting plans for jobs, housing, and a transformative outdoor event center in Everett.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #HousingInnovation #EconomicDevelopment #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

Charter review commission asks staff for clearer initiative rules, recommends 10% signature threshold The Everett Charter Review Commission voted to ask city staff and legal to draft clearer language for Charter section 11.2.D, recommending the commission adopt a 10% signature threshold (up from the current 5%) for citizen initiatives to qualify for the ballot. An amendment to set 7% was defeated.

The Everett Charter Review Commission has voted to raise the citizen initiative signature threshold to 10%, igniting a heated debate on the balance between direct democracy and broader public support.

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1 month ago

Everett residents urge ban on license-plate reader cameras; city officials point to safeguards Residents and civic groups urged the Everett City Council to prohibit Flock-style license-plate reader cameras, citing privacy and public-records concerns. City staff and the police chief defended current controls, pointed to a public transparency dashboard and offered a future briefing.

Everett residents are raising concerns over Flock automatic license-plate reader cameras, claiming they infringe on privacy rights and amount to mass data collection.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #EverettPrivacy #CivilRights #DataPrivacy #TransparencyInGovernment

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2 months ago

Everett staff propose zoning to protect seven manufactured housing communities from wholesale conversion City planners told the committee they propose a manufactured-housing zone intended to protect seven of roughly 10 city parks/communities from redevelopment; staff stressed the measure would limit allowed uses but not cap rents, and they plan to send code amendments to the planning commission in March.

Everett is taking action to protect its manufactured housing communities from potential redevelopment, ensuring residents' homes remain safe from displacement!

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CommunityStability #UrbanPlanning #HousingSecurity

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2 months ago

Everett planning staff preview major overhaul to critical areas rules ahead of March council review Planning staff told the committee they are reorganizing and updating Chapter 19.37 (critical areas) to reflect state law and best available science, will release an updated draft and comment-response matrix before a planning commission hearing next week, and aim to meet the state's periodic-update deadline.

Everett is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its critical areas regulations, aiming for ecological gains while ensuring robust habitat conservation.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #WildlifeConservation #EverettParks #EcologicalGain

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2 months ago

City highlights $4.3M in housing infrastructure grants and flags several state bills City staff told the council a Connecting Housing Infrastructure Program grant package totaling about $4.3 million would help pay utility fees for five projects, supporting construction of an estimated 462 affordable housing units; staff also reviewed active state bills on ALPRs, shelter and juvenile rehabilitation that could affect local policy.

Everett City Council is set to approve a groundbreaking $4.3 million grant that could pave the way for 462 new affordable housing units and reshape local policies on surveillance and juvenile rehabilitation.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #LegislativeEngagement #EverettHousing

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2 months ago

Everett’s relaunched Chamber reports membership growth, cites $600,000 city seed funding The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce told the City Council it exceeded 2025 targets after a relaunch supported by a $600,000 city funding package and a public–private contract; the chamber outlined 2026 priorities including business retention, Hispanic outreach and an early-March State of Everett event.

The Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce is thriving post-relaunch, boasting impressive membership growth and a commitment to supporting local businesses with targeted outreach and resources.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #HispanicOutreach #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment

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2 months ago

Everett reports crash reductions, plans $1.15 million safety reinvestment from camera program City traffic staff reported reductions in crashes at camera-monitored intersections and school zones after activating cameras in 2024, and outlined roughly $1.15 million in net proceeds to fund enforcement, capital upgrades and safety education, plus an ordinance update to align with recent state law changes.

Everett's new traffic camera program has led to a dramatic drop in crashes and speeding, with over $1.15 million set to enhance safety measures!

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CommunityEducation #TrafficEnforcement #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EverettTrafficSafety

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2 months ago

Everett council holds first reading of ordinance to curb unlicensed mobile food vendors Everett held a first reading of a proposed ordinance that would give the city criminal enforcement tools against unlicensed mobile food vendors, while council members pressed staff on exemptions, outreach and penalties for workers versus employers.

Everett's City Council is taking a bold step to regulate unlicensed mobile food vendors, aiming to protect public health and ensure fairness for local businesses.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #NeighborhoodSafety #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EverettMobileFood #CivicAccountability

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2 months ago

City lobbyist briefs Everett council on 2026 short legislative session priorities, including regional fire authority and ALPR rules City lobbyist Trevor Justin and staff briefed the council on the 60‑day 2026 legislative session, the state's budget shortfall and the city's priorities: protecting prior capital provisos, pursuing regional fire authority options (HB2224/SB6037), seeking changes to automated license-plate-reader retention rules and tracking bills on public safety sales tax implementation and housing policy.

Everett's city council is gearing up for a crucial 2026 legislative session with a $1.6 billion budget shortfall and key priorities like a new fire authority and changes to license-plate data rules!

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #LegislativeSession

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2 months ago

Everett Public Schools pitches $396.8 million construction bond and levy renewal ahead of Feb. 10 vote Superintendent Ian Saltzman and district staff presented Proposition 1 (a $396.8 million construction bond) and Proposition 2 (a renewal education levy) to the Everett City Council, outlining projects, funding shares and an estimated homeowner impact of about $15 a month for a $600,000 home if both measures pass.

Everett Public Schools is asking for your support with a $396.8 million bond and levy renewal to transform local education and tackle overcrowding!

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #EverettPublicSchools #CommunityOutreach #EducationFunding #CitizenPortal #FacilityImprovement

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2 months ago

Council holds public hearing on inclusionary‑zoning housekeeping ordinance; staff proposes fee-in-lieu adjustments Council heard a staff briefing and public comment on a housekeeping amendment to Everett 2044 (council bill 2512-91) that would index fee-in-lieu to inflation and create a reduced owner-occupancy fee; developers urged a $15→$9 per sq. ft. reduction while some councilmembers raised concerns about a proposed 12‑year owner-occupancy covenant and displacement risks.

Everett City Council is considering a major amendment that could lower homeownership fees and reshape the housing landscape—could this be the key to affordable living in South Everett?

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #HousingAffordability #CommunityDevelopment #PublicPolicy

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2 months ago

Council hears Everett 2044 ‘housekeeping’ amendments, debate centers on inclusionary zoning changes Planning staff presented housekeeping corrections to Everett’s 2044 update, including clarifications to middle housing rules, a proposed inclusionary zoning requirement of 20% affordable units in light-rail station areas, and a fee-in-lieu option with different rates for ownership and rental products.

Everett's city council is making significant changes to its 2044 plan, including a bold proposal for 20% affordable housing near future light-rail stations!

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #EverettPlanning #AffordableHousing #InclusionaryZoning #CitizenPortal #UrbanDevelopment

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3 months ago

Everett officials sworn in; mayor appoints new police chief At its Jan. 7 meeting the Everett City Council held oath ceremonies for the mayor and council members and the mayor announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Robert Goetz (recorded in the oath as Robert Gantz) as the new Everett police chief.

Everett welcomes a new era of leadership with Mayor Cassie Franklin's swearing-in and the appointment of Deputy Chief Robert Goetz as the city's new police chief!

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #LocalGovAI #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal #EverettCityCouncil #CivicAccountability

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3 months ago

Everett staff propose protecting 8 of 10 manufactured-home communities; commission asks for owner outreach and incentives Planning staff recommended designating eight of the city's 10 manufactured-home communities for protective zoning (favoring an underlying zone), while commissioners raised concerns about owner outreach, tax/valuation effects and disincentives to maintain parks; staff aims to finalize recommendations in February.

Everett planning staff are pushing to protect 8 out of 10 manufactured-home communities, but will owners be properly consulted before changes are finalized?

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CommunityOutreach #ZoningReform #HousingProtection #CitizenPortal #EverettManufacturedHomes

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3 months ago

Everett planners weigh bigger stream buffers, stream-typing rules as code update moves forward Planning staff presented a draft update to Everett's critical areas code that would adopt updated stream-typing definitions, revisit buffer widths for fish-bearing (Type F) and non-fish streams and add incentives for daylighting culverted streams; staff said it will return Jan. 20 with maps and draft code language.

Everett planners are set to redefine stream buffer widths and update stream-typing rules to strike a balance between ecological preservation and development needs.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #UrbanPlanning #EcologicalFunction #EverettEnvironment #StreamConservation

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3 months ago

Everett council honors outgoing members and chief, confirms appointments, approves package of ordinances The council heard flood-response updates, paid tribute to retiring Police Chief John Deroos and departing council members, confirmed two Everett Public Facilities District appointments, and unanimously approved several capital and park improvement ordinances after public comment praising city response and local programs.

Everett City Council met to honor retiring leaders, confirm vital appointments, and tackle pressing issues like flood response and community safety.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #HistoricPreservation #EverettParks #CommunityImprovement #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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3 months ago

Everett council amends utility-billing ordinance, delays implementation 90 days after staff-council compromise After extended debate and staff briefings, Everett City Council amended council bill 2512-87 to keep the payment due date at the 20th of the month, add a 10-day grace before delinquency, and set a 90-day delayed implementation to allow system and process work by utilities staff.

Everett City Council just approved a new ordinance that gives residents a 10-day grace period before late fees kick in for water and sewer bills, easing the burden on those with tight payment schedules.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #BillingTransparency #LocalGovAI

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4 months ago

Everett council adopts $943.8 million 2026 budget after debate over cuts and revenue options The Everett City Council approved a $943,826,973 appropriation for the 2026 budget after members voiced concern about structural deficits and continued service cuts; staff outlined one-time prefunding, pension and insurance increases, and follow-up items for council.

The Everett City Council has taken a bold step by unanimously approving a $943.8 million budget for 2026, but concerns over service cuts and structural deficits are raising questions about the city's financial future.

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4 months ago

Everett council authorizes legal action over Flock ALPR image disclosure after police defend system safeguards After an Everett Police presentation describing crime-solving uses and a novel AI-assisted auditing workflow, the council unanimously authorized the city to file a declaratory-judgment action to clarify whether Flock (ALPR) camera images are disclosable under public-records law.

Everett City Council is taking a bold step to clarify the privacy of automated license-plate reader images amidst rising scrutiny and concerns over data sharing.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #EverettPrivacy #PublicSafety #DataPrivacy #CivicAccountability

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4 months ago

Planning Commission opens public hearing on critical areas update; staff to study larger buffers after WDFW comments The commission opened a public hearing on Nov. 18 for a periodic update to the critical areas regulations. Staff described a proposed increase in some stream buffers from 50 to 100 feet, summarized Department of Fish & Wildlife recommendations for a site-potential-tree-height approach (potentially larger buffers), and scheduled additional outreach and a Jan. 6 follow-up.

Everett's Planning Commission is diving deep into critical areas regulations, with potential stream buffer increases that could reshape urban landscapes and protect wildlife—are you ready for the changes ahead?

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #EverettPlanning

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5 months ago

Everett staff proposes new manufactured‑home‑community zone, plans to remove century‑old park rules City planning staff told the Parks and Built Environment Committee the city will create a standalone manufactured‑home‑community zoning designation (not an overlay), will allow one‑for‑one unit replacement, and will propose deleting municipal code chapter 17.28; the proposal returns to planning commission in December and to council in January.

Everett is taking a bold step to establish a standalone manufactured-home-community zone, promising changes that could reshape the future of mobile and manufactured home parks!

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CommunityOutreach #UrbanPlanning #EverettManufacturedHomes

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5 months ago

Everett council presses staff for detailed FTE, library and pool costings as budget leans on one-time funds City staff told the Everett City Council about using roughly $5 million in one-time funds to balance the proposed 2026 general fund; council members pressed for a line-by-line account of restored FTEs, library hours and capital costs for reopening the pool before final approval.

Everett City Council is demanding transparency on funding as they grapple with a $5 million budget deficit and the restoration of essential community services.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CommunityServices #FiscalTransparency #EverettBudget #BudgetReform

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5 months ago

Everett opens public hearings on 2026 budget and property tax levies; staff projects 1% levy growth Finance staff presented the proposed 2026 operating budget and the regular and EMS property‑tax levy ordinances (each including a 1% levy increase), described revenue allocation across jurisdictions, and opened public hearings that remain open to Nov. 19.

Everett's finance team is revealing a proposed 2026 budget that could change the way your property taxes impact your wallet—are you ready for the details?

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #CivicAccountability #EverettBudget

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5 months ago

Everett council extends service‑facility buffer zone ordinance after hours of testimony, 5–2 After public testimony for and against the city’s service‑facility buffer zone, the Everett City Council voted 5–2 to extend the ordinance (Council Bill 2509‑53). Supporters said the zones reduced neighborhood impacts and protected program participants; opponents called the measure criminalization and urged investment in shelters and housing. City/

The Everett City Council has voted to extend a controversial ordinance that some say protects neighborhoods while others argue it criminalizes homelessness—what’s the real impact?

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #HousingSolutions #CommunityEngagement

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5 months ago

City staff outline public-health and enforcement challenges from unlicensed street food vendors City staff briefed the committee on widespread, unpermitted mobile food stands across Everett and Snohomish County. Staff described public-health risks (improper food storage, lack of running water, documented illnesses), enforcement obstacles due to vendor mobility and difficulty identifying behind‑the‑scenes owners, and a mayoral directive to the

Unlicensed street food vendors in Everett are raising serious public health concerns, prompting the mayor to take action and develop a response plan.

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#EverettSnohomishCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicHealthEducation #EverettPublicHealth #CommunityEnforcement #FoodSafetyIssues