Everett Development News
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Everett City Council Meeting: June 24, 2026
Published: Jun 24, 2026
Everett City Council Discusses Park Safety Improvements and Shade Structure Options
The Parks and Facilities Director presented an update on improving travel safety in Thornton A. Sullivan Park and discussed park shade structures. Proposed changes at Thornton A. Sullivan Park aim to enhance safety for pedestrians by restricting access for bikes, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, e-motos, and mini motorcycles, particularly near the playground and along the Silver Lake Loop Trail. Riders will be asked to dismount and walk their bikes within the park, with bike racks provided. The Silver Lake Loop Trail riders will be rerouted onto Silver Lake Road, with signage and crosswalk markings to guide them. Chicane barriers will be installed at entrances to manage access. The presentation also detailed the advantages and disadvantages of permanent shade structures versus sail shade structures. Currently, Everett has permanent structures in 10 parks, including full-service picnic areas and gazebos. Two sail shade structures exist, one at Lowell Park and another at Walter Hall Park, which was installed in 2025. Permanent structures cost between $300-$500, require building-level maintenance, and are susceptible to vandalism. Sail shade structures are seasonal, deflect UV rays, keep users cool, and offer better sightlines, being adopted by many municipalities as an affordable, flexible option. Council Member Barbano expressed concerns that sail shades are not year-round solutions and do not protect against rain, suggesting permanent structures are more equitable for all communities. The discussion also touched upon the challenges with permanent structures, such as vandalism and misuse, and the need for better sightlines.
Everett Launches Pre-Approved ADU Designs and AI-Powered Permitting Pilot
The city launched its first three pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) designs, making plans available to the public. Mayor Franklin and Council Vice President Paula Ryan toured a local ADU in District 1, developed by Plutus Development, which is one of the pre-approved designs. This ADU is described as an 820-square-foot, two-story, two-bedroom, two-bath home on a small footprint that integrates well into existing neighborhoods and infrastructure, serving as a way to provide 'missing middle housing' and promote homeownership. The initiative is part of the city's commitment to being 'fiercely pro-housing' and accommodating growth. Additionally, a grant acceptance to pilot new tools for streamlining the permitting process was discussed. Partnering with Challenge Seattle and GovStream AI, the city aims to make permit applications easier and faster, reducing cumbersome processes and timeframes. This AI-driven approach will provide immediate feedback and is a pilot program for cities of Everett's size.
Everett City Council Welcomes New Finance Director, Honors Retiring City Attorney, and Debates Charter Amendments
During the City Council meeting, there were discussions and acknowledgments regarding upcoming changes and significant personnel matters. The city announced the hiring of a new Finance Director, Chris Godwin, who started his first week and previously managed finances for Seattle's Department of Transportation. Mayor Franklin also highlighted the launch of pre-approved ADU designs and an AI-powered permitting process pilot. A significant portion of the meeting involved acknowledging the retirement of City Attorney David Hall after 18 years of service. Multiple council members and staff expressed gratitude for his dedication, analytical mind, passion for problem-solving, and contributions to the city's improvement under two mayors. David Hall himself shared reflections on his career, his dual role as a professional and a resident, and his pride in Everett's pragmatic leadership and skilled city staff. The council also discussed proposed changes to the city charter, including residency requirements for council seats, prohibitions on holding other elected offices, clarification on oaths of office, changes to council meeting frequency, adjustments to the civil service commission, modifications to initiative signature thresholds and curing processes, the introduction of fiscal impact statements for ballot measures, a charter review every five years, updates to public notice requirements, and the addition of term limits for city council and mayor. Lastly, the council moved forward with the third reading of an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of land for the Everett Outdoor Event Center, including the potential use of eminent domain.
Everett City Council Addresses Concerns Regarding Community Transit and Everett Transit Merger
Mayor Franklin discussed the potential merger between Community Transit (CT) and Everett Transit (ET). She stated that CT CEO Rick Elginfritz committed to ensuring all Everett residents currently receiving paratransit services will continue to have the same service levels if the merger proceeds. Community Transit has also committed to protecting employees, ensuring all paratransit and fixed route drivers will be gainfully employed. The mayor emphasized that the merger's goal is to expand transportation services. Berna Rhinemond, a resident and paratransit user, expressed strong support for expanded transit but voiced concerns about DART's (operated by Transdev for Community Transit) ability to meet the needs of disabled and senior residents, citing negative experiences with DART compared to Everett's more robust paratransit service. She highlighted the importance of Everett's paratransit for essential appointments and daily life and expressed hesitation about the merger until plans are fully detailed. Mayor Franklin later clarified that Community Transit would operate Everett's paratransit service post-merger, ensuring it remains whole in Everett, not moving to DART. She also confirmed that all Everett Transit employees are protected by law regarding benefits and wages in case of a merger. Council clarified that Everett Transit and Everett Paratransit are essentially the same, whereas Community Transit includes DART, which is operated by a third party.
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