Tygart Media

Author: will_tygart

  • Everett’s Proposed Utility Tax Hike Could Add $10.74 a Month to Water Bills — What Residents Need to Know

    Everett is considering nearly doubling its utility tax on water service — from 6% to 12% — which would add roughly $10.74 per month to the average household water bill for about 670,000 Snohomish County water customers.

    A utility tax is levied on utility services as a general revenue source for the city budget. Doubling it from 6% to 12% effectively doubles the tax component of every water bill. At roughly $128 per year per average household, it’s not trivial — and it would affect a wide geographic area across Snohomish County given the scale of the water district service area.

    Where It Stands

    As of publication, this is a proposal under deliberation — not an adopted change. The council has not taken a final vote. Monitor council agendas at everettwa.gov for the vote schedule and public comment windows.

    How to Comment

    Everett City Council meets at City Hall, 2930 Wetmore Ave. Public comment can be submitted in person at council meetings, in writing through the city clerk, or through the online portal at everettwa.gov. Comment periods are held before votes — that’s the window to be heard.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Has Everett approved the utility tax increase?

    No — it is a proposal under deliberation. Check everettwa.gov for current agenda status.

    How much would this add to my water bill?

    Approximately $10.74/month for an average household — about $128/year. Individual impact varies by usage and service district.

    How do I comment on the proposal?

    Attend a council meeting at 2930 Wetmore Ave, submit written comment to the city clerk, or use the online portal at everettwa.gov.

  • Everett City Council Passes Fair Labor Ordinance 9-1: What City Contractors Need to Know

    Everett City Council passed a fair labor ordinance on March 25, 2026 in a 9-1 vote — and if your business contracts with the city, you need to know what it requires.

    The ordinance establishes new labor standards for companies holding city contracts above a defined threshold. Businesses that receive city contracts must meet baseline labor conditions — typically wage floors above state minimum, paid leave provisions, and worker notification rights — as a condition of that contract. The intent: ensure city spending flows to employers meeting defined standards.

    The Vote

    9-1, March 25, 2026. Strong council consensus. Fair labor ordinances have been adopted by cities across Washington in recent years. Everett’s is consistent with that regional trend.

    Who It Affects

    Businesses holding or bidding on city contracts above the ordinance threshold. If your company does business with the City of Everett, review the ordinance text at everettwa.gov or contact the city’s purchasing department for compliance guidance. This article is context, not legal advice.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What did Everett Council vote on March 25?

    A fair labor ordinance requiring labor standards compliance for city contractors, passed 9-1.

    Does this affect all Everett businesses?

    No — only businesses with city contracts above the specified threshold. Private employers without city contracts are not directly affected.

    Where is the full ordinance?

    At everettwa.gov. Contact the city’s purchasing or legal department for contract-specific compliance guidance.

  • Forest Park in Everett: The Local’s Complete Spring 2026 Guide (Trails, Animal Farm, What’s Open)

    Forest Park is 197 acres of old-growth forest, free animal farm, hiking trails, and seasonal pool in southwest Everett — and most Everett residents have never walked its trails.

    Located at 802 Mukilteo Blvd, Forest Park packs more into those acres than most parks three times its size. Here’s the local’s guide to actually using it this spring.

    The Trails

    Unpaved forest trails through mixed old-growth and second-growth Douglas fir and cedar. The trail network is not heavily signed — photograph the entrance map or download offline. Trails stay muddy through April; waterproof footwear is not optional. Trilliums and native spring wildflowers are appearing now in the forested sections.

    The Animal Farm

    Free admission. Goats, deer, rabbits, peacocks, and domestic farm animals in a small petting zoo format. One of those things Everett has that most comparable cities don’t. Call Everett Parks (everettwa.gov/parks) to confirm current hours and which animals are out before a specific visit.

    Spring Hours and What’s Open

    The park itself is open during daylight hours year-round. Animal Farm opens seasonally in spring — verify status before visiting. The spray park and outdoor pool are not yet open; they typically run June through August. Picnic shelters can be reserved through Everett Parks for spring gatherings.

    Practical Info

    802 Mukilteo Blvd, Everett WA 98203. Free to enter. Parking lot off Mukilteo Blvd. Check everettwa.gov/parks for current Animal Farm status and pool season schedule.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Forest Park free?

    Yes — free entry, free Animal Farm. Pool and some facilities have seasonal fees.

    Where is Forest Park in Everett?

    802 Mukilteo Blvd, Everett WA 98203. In southwest Everett off Mukilteo Boulevard.

    Are trails good in spring?

    Yes but muddy. Waterproof footwear recommended April–May. Native wildflowers are appearing now. Trails are not heavily signed — map before you go.

  • Living in Bayside: Everett’s Waterfront Neighborhood Most People Drive Past

    Bayside might be the most underestimated neighborhood in Everett — water access, proximity to the port, genuine community identity, and most people drive past it without stopping.

    Bayside sits along Port Gardner Bay in northwest Everett, bordered by the Port of Everett to the south and Naval Station Everett to the north. One of Everett’s oldest residential neighborhoods — three-generation families, streets that still reflect the maritime industrial roots, and Olympic Mountain views on clear days that are genuinely stunning.

    The Housing

    Mixed mid-20th century single-family stock. More affordable than comparable waterfront-adjacent areas in King County. Older homes that need updating — which is exactly the trade buyers seeking value in Everett’s 2026 market are making deliberately. For buyers who want character, history, and water proximity without the waterfront premium, Bayside deserves serious attention.

    The Community

    Military families from NAVSTA Everett contribute to Bayside’s civic character — young families on rotation who engage schools, community organizations, and local businesses. The neighborhood association connects residents with city services. The marina promenade and waterfront trail system are accessible from Bayside’s residential streets for walking, kayaking, and fishing access.

    What’s Changing

    Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place is the adjacent story. Restaurant Row, the marina promenade, and the coming Millwright District are within walking or biking distance of Bayside’s streets. That new amenity access is making the neighborhood more attractive to buyers who want urban convenience with a quieter residential base.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is the Bayside neighborhood in Everett?

    Northwest Everett, along Port Gardner Bay, between the Port of Everett (south) and Naval Station Everett (north).

    Is Bayside a good place to buy a home in Everett?

    It’s genuinely underrated — water-adjacent location, lower median prices than comparable areas, strong community identity. Housing stock skews older; expect renovation needs.

  • Funko HQ in Everett: What to Expect, HQ Exclusives, and Why Spring Is a Great Time to Visit

    Funko HQ in Everett isn’t just the world’s largest Funko store — it’s one of the most distinctly Everett cultural experiences you can have, and spring is a good time to visit.

    Funko’s world headquarters at 2802 Wetmore Ave is where the company makes, designs, and ships the Pop figures that have become one of the most recognizable collectibles on earth. The public retail experience there is the flagship — bigger than any other Funko store anywhere — and it’s paired with periodic HQ-exclusive releases not available through general retail channels.

    What to Expect Inside

    The store is organized by franchise: Star Wars, Marvel, DC, anime, gaming, music, sports, horror, and dozens of niche properties all have dedicated sections. If you’re a collector, you know exactly what that means. If you’re bringing someone who isn’t, the sheer density is its own spectacle. Figure displays are arranged creatively throughout the space — some are simple shelf displays, others are full set pieces that function as photo backdrops.

    HQ Exclusives

    Funko releases Everett HQ-exclusive figures seasonally — items only available at this location and not through general retail. These change regularly and are the primary reason frequent visitors keep coming back. Spring exclusives are typically released ahead of major pop culture events. Follow @originalfunko on Instagram and check funko.com for current exclusive availability before making a trip specifically for one.

    Events

    Funko HQ periodically hosts signings and launch events tied to major releases. These are announced through Funko’s channels with variable lead times — some sell out within hours. Worth following if you’re passionate about a specific property.

    Practical Details

    2802 Wetmore Ave, Everett WA. On-site parking. Open seven days a week — check funko.com for current hours. Easy to pair with a waterfront lunch or dinner at Restaurant Row (short drive).

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is Funko HQ?

    2802 Wetmore Ave, Everett WA. Check funko.com for current hours.

    What are HQ-exclusive Funko figures?

    Figures only available at the Everett HQ location, not through general retail. They change seasonally. Follow @originalfunko or check funko.com for current exclusives before visiting.

    Is Funko HQ good for families?

    Yes — particularly for kids who know pop culture. The franchise organization makes it easy to find what they’re into. Legitimate Everett field trip destination.

  • What’s Happening at the Schack Art Center This Spring — And Why You Should Go

    The Schack Art Center is one of Everett’s best free cultural resources — a working ceramics studio, public gallery, community classroom, and anchor of the monthly Art Walk — and most people in the city have never walked through the door.

    Located at 2921 Hoyt Ave, the Schack is not a museum you observe passively. It’s a working arts center where kilns are firing, printmakers are at the press, and fiber arts looms are in use. The public gallery is free. The classes and studio memberships are affordable. And the Schack anchors Everett’s third-Thursday Art Walk, which runs through downtown galleries monthly on the third Thursday — the next one is April 16.

    The Gallery

    Rotating exhibitions in the main gallery space, free and open to the public. The Schack shows regional and local artists across mediums. Check schack.org for the current exhibition and opening events — the Schack publishes their calendar regularly and it’s the authoritative source.

    Classes and Workshops

    The Schack runs ceramics, printmaking, fiber arts, painting, drawing, and mixed-media classes year-round at multiple skill levels. Drop-in workshops require no prior experience. Multi-week sessions are available for deeper development. The ceramics program is the most serious in Snohomish County — if you’ve ever wanted to learn to throw on a wheel, this is your place. Register at schack.org.

    Sorticulture 2026

    The Schack’s signature annual event — Sorticulture, a garden arts festival at the Everett waterfront drawing thousands of visitors — is the summer highlight. 2026 dates not yet officially announced; watch schack.org. It’s worth planning around.

    April Art Walk — April 16

    Third Thursdays monthly. Next one: April 16. Free. Start at the Schack at 2921 Hoyt Ave and walk the downtown gallery circuit from there. Most galleries stay open until 8 or 9 PM on Art Walk nights.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Schack Art Center free?

    The gallery is free and open to the public. Classes and studio memberships have fees. Check schack.org for current hours and registration.

    Where is the Schack?

    2921 Hoyt Ave, Everett WA 98201.

    When is the next Everett Art Walk?

    April 16, 2026 — the third Thursday of the month. Free, walkable through downtown galleries. Start at the Schack.

  • AquaSox 2026 Prospect Watch: Who to Follow in Everett This Season

    The AquaSox season is young, but the picture is already getting interesting — and the players to watch this year aren’t the ones you might expect.

    The Everett AquaSox, the Mariners’ High-A affiliate in the Northwest League, are three weeks into the 2026 season. Home opener was rough — a 17–2 blowout loss that set off predictable doom-saying — but anyone who follows minor league baseball knows better than to read early results as a forecast. What matters in April is which players are developing, who’s arrived with something to prove, and what the Mariners farm system is sending north to Everett. Here’s the honest read.

    The Prospects Worth Watching in 2026

    The AquaSox roster in 2026 includes several players in the Mariners’ top-30 prospect pipeline. At Everett’s level, the players to track are those with a realistic path to Seattle in the next two to three years. Look for pitchers dealing with velocity development — High-A is typically where you see the first real test of a pitcher’s secondary stuff against advanced hitters. Position-player development at this level focuses on plate discipline: who’s drawing walks, who’s making contact adjustments, who’s controlling the strike zone.

    Farmelo, Celesten, and Stevenson — names mentioned in the desk’s prior coverage — represent the mix of high-ceiling position players the Mariners are developing through the system. The developmental arc at High-A is less about performance and more about process. Don’t evaluate AquaSox players by batting average. Evaluate them by approach, exit velocity, and how they handle adjustments over a two-week stretch when pitchers figure them out.

    The AquaSox Experience in 2026

    Funko Field is one of the most fan-friendly minor league parks in the Pacific Northwest. The AquaSox have built a family experience around the baseball that’s worth attending even when the team is grinding through a development-first season. Tickets are affordable, the views of the Cascade foothills on a clear day are genuinely beautiful, and you might be watching a future Mariner take their first steps toward the big leagues. That’s a real thing, not a marketing line.

    The AquaSox play at Funko Field, 3900 Broadway, Everett. Check milb.com/everett for the 2026 home schedule, ticket options, and promotions.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What MLB team are the Everett AquaSox affiliated with?

    The Seattle Mariners. Everett is their High-A affiliate in the Northwest League.

    Where do the AquaSox play?

    Funko Field, 3900 Broadway, Everett WA. Check milb.com/everett for the current schedule.

    How do I evaluate AquaSox prospects?

    At the High-A level, focus on plate discipline, exit velocity, swing adjustments, and pitching secondary stuff — not batting average or ERA. Development markers matter more than results at this level.

    Are AquaSox tickets affordable?

    Yes — minor league baseball is significantly more affordable than MLB. Funko Field offers a family-friendly experience with views of the Cascades. Check milb.com/everett for current pricing.

  • Silvertips Win Game 1 4–1, Game 2 Tonight at 6:05 PM — Everything You Need to Know

    The Everett Silvertips won Game 1 of the WHL Western Conference Semifinals last night, 4–1 over the Kelowna Rockets — and Game 2 is tonight at 6:05 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    This is the series. If you’ve been sleeping on Silvertips hockey, now is the time to wake up. Everett swept Portland in the first round, entered this series as the No. 1 seed in the WHL’s Western Conference with the league’s best regular-season record, and came out of Game 1 looking like exactly what they are: the best team in the West.

    Game 1 Recap: Everett 4, Kelowna 1

    The Silvertips took a 1–0 lead in the first period when Shea Busch scored on the power play at 11:50. Kelowna tied it 23 seconds into the second period on Ty Halaburda’s first goal of the playoffs — an unassisted shot that briefly looked like a momentum swing. It wasn’t. Matias Vanhanen scored the eventual game-winner for Everett not long after, and the Tips extended the lead through the third to close out 4–1. Anders Miller in net was dominant: 36 saves, .973 save percentage on the night. Kelowna’s Harrison Boettiger made 36 saves of his own on 40 Everett shots — the Rockets were outshot nearly 2:1 and went 0-for-5 on the power play.

    The Series Context

    Everett went 4–0 against Kelowna in the regular season, though three of those four games were decided by a single goal and one went to overtime. The Rockets swept Kamloops in the first round and came in with genuine confidence. But Game 1 showed the gap in goaltending and shot generation is real. Landon DuPont — Everett’s elite defenseman who is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft — is posting 6 points in the playoffs so far (2G, 4A). Tij Iginla, the Utah Mammoth’s first-round pick on Kelowna’s side, posted 10 points in the first round. This series has legitimate star power on both sides, but Everett’s depth is the difference.

    Game 2 Tonight: What to Know

    Time: 6:05 PM PT
    Location: Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett WA
    Broadcast: Victory+ (free streaming) and 104.7 The Lizard
    Tickets: selectyourtickets.com — Fan 4 Pack discount available, presented by High Point Gutter
    Series context: Everett leads 1–0. Win tonight and they head to Kelowna for Games 3 and 4 with the series advantage and all the momentum.

    After Game 2, the series shifts to Prospera Place in Kelowna for Games 3 (April 14) and 4 (April 15) at 7:05 PM PT.

    Why This Team Is Special

    Everett has won back-to-back Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies as WHL regular-season champions. Anders Miller (1.25 GAA, .949 SV% entering this round) is one of the top goalies in junior hockey. DuPont (73 points in the regular season, tied for 4th among WHL defensemen) is a generational talent. Tarin Smith posted the highest plus-minus in the WHL. This is not a fluke team — this is a program that has been built deliberately and is now at its peak. Go watch it tonight while you still can.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What time is Silvertips Game 2 tonight?

    6:05 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett WA.

    How can I watch the Silvertips playoffs for free?

    Stream free on Victory+ or listen on 104.7 The Lizard.

    Who is Landon DuPont?

    Everett’s elite defenseman, granted exceptional status in the 2024 WHL Draft. He posted 73 points in the regular season, tied for 4th among WHL defensemen, and is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.

    What is the full series schedule?

    Game 1: Everett won 4-1 (April 10). Game 2: Tonight April 11, 6:05 PM at Everett. Games 3 & 4: April 14 & 15 at Kelowna (7:05 PM PT). If needed, Games 5-7 return to Everett.

  • Snohomish County Is Fighting to Secure NAVSTA Everett’s Future — Here’s Where Things Stand

    NAVSTA Everett is at a crossroads — and the community that’s grown up around it over the past 35 years is making sure Washington’s decision-makers know it.

    The Constellation-class frigate program — the ships that were supposed to home-port in Everett — was cancelled by the Navy in early 2026, throwing the future of Naval Station Everett into genuine uncertainty. The station has operated since 1994 and currently homeports surface combatants including destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 9. But the frigate cancellation removed the clearest growth path for the station’s future, and Snohomish County isn’t sitting quietly.

    The Military Affairs Committee

    Snohomish County has rebooted its Military Affairs Committee specifically to fight for NAVSTA Everett’s future. The committee represents county, city, and community voices advocating directly to the Pentagon and Congressional delegation for the station’s continued relevance and investment. Everett’s Congressional representative Rick Larsen — the ranking member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a senior voice on aviation and military matters — is a key ally in this fight.

    What NAVSTA Everett Provides the Region

    Naval Station Everett is one of the Navy’s most strategically positioned installations on the Pacific coast. It provides deep-water pier access capable of supporting the Navy’s largest surface ships, proximity to Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton for maintenance, and co-location with the broader Puget Sound military ecosystem that includes Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The station’s economic impact on Snohomish County is measured in thousands of jobs — active duty, civilian, and contractor positions — plus the military families that fill Everett’s schools, businesses, and housing market.

    What Comes Next

    The Navy has not announced plans to reduce NAVSTA Everett’s operational footprint. Current homeported vessels continue to deploy and return. The concern is long-term: without a clear future program anchoring the station, its strategic value could erode in future budget cycles. The Snohomish County Military Affairs Committee is building the advocacy case now — before that happens — to ensure the Pentagon sees Everett as the right place for whatever the next generation of Pacific-facing surface combatants looks like.

    How the Community Can Help

    Military families and community members who want to support NAVSTA Everett’s future can engage through Snohomish County’s government channels, contact Congressman Larsen’s office, and participate in local veterans organizations including American Legion Post 6 and the USO Northwest. Visibility matters — the more the county demonstrates that NAVSTA Everett is a deeply embedded community asset, not just a real estate footprint, the stronger the advocacy position becomes.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is NAVSTA Everett closing?

    No. There is no announced closure or reduction. The concern is long-term strategic positioning after the Constellation-class frigate program was cancelled. The station continues to operate normally with currently homeported vessels.

    What was the Constellation-class frigate program?

    A new class of Navy frigates (FFG(X)) that were planned to replace older surface combatants and homeport on the Pacific coast, with Everett considered a prime location. The program was cancelled in early 2026.

    What ships are currently at NAVSTA Everett?

    NAVSTA Everett homeports surface combatants from Destroyer Squadron 9. Specific ship movements are confirmed via official Navy public affairs releases — we follow OPSEC guidelines and do not report operational details beyond what the Navy publicly releases.

    How do I contact Snohomish County’s Military Affairs Committee?

    Through Snohomish County’s government website at snohomishcountywa.gov. The committee represents county and community advocacy for military installations in the region.

  • Boeing North Line Jobs in Everett: Everything the Workforce Needs to Know

    If you’re a Boeing worker in Everett — or thinking about becoming one — here’s everything you need to know about the 737 North Line, the jobs it’s creating, and the timeline.

    Boeing’s announcement that the North Line opens this summer is not a rumor or a possibility. Boeing confirmed it via official press release on April 7, 2026, CEO Kelly Ortberg toured the facility, and production preparation is already underway. This is happening.

    The Positions Being Filled

    Boeing is hiring hundreds of employees specifically for the North Line. Roles include: mechanics (electrical, structural, systems), quality inspectors, FAA-facing customer coordinators, production leaders, and line flow specialists. The staffing model pairs new hires with experienced teammates — if you’ve been hoping to break into Boeing, this is one of the more accessible entry points the company has created in years, precisely because they’re building the team from scratch and mixing experience levels intentionally.

    Training Is at Renton, Then You Come Home to Everett

    All North Line workers — even 40-year veterans — are completing structured training at the Renton 737 facility before transitioning to Everett. Boeing is treating this seriously: the 737 build process is different enough from the widebody work Everett has historically done that even experienced mechanics need to learn the system. The structured on-the-job training in Renton pairs new hires directly with experienced mechanics for hands-on learning before anyone touches a North Line airplane. “Even folks like me who have been around for a long time are in Renton now getting familiar with the program,” said John V., a nearly 40-year Boeing vet now serving as FAA and customer coordinator for the North Line.

    The Union Dimension

    The IAM District 751 (International Association of Machinists) represents Boeing’s production workers in Everett and is the primary union for the mechanics building the North Line. The SPEEA (Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace) represents Boeing’s engineers and technical staff. Both unions have members working on the North Line preparation. Boeing’s relationship with both unions has been through significant turbulence since the 2024 strike, so it’s worth watching how the North Line’s workforce contracts and expectations are structured as it scales up. Workers with union questions should contact IAM 751 at iam751.org or SPEEA at speea.org directly.

    The Economic Ripple

    Boeing employs more than 30,000 people on the Everett campus. Each new production position at Boeing typically supports multiple jobs in the local economy — suppliers, housing, transportation, food service, and retail. The North Line adds to that foundation at a moment when Everett is simultaneously seeing the Port waterfront boom, the downtown stadium development, and the Millwright District buildout. The aerospace and real estate stories in this city are connected: the workers who fill those North Line jobs are the people who will live in those Millwright apartments and eat at those Restaurant Row tables.

    How to Apply

    Boeing posts open positions at boeing.com/careers. Search for Everett, WA positions with terms like “737 assembly,” “production mechanic,” or “quality.” The North Line hiring is active now — Boeing stated in its April 2026 release that it is in the process of hiring and training hundreds of teammates. Don’t wait for the summer opening announcement to apply.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Boeing really hiring for the Everett 737 North Line right now?

    Yes. Boeing confirmed in its April 7, 2026 press release that the focus is now on hiring and training hundreds of teammates. Apply at boeing.com/careers and search for Everett positions.

    Do I need 737 experience to work the North Line?

    No. Boeing is hiring new employees alongside experienced workers and providing 12+ weeks of structured training at Renton before transitioning to Everett. Relevant aerospace or mechanical experience helps but the program is designed to build expertise from scratch.

    Which union covers North Line mechanics?

    IAM District 751 covers production mechanics. SPEEA covers engineers and technical staff. Contact iam751.org or speea.org for current contract and membership information.

    When does the North Line start production?

    Summer 2026, starting at Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) for FAA conformity demonstration. Full integration into Boeing’s overall 737 flow follows after FAA sign-off.