Tag: Everett Government

  • Millwright District Office Space: Pre-Leasing in Everett

    Millwright District Office Space: Pre-Leasing in Everett

    Quick Definition: The Millwright District is a 10-acre mixed-use campus within the Port of Everett’s $1 billion Waterfront Place development. Pre-leasing is now open for up to 120,000 sq ft of Class-A office space across three interconnected buildings, developed by Lincoln Property Company. Openings are anticipated as early as 2028.

    We’ve written a lot about the residential side of the Millwright District buildout — the 300-plus apartments breaking ground, the restaurant row filling in, the waterfront esplanade taking shape. But there’s a commercial story happening here that deserves its own spotlight, because it changes what the Millwright District actually becomes as a place to work, not just a place to live and eat.

    The Port of Everett and its development partner Lincoln Property Company (operating commercially as LPC West) have launched pre-leasing for up to 120,000 square feet of Class-A office space at Waterfront Place. Pre-leasing is open now, with occupancy targeted as early as 2028.

    What “Class-A Waterfront” Actually Means Here

    “Class-A office space” gets used loosely in commercial real estate, so let’s break down what it actually looks like in this specific context — and why it’s meaningfully different from a generic Snohomish County office park.

    The Millwright District offices sit within Waterfront Place at the largest public marina on the West Coast. The planned complex features:

    • Rooftop terraces with Olympic Mountain and Puget Sound views
    • Structured on-site parking (a dedicated garage, not a surface lot)
    • Community conference rooms shared across the building complex
    • A fitness center within the office complex
    • Immediate walkable access to Restaurant Row dining, marina recreation, retail, and the waterfront esplanade

    Suite sizes range from 5,000 to 120,000 square feet across up to three interconnected buildings. A 5,000 sq ft tenant and a 120,000 sq ft campus tenant can both be accommodated — the three-building configuration allows Lincoln Property Company to serve single large anchors or multiple smaller tenants co-locating in the same complex.

    Who Is Lincoln Property Company?

    LPC West is not a local developer — they’re one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the country, with a national portfolio spanning office, industrial, and multifamily assets. The Port of Everett selected LPC West through a competitive process to develop the Millwright District’s 10-acre commercial footprint.

    The significance of that choice: Lincoln Property Company typically develops in markets where they project long-term rent growth and durable tenant demand. Their presence in the Millwright District reflects how outside institutional investors are reading Everett’s commercial trajectory — and it’s not a minor endorsement.

    The Timeline: When Does This Open?

    Lincoln Property Company is projecting a 24-month construction period, with openings targeted as early as 2028. The construction clock starts when pre-leasing reaches its threshold — a standard commercial real estate structure where the developer needs committed leases before a construction lender funds the project.

    The faster pre-leasing fills, the faster the 24-month clock starts — and the sooner the doors open. If pre-leasing proceeds slowly, the 2028 target shifts.

    The infrastructure foundation is already in place: the Millwright Loop Roads (a $13 million construction contract completed in 2023) gave the site road access. The residential apartment phase is already under construction. Restaurant Row is open and drawing foot traffic. The office buildings are the next vertical layer on a site that’s already functional.

    What This Does for Everett’s Commercial Real Estate Market

    Everett has historically been a manufacturing and bedroom community — a place where people live for affordability and commute to Seattle or work at Boeing or Naval Station Everett. The transformation we’re tracking on this desk is Everett becoming a destination city in its own right: a place with its own employment base, its own amenities, and its own identity beyond its two largest employers.

    Class-A office space on the waterfront is a direct play on that transition. If a firm can put 50 employees in a Millwright District suite with Olympic Mountain views and a rooftop terrace, walking distance from waterfront restaurants and marina recreation, that’s a meaningful differentiator in Puget Sound commercial real estate. It’s the kind of space that helps Snohomish County employers retain talent that might otherwise commute to Seattle offices.

    It also creates a self-reinforcing cycle for the district itself. Office workers become lunch customers at Restaurant Row. They become boat owners at the marina. They become apartment tenants in the Millwright District residential buildings. That’s the mixed-use model working as designed — and it’s why the Port structured the entire development this way rather than just building more boat slips.

    How to Learn More About Pre-Leasing

    If you’re a business owner, real estate broker, or facilities director evaluating Snohomish County office options, pre-leasing information is available through the Port of Everett and Lincoln Property Company. The Port’s website at portofeverett.com has the Millwright District office pre-leasing page with contact information and suite specifications.

    The range of suite sizes — 5,000 sq ft to 120,000 sq ft — means this isn’t exclusively for large enterprises. Professional service firms, engineering consultancies, tech companies, and architecture firms all fall within the tenant profile the project is designed to serve.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Millwright District at Waterfront Place?
    A 10-acre mixed-use campus at the heart of the Port of Everett’s $1 billion Waterfront Place development. It includes up to 120,000 sq ft of Class-A office space, 200+ multifamily housing units, and up to 60,000 sq ft of destination retail on the Everett waterfront.

    Who is developing the Millwright District office buildings?
    Lincoln Property Company (LPC West), one of the largest commercial real estate firms in the country, is the development partner. Selected by the Port of Everett through a competitive process.

    What size office suites are available at Millwright District?
    Suites range from 5,000 to 120,000 square feet across up to three interconnected buildings. The configuration accommodates both small professional firms and large campus tenants.

    When will the Millwright District office buildings open?
    Construction is estimated at 24 months, with openings targeted as early as 2028. The start of construction depends on pre-leasing activity.

    What amenities will Millwright District office tenants have?
    Rooftop terraces with Olympic Mountain and marina views, structured parking, community conference rooms, a fitness center, and walkable access to the Waterfront Place restaurant row, retail, and marina.

    Is Millwright District office space currently available?
    Pre-leasing is open now through Lincoln Property Company and the Port of Everett. Contact information is available at portofeverett.com.

  • Everett Utility Tax Increase: $10.74 More on Water Bills

    Everett Utility Tax Increase: $10.74 More on Water Bills

    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 Fair Labor Ordinance: Guide for City Contractors

    Everett Fair Labor Ordinance: Guide for City Contractors


    Updated September 30, 2026.

    If you bid on or perform work for the City of Everett, Massachusetts, Ordinance C0056-26 requires wage-law certifications, ongoing payroll and insurance records on city projects, and a city complaint channel that forwards reports to state enforcement. The council adopted the wage theft prevention ordinance on April 27, 2026. It applies to contractors, subcontractors, tax-relief project teams, and certain license applicants—not to every private employer in town. This article is a practical compliance checklist; it is not legal advice.

    Current status (September 2026)

    The measure on the April 27, 2026 council agenda is titled “An ordinance promoting fair labor standards and preventing wage theft in the City of Everett” (C0056-26). Councilors Stephanie Martins, Vivian Nguyen, Wayne Matewsky, Katy Rogers, Anthony DiPierro, and Holly Garcia sponsored it. The ordinance text states it takes effect upon council passage and mayoral approval, so contractors pursuing new city work in 2026 should treat it as active law.

    Read the full ordinance in the official April 27, 2026 council packet: City of Everett April 27, 2026 City Council meeting agenda (PDF). Cost modeling and bidding strategy for this ordinance are covered in the Cost and bidding impact section below.

    Who must comply

    The ordinance reaches farther than traditional public-works bids alone. Per the adopted text, key groups include:

    • Bidders, contractors, and subcontractors on city contracts (RFPs and invitations for bid).
    • Entities performing construction on properties with city tax increment financing or similar tax-relief agreements.
    • Applicants and holders of certain licenses under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 or Chapter 140.
    • Applicants for city tax incentives who must certify wage-law compliance and disclose prior violations.

    It does not replace Massachusetts wage and hour law enforced by the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division. The city adds procurement gates, record requirements, and referral tools on top of state law.

    Before you bid or sign

    Treat each Everett solicitation as a compliance package, not a last-minute affidavit. The ordinance requires the following before the city awards work:

    Certify and disclose under oath

    All bidders, contractors, and subcontractors must verify under oath that they comply with the ordinance before entering a city contract and must stay compliant for the full term. Bid documents must disclose any wage-theft judgments, administrative citations, final determinations, or debarments within the prior five years. Entities debarred for wage theft by a federal, state, or municipal government cannot contract with Everett during the debarment period.

    Screen subs and successors

    Flow requirements down to every tier. The ordinance applies to successor employers that share principals or officers with a prior employer and perform the same or similar work. Collect the same five-year disclosures from subcontractors before they mobilize.

    Plan for wage bonds if you have history

    Contractors with wage-law violations in the prior five years may be required to post a wage bond or comparable insurance equal to one year of gross wages (minimum $5,000). Build that into bid pricing if your disclosure packet is not clean.

    A separate repeat-violator provision (Section 8) applies to employers with two or more final wage-law violations in five years: the city may require a wage bond of not less than $25,000 and not more than $150,000, set by the City Solicitor in consultation with the CFO, running for at least two years.

    Records to keep during the contract

    Once work starts, the ordinance lists concrete operational duties for contractors on city projects:

    • Maintain workers’ compensation (industrial accident) coverage under M.G.L. Chapter 152.
    • Classify workers under M.G.L. Chapter 149, Section 148B—not as independent contractors when they are employees.
    • Keep daily sign-in and sign-out logs for construction workers on city projects.
    • Comply with Massachusetts health care reform (Chapter 58 of the Acts of 2006).
    • Submit monthly certified payroll records on construction projects.
    • Report any wage-theft-related judgment, citation, or debarment within five business days if it occurs during the contract term.

    Store payroll, classification analyses, insurance certificates, and certified payroll submissions in one audit-ready folder per project. Massachusetts prevailing-wage and overtime rules still apply; this ordinance is about proving compliance to the city when asked.

    Complaints, referrals, and city contacts

    Enforcement is referral-heavy by design. The Chief Procurement Officer’s office must provide an online complaint form and accept reports at the Procurement Office. Unless a complainant opts out in writing, the city forwards complaints under M.G.L. Chapters 149 and 151 to the Massachusetts Attorney General within 30 days. Anonymous complaints are allowed but may limit follow-up.

    Contractors should direct compliance questions to city purchasing staff before bids are due:

    • Chief Procurement Officer: Kiara Freeman — (617) 394-2288 — Kiara.Freeman@ci.everett.ma.us
    • Purchasing office: City Hall, 484 Broadway, Room 14, Everett, MA 02149
    • Department page: City of Everett Purchasing

    Workers with unpaid wages or misclassification concerns can also contact the Massachusetts Attorney General Fair Labor Division directly. The city ordinance adds a local intake path; it does not create a separate wage court.

    If the city finds a violation

    When a contractor breaks applicable wage laws or the ordinance, the city may—after ten days’ notice—revoke the contract, suspend it, or attach conditions such as wage bonds on future awards. Verified complaints can be shared with the Planning Board, Inspectional Services, Licensing Commission, and city council. Tax-relief projects face additional disclosure and can trigger council review if violations are not cured within 14 business days.

    Document every cure effort in writing. If you inherit a troubled project, notify purchasing immediately with your remediation plan.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Everett’s wage theft ordinance in effect as of September 2026?

    Yes. The City Council gave final approval to Ordinance C0056-26 on April 27, 2026. The ordinance takes effect on council passage and mayoral approval, so it was in force well before September 2026.

    Who has to follow the Everett contractor wage rules?

    Bidders, contractors, and subcontractors on city contracts; construction teams on properties with city tax-relief agreements; and certain license applicants and holders under state liquor and licensing chapters, plus entities seeking city tax incentives. Private businesses with no city contract, permit, or incentive link are outside this ordinance’s procurement-focused scope.

    What payroll records does the city require on construction contracts?

    Contractors must maintain daily sign-in and sign-out logs for construction workers on city projects, submit monthly certified payroll records, keep workers’ compensation coverage, classify employees correctly under state law, and report new wage-theft judgments or citations within five business days if they occur during the contract.

    Where do workers file wage theft complaints in Everett?

    The Chief Procurement Officer’s office must provide an online complaint form and accept reports at the Procurement Office at City Hall. The city generally forwards Chapter 149 and Chapter 151 complaints to the Massachusetts Attorney General within 30 days unless the complainant opts out in writing.

    Who should contractors call about bid compliance?

    Contact the Chief Procurement Officer’s purchasing team before bids are due: Kiara Freeman at (617) 394-2288 or Kiara.Freeman@ci.everett.ma.us, Purchasing Division, 484 Broadway, Room 14, Everett, MA 02149.

    Does this ordinance replace Massachusetts wage law?

    No. Massachusetts wage, overtime, prevailing-wage, and classification rules still apply and are enforced by the Attorney General’s Fair Labor Division. Everett’s ordinance adds contract certifications, record requirements, complaint intake, and city remedies such as suspension or revocation of city contracts.

    Cost and bidding impact

    Cost impact: what to model (no invented price tags)

    I will not quote dollar impacts I cannot tie to your payroll. Instead, stack these line items in your estimator and compare to margin on the next Everett bid:

    • Staff time to produce monthly certified payroll and daily logs on city construction.
    • Broker and legal review of workers’ comp and classification practices—especially if you use subs.
    • Delay risk if a complaint triggers a ten-day notice window before the city revokes or suspends a contract.
    • Possible wage bond or insurance if you have prior wage-law findings within five years—the ordinance authorizes bonds tied to gross wages, with floors set in the text.

    Operators who already chase prevailing-wage jobs will recognize the pattern. Operators who competed on city work with thin documentation will feel this as a step-change in overhead, not a single fine line item.

    Bidding and contracting strategy

    The low bid that depends on wage theft gets fragile

    Council debate framed the ordinance as choosing not to do business with employers who already have judgments or debarments—not as citywide random audits. That still reshapes bidding: a competitor who wins by misclassifying subs or slow-paying crews now risks disqualification, bond demands, or contract loss after an employee complaint.

    Ward 2 Councilor Stephanie Martins told colleagues in April 2026 that the measure targets businesses committing wage theft, not routine family payroll arrangements—a narrow enforcement posture on paper, but enough to kill a contract if a complaint verifies.

    Successor employers and subs

    The contractor section follows successor employers with shared principals. Prime bidders should vet sub payroll history for the same five-year disclosure window you certify. A sub’s old citation can become your procurement problem on an Everett job.

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  • Everett Utility Tax: $10.74 Water Bill Increase Proposed

    Everett Utility Tax: $10.74 Water Bill Increase Proposed

    Everett residents and Snohomish County water customers could see their monthly bills increase by nearly $11 starting July 1, 2026, if the Everett City Council approves a proposal to double the city’s utility tax rate on water and sewer services.

    The proposal, which the council is expected to consider through three readings beginning in April, would replace the existing 6 percent “payment in lieu of taxes” (PILT) fee with a 12 percent utility tax on water and sewer. That change would raise approximately $7.5 million per year for the city’s general fund — closing about half of a projected $14 million budget deficit the city faces heading into 2027.

    What It Means for Your Water Bill

    For the average Everett water customer, the tax increase would add roughly $10.74 per month in additional charges. The city’s current 6 percent fee has been in place since 1983 — more than four decades without adjustment. City officials argue the updated structure better aligns with state law that explicitly allows municipalities to levy utility taxes.

    “Our tax will be embedded in wholesale water costs, and then other cities can do what they will with their utility taxes,” City Finance Director Mike Bailey told the Everett Herald in March.

    The change affects more than just city residents. Everett’s water system serves approximately 670,000 people — roughly three-quarters of all businesses and residents across Snohomish County. Communities that purchase wholesale water from Everett will see the tax embedded in what they pay Everett, and those cities may then choose to layer their own utility taxes on top of that wholesale rate.

    Over 180,000 sewer customers would also be affected.

    Why Everett Faces a $14 Million Gap

    The budget shortfall is not a sudden emergency — city officials have been working to address a structural revenue gap that grows as demand for services increases while traditional revenue sources remain flat. Mayor Cassie Franklin addressed the issue directly during her March 2026 State of the City address, telling residents: “We cannot cut our way to a sustainable future.”

    Options the city has evaluated to close the gap include regionalizing library or fire services and pursuing a targeted property tax levy lid lift. The utility tax approach has gained traction because it does not require voter approval, can be implemented relatively quickly, and taps into a revenue source the city’s legal department says is clearly permitted under Washington state law.

    The new tax would close approximately half the projected $14 million deficit. City officials have not yet publicly committed to a specific plan for closing the remaining gap.

    Low-Income Customer Protections

    City officials have indicated they plan to expand utility payment assistance programs for income-qualified customers before the tax takes effect. No details about the expanded program have been released publicly as of publication.

    What Happens Next

    The Everett City Council is expected to hold its first reading on the utility tax ordinance in April 2026. Under standard council procedure, an ordinance requires three readings before it can be voted on for final approval. If the council approves the measure on its current timeline, the 12 percent rate would take effect July 1, 2026.

    No council vote has occurred yet. Residents who wish to weigh in can attend council meetings held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Everett City Council Chambers, 3002 Wetmore Ave., or submit comments through the city’s official website at everettwa.gov.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the current utility tax rate in Everett?
    The city currently charges a 6 percent fee described as a “payment in lieu of taxes” on water and sewer services. This rate has been in place since 1983.

    How much more will I pay each month?
    The city estimates the average customer will pay approximately $10.74 more per month if the 12 percent rate is approved.

    Do I have to be an Everett resident to be affected?
    No. Everett’s water system serves approximately 670,000 people across Snohomish County — roughly three-quarters of the county’s residents and businesses. If your community buys water from Everett, you may see the increase reflected in your bill.

    Does this require voter approval?
    No. A utility tax does not require a public vote. The Everett City Council has authority to approve it through the standard ordinance process.

    When would the new rate take effect?
    The proposed effective date is July 1, 2026, pending council approval.

    Will there be assistance for low-income customers?
    City officials have stated they plan to expand utility payment assistance programs before implementation, but details have not been finalized.

    How much money will this raise?
    The city projects the 12 percent utility tax would raise approximately $7.5 million annually toward the general fund.

    Why does Everett have a budget deficit?
    The city faces a projected $14 million budget shortfall in its 2027 general fund. Mayor Franklin has said the city cannot solve the gap through cuts alone and is pursuing new revenue strategies.

    Go Deeper: We’ve published detailed knowledge nodes expanding on this story for specific Everett audiences:

  • Everett Neighborhood Meetings: The New Districtwide Format

    Everett Neighborhood Meetings: The New Districtwide Format

    Quick Answer: Everett launched a new format for neighborhood engagement in February 2026, replacing individual association visits from city officials with annual districtwide meetings that bring all neighborhood groups in a council district together at once. The first meeting drew about 60 residents to the Cascade Boys and Girls Club in District 2, with Mayor Cassie Franklin, Police Chief Robert Goetz, and Council Member Paula Rhyne attending.

    Something shifted in how Everett connects with its residents this past February, and if you’re involved in any of the city’s neighborhood associations — or you’ve been meaning to get involved — it’s worth understanding what changed and why it matters.

    For years, city officials made the rounds by visiting individual neighborhood associations, showing up at separate meetings across all 19 groups scattered through Everett’s five council districts. It was well-intentioned, but it meant the same officials repeating the same updates dozens of times while different neighborhood groups often didn’t know what was happening two blocks away. The city piloted a new approach this year, and if it takes hold, it could genuinely change how engaged Everett residents feel in their own neighborhoods.

    What the New Format Looks Like

    On February 24, 2026, the city held its first districtwide neighborhood meeting at the Cascade Boys and Girls Club in District 2. Instead of sending officials out to individual neighborhood associations one at a time, the new model convenes all neighborhood groups within a single council district together in one room, once a year.

    About 60 residents turned out for that first meeting — not a massive crowd, but a meaningful one for a pilot format. Attending alongside neighbors from across District 2 were Mayor Cassie Franklin, District 2 City Council Member Paula Rhyne, and Police Chief Robert Goetz.

    The idea is simple: equitable engagement. Every neighborhood in a district hears the same information at the same time, from the same officials. Nobody gets the mayor’s visit and nobody gets left with just a staffer. The individual neighborhood associations still hold their regular meetings independently — this annual districtwide gathering is an addition, not a replacement.

    What They Actually Talked About

    The February meeting covered a lot of ground — these weren’t soft, feel-good topics. Officials addressed immigration enforcement response, housing policy, youth safety, traffic safety, economic development, and the city’s drones-as-first-responders program.

    Council Member Rhyne went into specifics about a significant challenge ahead: Everett is facing an anticipated $14 million general fund shortfall heading into 2027. Rhyne outlined potential paths to close that gap, including regionalizing library and fire services or implementing a targeted property tax levy increase for parks or public safety.

    Mayor Franklin added that if additional funding does materialize, the city intends to maintain and expand services — extending library hours was one specific example she mentioned.

    These are real conversations about real tradeoffs, held in a room with the people most affected by them. That’s exactly the kind of civic engagement Everett neighborhoods have asked for.

    Why This Change Matters for Neighborhood Life

    Everett has 19 active neighborhood associations spanning five council districts. They range in size and energy — some run robust programs, others are smaller groups that meet a few times a year. The challenge has always been making sure every neighborhood feels like it has a real channel to city leadership, not just the ones with the loudest voices or the most organized association leadership.

    The districtwide format addresses that in a couple of ways. First, it puts neighbors from different associations in the same room, which tends to surface shared concerns that individual groups might not realize are city-wide. Second, it makes city officials directly accountable to a broader cross-section of residents at once, rather than managing separate narratives with each group.

    Council Member Rhyne also mentioned preliminary work toward annexing southern Everett areas — a process that, if it happens, would likely span several years. That’s exactly the kind of long-horizon planning news that neighbors need to hear early, not after decisions are already made.

    What About Your Neighborhood Association?

    Your neighborhood association isn’t going anywhere. This new districtwide meeting is meant to complement, not replace, the regular work of neighborhood groups. If anything, it gives associations a better reason to stay active and connected — because now there’s an annual districtwide event where their voices contribute to a larger district-level conversation.

    Everett’s 19 neighborhood associations are:

    Bayside, Boulevard Bluffs, Cascade View, Delta, Evergreen, Glacier View, Harborview-Seahurst-Glenhaven, Holly, Lowell, Northwest, Pinehurst-Beverly Park, Port Gardner, Riverside, Silver Lake, South Forest Park, Twin Creeks, Valley View-Sylvan Crest-Larimer Ridge, View Ridge-Madison, and Westmont.

    If you’re not sure which association covers your block, the City’s Office of Neighborhoods keeps an updated map and contact list. You can reach them at (425) 257-7112 or nwebber@everettwa.gov, or visit everettwa.gov/neighborhoods.

    The Bigger Vision: One Everett

    Mayor Franklin has been using the phrase “One Everett” to describe her administration’s approach to the city. The districtwide neighborhood meeting format fits squarely into that framing — the idea that city leadership should be equally accessible across all neighborhoods, not just the ones that are easiest to reach or most organized.

    Whether this pilot format becomes permanent depends on how well it works. If turnout grows and the conversations it generates prove more productive than the old model, it seems likely to continue and expand. If you care about how your neighborhood connects to city government, showing up to the next one in your district is the most direct way to have a say in whether this experiment succeeds.

    How to Stay Informed

    Watch for announcements about upcoming districtwide meetings at everettwa.gov and through your neighborhood association. The city also offers email and text notifications for neighborhood-specific updates — you can subscribe on the city’s website. Your neighborhood association is often the fastest way to hear about these events, which is one more reason to stay connected to yours.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Everett’s new districtwide neighborhood meeting format?

    Instead of individual visits to each neighborhood association, city officials now host one annual meeting per council district that brings all neighborhood groups in that district together at once. The first pilot meeting was held February 24, 2026 in District 2.

    Does this replace regular neighborhood association meetings?

    No. Neighborhood associations continue to hold their regular independent meetings. The districtwide meeting is an annual addition to the existing system, not a replacement.

    How many neighborhood associations does Everett have?

    Everett has 19 active neighborhood associations spread across five council districts.

    How do I find my Everett neighborhood association?

    Contact the City’s Office of Neighborhoods at (425) 257-7112, email nwebber@everettwa.gov, or visit everettwa.gov/neighborhoods. There’s also an interactive map on the city website to find your council district.

    What topics were covered at the first districtwide meeting?

    The February 2026 District 2 meeting covered immigration enforcement response, housing policy, youth safety, traffic safety, economic development, the city’s budget situation, and the drones-as-first-responders program.

    Who attended the first districtwide neighborhood meeting?

    Mayor Cassie Franklin, Police Chief Robert Goetz, and District 2 Council Member Paula Rhyne attended, along with approximately 60 residents from neighborhood associations across District 2.

  • Garfield Park Playground Renovation in Everett (2026)

    Garfield Park Playground Renovation in Everett (2026)

    Quick Answer: Everett is investing $940,000 to renovate the 19-year-old playground at Garfield Park in the Riverside neighborhood. Construction is scheduled for late spring or early fall 2026, with new slides, climbers, a zip track, expanded swings, shade structures, and fully accessible play surfaces replacing the existing equipment.

    If you’ve watched kids clamber over the aging wooden structure at Garfield Park and thought, “that thing’s been there forever” — you’re not wrong. The playground at 2300 Walnut Street in Everett’s Riverside neighborhood has been serving families for nearly two decades, and the City of Everett has decided it’s time for a serious upgrade. A $940,000 renovation is now officially planned for 2026, and the new setup is going to be genuinely exciting for families in north Everett.

    This isn’t a patch job. It’s a full rethink of one of Riverside’s most beloved community spaces.

    What’s Actually Being Built

    The renovation will completely replace the existing playground equipment while staying within the park’s current footprint. Here’s what’s coming:

    • Multiple slides and climbing structures designed for different ages and abilities
    • A dedicated play area for ages 2–5, so the littlest ones have space designed just for them
    • A cable-free zip track ride — the kind of feature that instantly becomes every kid’s favorite thing in the park
    • Expanded swings, including accessible options
    • Integrated shade structures, because Everett summers do get warm and shaded play areas make a real difference for families spending hours outside
    • New play turf surfacing replacing the old wood fiber, for better safety and cleaner footing year-round

    Inclusive play features are woven throughout the entire design — not tucked into one corner as an afterthought. Cory Rettenmeier, Everett’s recreation and golf manager, emphasized the city’s focus on “improved safety, accessibility and cleanliness” as the core goals driving the new design.

    When Will Construction Happen?

    The city is targeting late spring 2026 for construction to begin, though the actual start date depends on permitting timelines and how long it takes for the custom playground equipment to be fabricated and delivered. If permitting stretches longer than expected, the city has said it will keep the current playground open through summer so families aren’t without the space during the busiest season — then begin construction once local schools are back in session in the fall.

    Either way, the goal is to have the new playground complete and open before the end of 2026.

    The Community Had a Say

    The design wasn’t created in a vacuum. The City worked with the Riverside Neighborhood Association and gathered input through community surveys before finalizing the plans. That process shaped the emphasis on inclusivity and age-specific play zones — things Riverside families said they wanted.

    This is the kind of civic engagement that makes a difference. When neighbors show up for their neighborhood association and respond to surveys, the parks department takes note. The new Garfield Park playground reflects what this particular community asked for.

    A Little History on Garfield Park

    Garfield Park has deep roots in the Riverside neighborhood. It was established in 1931 when the Riverside Chamber of Commerce purchased the land and donated it to the city of Everett — a genuinely community-driven founding that set the tone for what the park has always been. The park underwent major renovations in the 1970s and again in the early 2000s. This 2026 project marks its third significant transformation in nearly a century.

    The park itself offers more than just the playground — there’s open green space, picnic areas, and the kind of neighborhood-scale gathering place that doesn’t get enough credit until it’s gone. The playground renovation is the centerpiece of this round of improvements, but Garfield Park as a whole remains one of north Everett’s most consistent community anchors.

    The Bigger Picture: Everett Investing in Its Parks

    This project is part of a broader commitment by the City of Everett to upgrade its parks infrastructure. Garfield Park’s $940,000 renovation sits alongside other planned improvements across the city’s parks system for 2026. For families in Riverside, it’s a tangible sign that the neighborhood is getting real investment — not just in roads and utilities, but in the green spaces where everyday life actually happens.

    Everett’s Parks & Facilities Department can be reached at 425-257-8300 or recreation@everettwa.gov if you have questions about the project timeline or want to stay updated on construction progress.

    What to Expect as a Neighbor

    Once construction begins, the playground area will be closed for the duration of the project. The city has been thoughtful about minimizing disruption — that’s the reason for the potential late spring or fall start, whichever avoids peak summer use. For families in Riverside who rely on Garfield Park as part of their daily routine, it’s worth knowing that the closure, when it comes, will be temporary and the result will be worth the wait.

    Keep an eye on everettwa.gov/parks and the city’s official news feed for construction updates as permits move forward.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When will the Garfield Park playground renovation start?

    Construction is planned for late spring or early fall 2026, depending on permitting and equipment fabrication timelines. The city will keep the playground open through summer if the spring window isn’t met.

    How much is the Garfield Park renovation costing?

    The city approved $940,000 for the Garfield Park playground renovation, funded through the city council’s parks budget.

    What new equipment is being installed at Garfield Park?

    The new playground will include multiple slides, climbers, a cable-free zip track, expanded swings, shade structures, a dedicated 2–5 age zone, and new play turf surfacing. Inclusive play features are integrated throughout the design.

    Where is Garfield Park in Everett?

    Garfield Park is located at 2300 Walnut Street in Everett’s Riverside neighborhood in the north part of the city.

    Will the playground be accessible?

    Yes. The new design incorporates inclusive play features and accessible surfacing throughout, not just in designated areas.

    How can I stay updated on the Garfield Park renovation?

    Follow updates at everettwa.gov/parks or contact Everett Parks & Facilities at 425-257-8300 or recreation@everettwa.gov.

  • Everett Downtown Stadium: Inside the $38M Funding Gap

    Everett Downtown Stadium: Inside the $38M Funding Gap

    Where does Everett’s stadium stand right now? As of spring 2026, Everett’s proposed downtown Outdoor Event Center has grown from an $82 million project to a $120 million project — leaving a $38 million funding gap that must be closed before the city council can give final approval. Here’s a plain-language breakdown of where the money comes from, where it doesn’t, and what happens next.

    We’ve been tracking Everett’s proposed downtown stadium since the first conceptual drawings surfaced, and lately the news has gotten more complicated. The price tag climbed from $82 million to $120 million. A $38 million funding gap opened up. City council approval is still pending. And yet Mayor Cassie Franklin is calling it a “once in a generation opportunity” and promising the gap will close.

    So what’s actually going on? Let’s walk through it — all the numbers, all the players, and the honest question of whether this stadium gets built by 2027.

    The Project, Explained

    The Everett Outdoor Event Center — commonly called the downtown stadium — is planned for a downtown block bounded by Hewitt and Pacific Avenues, east of Broadway. The project is designed to be a multi-use venue: it would host Everett AquaSox minor league baseball games, two United Soccer League teams (still in lease negotiations as of spring 2026), and year-round events including concerts and community gatherings.

    The design-build team is DLR Group and Bayley Construction — both well-established in Pacific Northwest stadium and arena work. Design reached 60 percent completion earlier in 2026, and city officials say a full plan and budget will be ready “very soon.”

    The city’s target: get the AquaSox playing there for the April 2027 baseball season. That’s less than 12 months away.

    Where Did the $120 Million Figure Come From?

    The project originally carried an $82 million price tag. That number grew to $120 million for two reasons, according to city special projects manager Scott Pattison:

    • More property acquisitions needed. The city needs to acquire more parcels on the proposed site than originally anticipated. At least 17 businesses currently occupy the proposed footprint, and property acquisition costs have risen.
    • Construction cost inflation. Like virtually every major construction project in the Pacific Northwest since 2022, the stadium’s hard construction costs have increased significantly.

    The $120 million is the current estimate. City officials acknowledge the design isn’t fully complete, which means the final number could still move before council votes.

    Where Is the Money Coming From?

    Here’s the funding stack as it currently stands, based on the city’s own presentation documents:

    • City of Everett bonds: ~$40 million — This is the city’s primary funding vehicle. The bonds would be repaid through stadium revenue: ticket sales, event fees, naming rights, and other stadium income. The city had already planned this piece before the cost increase.
    • State of Washington: ~8% of total (~$9.6M) — The state has committed to contributing, though the exact mechanism and timeline haven’t been finalized.
    • Snohomish County: ~4% (~$4.8M) — The county is in for a contribution as well.
    • Everett AquaSox ownership: ~9% (~$10.8M) — The team’s ownership group is contributing as a condition of occupying the stadium.
    • United Soccer League: ~9% (~$10.8M) — The USL is expected to contribute similarly, pending final lease agreements.

    Add that up: roughly $76 million committed or expected. Against a $120 million budget, that leaves the $38 million gap.

    How Does Everett Plan to Close the Gap?

    This is the central question. City officials and the mayor are pointing to two strategies:

    1. Private Investment

    The city is actively seeking private investors — local and regional business leaders and investors who would put capital into the project. Mayor Franklin’s State of the City address in March 2026 emphasized that Everett needs “new pathways to long-term, sustainable revenue” and positioned the stadium as a catalyst for that investment. City council members have pointed to similar projects on the West Coast where private dollars closed comparable gaps.

    2. Additional Municipal Bonds

    If private investment doesn’t cover the full gap, the city may issue supplemental bonds. This is the less popular option — it puts more city debt on the table — but officials say they’re confident the stadium’s revenue stream can support additional bond service.

    The Everett Chamber of Commerce has publicly supported the project, and the Herald’s editorial board has urged the city to keep pushing on funding. But there’s also real community skepticism: the Snohomish County Tribune has published critical op-eds questioning whether taxpayers should shoulder more of the cost.

    What Has to Happen Before Council Votes?

    Before city council can give final approval to build the stadium, three things need to happen:

    • The $38 million gap must be closed — or at least have a credible, council-approved funding plan.
    • Property purchases must be finalized — Two parcels are under contract as of spring 2026, but none have closed. The city can’t finalize designs without knowing what land it controls.
    • Lease agreements must be signed — The AquaSox and USL lease negotiations are ongoing. The city expects these to wrap within weeks, but “weeks” has been said before.

    Council then needs to vote to approve the project. That vote is the formal green light for construction to begin — and construction needs to start almost immediately if the April 2027 deadline is going to hold.

    What Happens if the Timeline Slips?

    The AquaSox are currently playing at Funko Field. If the new stadium isn’t ready for April 2027, they stay at Funko Field. The USL timeline also slides. The economic activity the city is projecting — “tens of millions of dollars” annually, per Mayor Franklin — gets pushed out by at least a year, probably more.

    For context: the original cost estimate was $82 million. It’s now $120 million. The original target was to open before 2027. We’ll see if that timeline holds.

    Our Take

    We want this stadium built. A multi-use venue in downtown Everett — baseball, soccer, concerts, community events year-round — is exactly the kind of infrastructure that accelerates the momentum we’re seeing at the waterfront and in the downtown core. The location makes sense. The design makes sense. The teams make sense.

    But the funding math needs to close, and close publicly, before this becomes a real project instead of a very expensive set of architectural renderings. The city owes residents a clear, accountable answer to: who is putting in the $38 million, and what happens if they don’t? We’ll be watching every council session until we get it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does the Everett downtown stadium cost?

    As of spring 2026, the estimated cost for the Everett Outdoor Event Center is $120 million, up from an original estimate of approximately $82 million. The increase reflects additional property acquisition needs and construction cost inflation.

    Where is the Everett stadium going to be built?

    The stadium is planned for a downtown Everett block between Hewitt and Pacific Avenues, east of Broadway. At least 17 businesses currently occupy the proposed site and will need to relocate.

    Who is funding the Everett downtown stadium?

    Funding comes from a mix of sources: approximately $40 million in city bonds (repaid by stadium revenue), contributions from the state of Washington, Snohomish County, the Everett AquaSox ownership, and the United Soccer League. A $38 million gap remains to be filled by private investors or additional bonds.

    When will the Everett stadium open?

    The city is targeting an opening for the April 2027 Everett AquaSox baseball season. City council has not yet given final approval to build. Construction would need to begin in 2026 to hit a 2027 opening.

    Who will play in the Everett downtown stadium?

    The stadium is designed for the Everett AquaSox (minor league baseball), two United Soccer League teams, and year-round events including concerts and community events. USL lease negotiations were still ongoing as of spring 2026.

    Who is designing the Everett stadium?

    DLR Group is the architect and Bayley Construction is the design-build contractor for the Everett Outdoor Event Center. Design was approximately 60 percent complete as of early 2026.

    Has Everett city council approved the stadium?

    No. As of spring 2026, city council has not given final approval to build the stadium. Final approval requires closing the funding gap, completing property acquisitions, and finalizing lease agreements with the sports teams.

  • Everett Downtown Stadium Cost: $120M Price Tag & $38M Gap

    Everett Downtown Stadium Cost: $120M Price Tag & $38M Gap

    Q: What is the current cost estimate for the Everett downtown stadium?
    A: As of early 2026, the Everett Outdoor Event Center is estimated to cost $120 million — up $38 million from the previous estimate — with construction now targeted for 2027 and games beginning in 2028.

    We have been following the Everett Outdoor Event Center closely since the city first committed to the concept, and the latest numbers deserve an honest look. Documents shared with city council members in January 2026 and reported publicly in February revealed that the stadium’s estimated cost has grown to $120 million — about $38 million more than the estimate from last May. That is not a rounding error. It is a real funding challenge that the city, the AquaSox, and prospective soccer tenants now have to solve before a shovel goes in the ground.

    Here is where things stand as of April 2026, and what we think matters most about the path forward.

    How Did the Cost Jump by $38 Million?

    The short answer: construction costs have gone up across the board, and the stadium project is not immune. The city’s original financial model anticipated a cost significantly below $120 million, with a planned $40 million in revenue bonds — paid off by the stadium’s own revenue stream — providing the bulk of the funding. State contributions, Snohomish County dollars, and commitments from both the Everett AquaSox and the prospective United Soccer League (USL) teams were also part of the mix.

    That plan still exists. But the new $38 million gap has to be closed before the city council can formally approve the project. City staff are clear about the sequencing: find the funding, finalize the lease agreements with the teams, negotiate the property purchase at the site, and then bring it to council for approval. The council cannot move forward until those three conditions are met.

    The Site and What Gets Built There

    The planned location is downtown Everett, with most of the block between the site boundaries — except the buildings fronting Hewitt Avenue — slated for demolition to clear the footprint. Twenty-eight privately owned parcels make up most of that block, and property acquisition is part of the pre-construction work the city needs to complete.

    The design-build team is DLR Group and Bayley Construction, selected through the city’s Progressive Design-Build (PDB) process. As of early 2026, the design is at roughly 60 percent completion. The full plan and budget — the version that actually goes to council — is expected to be ready soon, with the city’s stated goal of having the stadium ready for baseball by April 2027. Following the funding news, city staff placed the revised construction start in 2027, pushing the opening to 2028 for both baseball and soccer.

    Mayor Franklin’s Take: Momentum and a Funding Plan Coming

    Mayor Cassie Franklin addressed the stadium directly at her March 5, 2026 State of the City address inside the New Everett Theater on Colby Avenue. The speech leaned into the city’s broader momentum — crime reduction, housing growth, annexation plans — with the stadium cited as a symbol of downtown revitalization. On the funding gap, the mayor signaled that a formal funding plan is coming to council soon, with an emphasis on private-public partnership dollars as the preferred first approach.

    The city is working first with private investors — regional businesses and corporations — plus public agencies to find as much non-city funding as possible. If that falls short, additional city bonds are on the table to fill whatever gap remains. The editorial board of the Everett Herald has weighed in supporting the effort to fund the project, and the Everett Chamber of Commerce has issued formal support. There is also community pushback: a piece in the Snohomish County Tribune argued that taxpayer funding for a minor league stadium is not the right use of public dollars. That debate is real, and the council will have to navigate it.

    The AquaSox and USL Dimension

    The stadium is designed to serve both the Everett AquaSox (Minor League Baseball, an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners) and potentially both a men’s and women’s United Soccer League team. The AquaSox currently play at Funko Field at Everett Memorial Stadium, which was built in the 1960s and has aged considerably. A new downtown facility would represent a major upgrade for the franchise and for fans.

    The USL angle is compelling from an economic standpoint: dual-sport use expands the number of event days the facility can generate revenue, which directly improves the financial model underlying the revenue bonds. More event days means stronger debt service coverage, which means the bonds are a safer bet. That is why both sports tenants matter to the funding math, not just the fan experience.

    What We Are Watching

    There are several decision points ahead that will determine whether this stadium actually gets built on the current timeline:

    The council presentation: City staff have committed to presenting a formal funding plan to council soon. That presentation will include how the $38 million gap is proposed to be closed — and whether private investment dollars materialize, or whether additional city bonds are needed.

    Property acquisition: The city needs to negotiate the purchase of 28 privately owned parcels. That process involves appraisals, negotiations, and potentially condemnation proceedings if sellers do not agree on price. Timeline uncertainty here is real.

    Lease agreements: The AquaSox and USL tenants need signed lease agreements before the project can move to council. Those negotiations are ongoing.

    Design completion: The 60 percent design milestone needs to reach 100 percent, with a budget that the city and its design-build team can both commit to. Any further cost escalation at this stage could reopen the funding math again.

    Is This Stadium Still Happening?

    We think the honest answer is: probably yes, but on a compressed timeline with real funding risk. The political will exists — the mayor is behind it, the chamber is behind it, the council has already approved $4.8 million in stadium spending to get to this point. The question is whether the private investment dollars materialize quickly enough to keep the 2027-2028 construction and opening timeline intact.

    If the private funding effort comes up short and the city has to go to additional bonds, that will face a political test with the council and with the public. Everett voters and taxpayers are paying attention. The Herald editorial support helps, but so does the Tribune’s skepticism — it represents a real constituency.

    What we know for certain: the stadium as designed, at $120 million, would be a transformative piece of downtown Everett’s physical fabric. Whether the city can close the gap and break ground in 2027 is the story we will be tracking all year.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does the Everett downtown stadium cost?

    The latest estimate as of early 2026 is $120 million — approximately $38 million more than the estimate from May 2025.

    When will the Everett stadium be built?

    City staff have placed construction in 2027, with baseball and soccer games targeted to begin in 2028. The previous goal of opening for April 2027 baseball has been pushed back.

    Who is the design-build team for the Everett stadium?

    DLR Group and Bayley Construction were selected through the city’s Progressive Design-Build process.

    What teams will play in the new Everett stadium?

    The Everett AquaSox (Minor League Baseball, Seattle Mariners affiliate) and potentially both men’s and women’s United Soccer League teams.

    Where will the Everett stadium be built?

    In downtown Everett. Most of a city block — 28 privately owned parcels — will be demolished, except for buildings fronting Hewitt Avenue.

    How will the $38 million funding gap be filled?

    The city plans to seek private investment first (regional businesses and corporations), then public agency contributions. If those fall short, additional city revenue bonds are on the table. A formal funding plan presentation to the city council is forthcoming.

    See also: Everett’s $120M Stadium Gap: What Needs to Happen Before Ground Breaks | What the Stadium Means for Downtown Business Owners | Visitor’s Guide to Everett’s Planned Stadium