Everett: 2044 Comprehensive Plan
Everett, Washington, a city rich in history and poised for significant growth, is charting its course for the next two decades with the Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan. This ambitious document isn't just a dusty binder of regulations; it's a living roadmap, a 20-year vision designed to guide the city's evolution, ensuring it remains a vibrant, livable, and prosperous place for all its residents.
At its core, the Plan is a direct response to the Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA), a legislative framework that demands cities proactively plan for their future. What's particularly exciting about this update is its embrace of recent GMA amendments. This means a sharper focus on crucial issues like affordable housing (HB 1220), actively addressing and rectifying racially disparate impacts (HB 1220), making it easier to build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs - HB 1337), and expanding options for middle housing (HB 1110). Beyond state mandates, the Plan also aligns with regional growth strategies, including the Puget Sound Regional Council's Vision 2050 and Snohomish Countywide Planning Goals.
Think of the Comprehensive Plan as a multi-faceted guide for every major decision the city makes. It’s the blueprint for where new jobs and homes will go, how our transportation networks will evolve, and where vital capital investments – like sidewalks, parks, and other public facilities – will be made. It's truly a framework for big-picture thinking, aiming to improve both housing opportunities and the overall quality of life in Everett.
The Plan is meticulously organized into twelve key "elements" or chapters, each tackling a critical aspect of urban life. These include Urban Form, which addresses how our city will look and feel, guiding development patterns; Housing, ensuring enough diverse, safe, and affordable homes for everyone; and Transportation, creating a seamless, multi-modal network for getting around. Other crucial elements cover Design and Development, Public Facilities and Services, Economic Development, the Marine Port, Climate Change and Resiliency, Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, Healthy Communities, and Engagement, Administration, and Implementation, which details how the city will work with the community to bring the plan to life. (And don't forget the Shoreline Master Program, a crucial element under its own cover.) Each of these elements outlines clear goals, sets out guiding policies, and defines concrete implementation actions – the discrete pieces of work the city will undertake in the coming years.
A significant portion of the Plan is dedicated to understanding "Our Community." This isn't just data for data's sake; it's the very foundation upon which all future planning is built. The statistics paint a vivid picture of Everett today and forecast its future. From an estimated 114,200 residents in 2023, Everett is projected to swell to 179,200 by 2044 – an increase of 65,000 people! Everett is a truly diverse city, with 42.3% of its population identifying as BIPOC, higher than the county average. Furthermore, approximately 21% of residents are foreign-born, bringing with them a rich tapestry of over 80 different primary languages spoken in our school districts. Regarding housing, with nearly 50% of households being renter-occupied and a significant growth projected, the city anticipates needing 36,500 new dwelling units by 2044, highlighting the urgent need for a variety of housing types that go beyond traditional single-family homes. Commuting patterns are also evolving, and while cars still dominate, there's a clear shift towards more walking, biking, and a significant increase in remote work – trends that will undoubtedly influence future transportation planning.
The Urban Form Element lays out a particularly exciting vision. It aims for a more walkable, livable, and safe Everett by strategically directing growth to Downtown, Broadway, Evergreen Way, Everett Mall Way, and areas around future high-capacity transit stations. This approach fosters compact, mixed-use development while simultaneously protecting and integrating our natural environment. Imagine vibrant urban centers, thriving local businesses within residential neighborhoods, and a wider range of housing options to suit everyone.
Perhaps most importantly, this Comprehensive Plan isn't a top-down mandate. It's a product of extensive community engagement. City staff held over 55 public meetings and events, coupled with more than 45 presentations and discussions with the Planning Commission and City Council. This grassroots input was crucial in shaping the collective vision for Everett 2044, reflecting the values and aspirations of the people who live, work, and play here.
The Everett 2044 Comprehensive Plan represents a significant undertaking. It outlines a structured approach to growth and development, aiming to ensure Everett's continued prosperity and livability. This plan serves as a practical guide for addressing future challenges and opportunities within the city.