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.

Everett, Washington, like many cities with a working waterfront, is trying to figure out how to balance a busy industrial port with the needs of its neighborhoods. As the city updates its long-range plan, called Everett 2044, the future of the port is a big topic of discussion. This plan, required by state law, is meant to guide the city's growth for the next twenty years, and what happens with the port will have a big impact on Everett's economy and the people who live there.