Comprehensive Plan 101
What a comprehensive plan is and why it’s important
Everett’s comprehensive plan is our "road map" to the community's vision for the next 20 years and helps guide how Everett will grow, look and operate in the future.
Everett is the largest city in Snohomish County and as our community continues to grow, it is vital that we responsibly plan for that growth. The comprehensive plan guides public policy to accommodate future population, housing and job growth and plans for the future of many of the things contribute to quality of life in Everett: parks, housing, economic development, environmental sustainability, transportation and utilities.
In order to stay current and useful, and as required by state’s Growth Management Act, we update the plan periodically as required by state law. Community members play an important role in this work so the plan reflects the vision, needs and goals of our community’s residents, businesses and partner agencies.
What’s in a comprehensive plan
In addition to community’s vision for Everett, the plan includes goals, policies and objectives to guide thoughtful growth and development, and a plan for infrastructure and other public facilities and services. This includes:
- How land is used for housing, economic activity, transportation systems, utilities, parks, environmental justice, and environmental sustainability
- How development regulations are interpreted by planning staff
- How public projects are designed, financed and implemented
- A program of capital expenditures, particularly those necessary for growth, and a financing plan for those facilities
Throughout this process, we coordinate with local and regional partners to help guide this work, including VISION 2050, 2021 Buildable Lands Report, Initial Growth Targets and Countywide Planning Policies. Additional state and regional goals and policies that will guide the 2044 update include an emphasis in key areas, including:
- Policies and actions that advance equity throughout the community
- Policies and actions that address the risk of displacement due to redevelopment or economic factors
- Transit-Oriented Development in anticipation of high-capacity transit
- Contribution to regional greenhouse gas emission
- Directing the majority of growth into designated Centers