EVERETT, Wash. – Mayor Cassie Franklin today issued a mayoral directive on affordable housing for all with the goal of addressing homelessness and supporting housing stability.
The directive builds and expands upon efforts to encourage an increase in housing and shelter for all community members to address the shortage of housing at all price points, particularly for lower-income residents.
“Owning a home in Everett is out of reach for too many of our residents and even renting a home is challenging,” said Franklin. “Many households are one paycheck away from housing instability.”
Under the directive, City staff will:
- Implement the Rethink Housing engagement process and develop a citywide housing action plan by June 30, 2021
- Improve procedures and permitting requirements to ensure Everett is a friendly, attractive place for investors to develop housing
- Aggressively address homelessness and support housing stability in 2021
Work on the first initiative is already underway with the Rethink Housing engagement process. Community members are invited to join the virtual Rethink Housing forum and “chat” series, which will kick off on Dec. 8 with a virtual forum on “housing for all” with keynote speaker former Governor Christine Gregoire. Attendees will learn about current housing needs and the importance of addressing the impact COVID-19 has had on housing in the region.
Read the full directive and learn more at everettwa.gov/directives.
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