Mayor's corner

Happy New Year! 2020 will be a year of exciting growth for Everett. I’m especially looking forward to the new park being built next to the new YMCA, the Grand Avenue Park Bridge opening to pedestrians and all of the fabulous events and programs planned throughout the year for our residents and visitors.

On Jan. 16 I will be giving my State of the City address, which will include a summary of key accomplishments this past year in economic development, public safety and the City’s budget. I’ll also lay out my vision for 2020 and beyond, describing the work ahead that will bring this vision to life.

Later that morning, we’ll be hosting a satellite event at the Evergreen Branch Library from 10-11:30 a.m. I invite you to join me to watch a recording of the State of the City and share your questions with me. You can also watch the State of the City live on my Facebook page at 8 a.m. on the 16th or view it after the event online.

New hours in the new year for Everett’s permit services

To improve permitting and customer experience, Everett’s permit services counter will reduce the number of hours available to walk-in customers beginning Monday, Jan. 13. The new hours of operation will be: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 7:30 a.m. – noon and 1 – 3 p.m., and Tuesdays, 1 – 3 p.m. The new counter hours are expected to improve permitting experience by allowing permit services staff time to process applications, meet with permit applicants and improve Everett’s building permit practices. Learn more and sign up for permit services notifications at everettwa.gov/permits.

Pet of the month - Pickles

Pickles came to the Everett Animal Shelter when his owners had difficulty managing his energy level and reactivity to strangers. Currently the shelter's longest-term resident, Pickles now has a very important job as the 'play group supervisor,' helping assess energy level and play-style among other pups. While we'd love to make his position a permanent one among shelter staff, we'd love even more if Pickles found his new forever home. Pickles is looking for an active, adult-only home that will provide him with many outlets for his energy and lots of patience and structure as he continues to gain confidence around new people. Learn more about Pickles and other available animals.

Dad and daughters at Daddy Daughter Dance

Save the dates!

Celebrate the arts and the people and organizations that have a positive impact on the arts community and cultural life of Everett. Community members are invited to the 2019 Wendt and Mayor’s Arts Awards at the Everett Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 13.

Grab your dancing shoes and little ones for Everett’s annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, Feb. 7, or Saturday, Feb. 8, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Carl Gipson Senior Center’s Cascade View Hall. Tickets are available to pick a night, dress fancy and have a ball while you pop, shuffle and twirl to your heart’s content!

Rucker Renewal update

The intersection at Hewitt and Rucker is now open and there is now a continuous concrete ribbon of pedestrian path between California and Hewitt on the west side! The intersection opened on Jan. 9, putting Rucker Renewal progress another step closer to completion. The project is expected to conclude as planned this spring. Remember, businesses and pedestrian access are open during construction! Get all the latest updates on Rucker Renewal progress and next steps at everettwa.gov/RuckerRenewal.

Community events

If you dream of joining the Everett Police Department, they want to meet you! Attend their Application & Hiring Workshop Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., at the South Precinct. You’ll have the opportunity to meet officers, ask questions, and learn about s hiring process, benefits and incentives. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more.
Cheer on the Everett Silvertips and support our local heroes at Local Heroes Night Jan. 18 at Angel of the Winds Arena. This event combines forces to raise funds for the Snohomish County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund and the Everett Medic One Foundation. Tickets sold through the promotion link are priced at the group rate and include a donation to both funds.
Community members are invited to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Greater Everett community celebration hosted by First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Jan. 19, 3-6 p.m. Keynote speaker, Leilani Miller of Millennia Ministries, will discuss "Whatever Affects One Directly Affects All Indirectly."
Celebrate women and the 19th Amendment with a musical tribute to the 100th anniversary of suffrage for women by songwriter, performer and educator Dr. Linda Allen. Allen introduces some of the women whose stories made the difference in the forty-year-long suffrage struggle. Here's to the Women! Songs, Stories, and Images by Linda Allen is Sunday, Jan. 26, 2-3 p.m., at the Main Library.