As I’m sure you’ve seen in the news, we’re experiencing a rapid surge in new COVID-19 cases, which is very alarming. Masks and vaccinations remain our most effective tools for protecting against the spread of COVID-19. We’re already requiring masks in our City buildings, libraries and transit center – but today the Snohomish Health District issued a new directive, effective Thursday, which requires everyone over the age of five to wear a face covering within “indoor public spaces” in Snohomish County. This includes retail shops, grocery stores, government buildings and other places open to the public. So remember to pack those masks when you leave home!

And please get vaccinated! Vaccines are free, widely available and can help keep you and your loved ones safe. The health district also has great resources to provide more info on where and how you can find a vaccine, as well as frequently asked questions addressing some of the myths and misperceptions about vaccines.

I know this is exhausting and we are all so ready to be on the other side of this pandemic. Masking and vaccinating are our best strategies for getting there and work best when we apply them together as a community; as One Everett.

Thank you for doing your part.

Be safe. Be well.
-Mayor Cassie

Everett Forward Grant Program accepting applications

The City of Everett launched the $1 million Everett Forward Grant Program, offering one-time grants to eligible applicants with innovative ideas and solutions to move Everett’s economy forward. Eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 and up for projects that support economic recovery from the pandemic. The program is funded by the American Rescue Plan and funds are available to businesses, nonprofits, community organizations and individual sole proprietors. Learn more and apply everettwa.gov/forwardgrant.

Join the Rethink Housing discussions

Join us on Aug. 12 (1 p.m. or 6 p.m.) for virtual Rethink Housing chats to learn about the draft Housing Action Plan and share your feedback. Your participation is important as we look to implement housing strategies that will grow housing opportunities for all. Learn more and find the meeting links and phone numbers to participate at everettwa.gov/rethinkhousing.

Then on Aug. 29, join us for the final Rethink Housing forum to learn about what it takes to build housing. Hear from keynote speakers from for-profit and nonprofit housing developers, legislators and housing providers. More details to come at everettwa.gov/rethinkhousing.

Rethink Housing - Housing opportunity for all

Chime in on Everett Transit’s fall service change

Check out Everett Transit's 2021 Service Change Proposal and share your feedback on the proposed changes! They used recent feedback collected from customer surveys to adjust several routes for the fall service change, restoring service where it is needed most. One change includes a plan to remove service in an area on route 4 with low ridership to provide service to growing businesses off of E Marine View Drive. Find information regarding changes to route frequency, service area and span of service, and share your feedback at everetttransit.org/289/Service-Change.

Everett PROS Plan update

Thanks to all who joined the Everett Parks PROS Plan outreach events and virtual visioning workshops to help plan for the future of parks. Nearly 600 people participated in the survey to share ideas for current and future parks and trails, and over 80 families, kids and park-goers drew and wrote their ideas about parks at pop-up events. The vision survey and pop-up event results are now available and PROS plan updates will be added as they become available. Find the survey results, workshop recordings and more ways to get involved at everettwa.gov/PROSplan.

CATCON program - catalytic converter tagged & protected

Free catalytic converter engraving

With catalytic converter thefts on the rise, Everett Police launched Project CATCON ID! This project allows you to get you catalytic converter engraved with your vehicle VIN and highlight the number. Once your converter is tagged it will allow police to track where it came from and help solve crimes. Sign up to participate in a free engraving event on Aug. 21. There are limited time slots available for this event. Participants will receive a Project CATCON ID window sticker showing your converter is marked and protected to help ward off potential thieves. Learn more and sign up at everettwa.gov/CATCON.

Enjoy summer in Everett!

Summer in Everett is in full swing! Check out some upcoming events:

Music at the Marina – Thursdays in August, 5-9 p.m. at Port Gardner Landing
Everett Music Initiative Summer Concert Series – Fridays in August, 5-9 p.m. at Wetmore Plaza
Schack Art Center’s Fresh Paint festival – Aug. 21 & 22 at Port of Everett
Upper Left Beerfest and Everett Food Truck Festival – Aug. 27 & 28 in downtown Everett

Let’s help keep each other healthy this summer - remember to stay safe, mask up, get vaccinated if you are eligible and stay home if you aren’t feeling well.

Explore Everett on two wheels

Summer in Everett is the perfect time to dust off your bicycle seat and explore the city on two wheels. From trails to bike lanes, there's lots of ways to explore. But before you start to pedal, make sure your bike is up for the ride. Everett's bicycle map encourages bicyclists to ride a well equipped bike. Check out this video for more information.

Join Everett’s Youth Advisory Board

Young residents aged 16-21 are invited to apply to serve on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board. The board offers local youth a unique opportunity to participate in public policy and engage in the Everett community, as well as advance the inclusion and representation of youth in legislation, policies and City practices. Learn more and apply by Aug. 25 at everettwa.gov/youthboard.

COVID-19 updates:

The COVID-19 case rate in Snohomish County has increased for the fifth week in a row and the rate is now up to 198 per 100,000 population for the most recent rolling two-week period - nearly triple the rate we were at five weeks ago. Remember to mask up and get vaccinated if you are eligible.

With the rise of more transmissible variants and increased disease transmission, face masks remain an important tool to against the virus. The Snohomish Health District, issued a new masking directive directing everyone 5 years of age and up in Snohomish County to wear a face covering within indoor public spaces. Face masks are also required for all staff and visitors at City of Everett buildings.

Don’t let misinformation prevent you from getting your COVID-19 shot. Vaccinations save lives. To learn more about getting vaccinated, visit snohd.org/covidvaccine.

Health officials continue to track the spread of COVID-19 variants in Washington. The variants, such as the delta variant, now make up most COVID-19 cases in the U.S. and they’re spreading fast, especially among those who are unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated. Learn more about protecting yourself and your loved ones.