Mayor’s corner

Happy New Year!

We start 2022 by making history, with the swearing-in of four new city council members who, for the first time, represent the geographic districts in which they live. This is also the first time in Everett’s history that we’ve had a women-majority on the council. While we still have work to do to ensure a diversity of perspectives and voices are part of local government, these are both important milestones toward making Everett’s governance more inclusive and representative of the people we serve. A warm welcome to our new council members - I look forward to working together. I’d also like to acknowledge our outgoing council members with a sincere THANK YOU for their dedication, commitment, and many years of service to our community.

Sadly, we also start 2022 with sky-rocketing COVID-19 cases, which I know is incredibly discouraging, frustrating and exhausting. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and I know we all have COVID-fatigue and want more predictability and stability in our lives. Please take care of YOU and take time to do whatever it is that nourishes your emotional, mental and physical health and well-being. For me that’s taking a long walk with our dog Buffy (she’s really more cat than dog, but she tries), baking a pie with my daughter, or losing myself in a good book. So please do what feeds you and treat yourself, and each other, with kindness.

Be safe. Be well.

- Mayor Cassie

Everett welcomes new council members

As Mayor Franklin mentioned above, the City of Everett welcomed four new city council members at a swearing in ceremony on Jan. 3. For the first time in its history, the city is represented by five district council members and two at-large council members, and has a women-led majority. Mayor Cassie Franklin was also sworn in to her second term as Everett’s mayor. A recording of the ceremony is available for public viewing at youtube.com/EverettCity. Learn more about the Everett City Council and find meeting information at everettwa.gov/council.

Mayor Cassie and 2022 Everett City Council

Carl Gipson Center now open!

Our partners at Volunteers of America (VOA) celebrated the grand reopening of the Carl Gipson Center on Jan. 3, in partnership with the City and Homage Senior Services. To help celebrate, they are offering free memberships to community members aged 50+ for the month of January. Members can enjoy free coffee and tea every morning until noon, Free Muffin Mondays (until 11 a.m.), fitness classes, social activities and so much more. Learn more at voaww.org/gipson-center.

Stay informed during winter storms

Winter is here and has already brought some wintery storms our way. City teams are constantly monitoring the weather so we are ready and can keep Everett moving and operating smoothly. Community members can stay up to date on City operations during weather events by visiting everettwa.gov/inclementweather. We post closures, delays, bus routes and much more. You’ll also find information, FAQs and resources, including cold weather shelter information and our 24-7 dispatch number to report road conditions. Follow the City of Everett on Facebook and Twitter (@EverettCity) for additional news and updates.

LTAC grant applications now open

City of Everett’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) is accepting applications for projects that assist with tourism development and promotion in the city of Everett. Due to the ongoing pandemic, funds are limited and all applicants will be expected to meet current pandemic safety standards. Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible applicants with the demonstrated ability to complete their proposed projects by Dec. 31, 2022. Applications are available at everettwa.gov/ltac. Public and non-profit agencies are encouraged to submit applications by Monday, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.

People at Everett's 4th of July festival

Save the date: Wendt Awards postponed

The annual Wendt and Mayor’s Arts Awards have been postponed until late spring or early summer due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. The annual awards recognize artists, arts organizations and community members committed to enriching the Everett community through the arts. The upcoming event will honor both 2020 and 2021 award recipients. Learn more and get event updates at everettwa.gov/wendts.

Everett Police’s CATCON program returns

As catalytic converter thefts continue, the Everett Police Department (EPD) remains dedicated to reducing this crime through arrests and prevention. EPD is hosting another free community engraving event on Jan. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 3200 Cedar St., Everett (no appointment needed). Participants can get their catalytic converter engraved and painted and will receive a CATCON ID window sticker. If your converter is engraved and then stolen and reported, it can be tracked back to the owner - if recovered - to help solve crimes. Learn more at everettwa.gov/CATCON.

COVID-19 updates:

Snohomish County is seeing a record number of COVID-19 cases that is straining the healthcare system. In the last 14-day period, cases have climbed to 997 per 100,000. The Omicron variant now represents the majority of cases in the region. Health officials urge community members to step up prevention measures: vaccination, booster doses, proper masking, getting tested if exposed or ill, and staying home when sick. Learn more and find local resources and data at snohd.org/covid.

Governor Jay Inslee announced new steps to help contain the spread of COVID-19 in response to the dramatic increase in cases due to the highly contagious Omicron variant. Announcements included expanded testing and free at-home tests available to Washington residents, increasing vaccination availability through additional high-throughput vaccine sites, and providing more protective masks to local communities and schools for free.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) updated the state isolation and quarantine guidance to align with the newly released recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These new recommendations include shorter recommended time for isolation for people with COVID-19 and updated recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. Vaccination is still the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. To find vaccine locations near you visit Vaccine Locator, vaccines.gov, or call the state’s hotline at 833-VAX-HELP.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19, the DOH offers a great guide to remind you of what to do next. Preventing further spread of this highly contagious disease starts with testing. If you have any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposures, get tested, regardless of vaccination status or prior infection. Check out their guide and find helpful resources and information