We kick off this month welcoming the Year of the Tiger, so to all who celebrate, a very happy Lunar New Year! It’s also Black History Month, created to focus attention on the history of Black people in the United States and honor their contributions and sacrifices that have shaped our nation. We have many wonderful Black-owned businesses and restaurants in our community to celebrate, which we’ll be highlighting on social media next week. Live in Everett also has a great list, here. Here are some other opportunities to learn more and engage.

Speaking of engagement, we are working on some important initiatives and would like your input! We are updating the City’s comprehensive plan, which is our “road map” for planning for Everett’s future. It includes how we plan for growth in our city, such as ensuring we have enough housing, reliable transportation networks, parks and recreation, and more. Community input is essential to shaping our vision for Everett’s future, so I hope you will participate in some of the public input opportunities coming available next month. We’ll have more information available on our website soon. We’re also moving forward with our Transit Consolidation Study with Community Transit. This study will take a deep dive into exploring what public transit could look like, should voters decide that Everett Transit should integrate with the Community Transit system. We’ll have opportunities for community input, which will be posted online here, along with updates on the study.

And we have a lot more to be excited about in 2022! I’ll share more at my upcoming State of the City report to the community, scheduled for March 24. I hope you can join!

Until then, be safe. Be well.

-Mayor Cassie

Mayor Cassie and Bezos Academy at Everett Station

City to host tuition-free Bezos Academy Preschool in 2022

The City of Everett announced a 10-year lease agreement with Bezos Academy to open a tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool to open fall 2022 at Everett Station. The school will feature three classrooms to serve up to 60 students on a full-day, year-round schedule. Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty limit with children aged 3-4 are eligible to apply, and priority will be given to foster children and children of households experiencing homelessness. Learn more at bezosacademy.org.

LTAC grant applications close Feb. 7

There’s still time to apply for the City’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (LTAC) grants for projects that assist with tourism development and promotion in 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.

Save the date: Mayor’s annual State of Everett address

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin and Economic Alliance Snohomish County invite community members to join the 2022 State of Everett on Thursday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m. Mayor Franklin will discuss her vision for Everett in 2022 and beyond. This will be a hybrid event and tickets are available to attend in-person (COVID safety measures will be in place). The event will also be livestreamed on social media, YouTube and Everett Channel.

Everett 2044 - Planning our future together

We’re getting ready to update our comprehensive plan and we invite community members to join us in this important work. The comprehensive plan represents the City's vision for the next twenty years, goals and policies to guide thoughtful growth and development, and a plan for infrastructure and other public facilities and services. This multi-year project includes numerous opportunities for community members to learn about and help guide the City's planning. The first major phase in the project is scoping which will help guide the rest of the project and ultimately shape the plan itself. Stay tuned for more details and visit everettwa.gov/2044 for more information, community meeting details and updates.

Be prepared

The Everett Fire Department wants you and your loved ones to be safe which includes being prepared. It’s important to talk about fire safety, create a plan and practice with your family regularly. You can find lots of resources on our website, including fire escape plans, kids activities, videos and more. You can also find resources and information for all kinds of emergencies at Ready.gov to help your family prepare, make a plan, build a kit, get emergency alerts for your area and so much more!

COVID-19 updates

Snohomish County continues to see high numbers of new COVID-19 cases that is straining the healthcare system. Preliminary data showed 2,975 cases per 100,000 in the last 14-day period. The final case rate is likely higher than what is reported due to the high volume of cases and lag in reporting. Community members should continue to do their part to help case counts decline: vax up, mask up, get your booster, get tested if exposed or ill, and stay home when sick. Learn more and find local resources and data at snohd.org/covid.

COVID-19 vaccines are available at no cost to ages 5 and older at the Everett Mall, and walk-ins are welcome! Boosters are also available to those who are eligible. The Washington State Department of Health is also offering a $50 gift card to each individual who receives their first or second dose at that location. Learn more at snohd.org/everettmallvax

The state Department of Health (DOH) recently spoke with Dr. Tao Kwan-Gett, the new chief science officer at the DOH, to talk about the omicron variant which currently makes up 90% of all cases in Washington. Check out their recent blog to learn more about the omicron variant including how it spreads, its severity, and the impact on vaccinations and boosters.