Mayor's corner

February was off to a cold and snowy start and I never thought I would be so happy to see rain! We aren’t used to that much snow in western Washington and I am incredibly proud of our all of our City teams for being prepared and working hard to keep the City running smoothly during and after the storms.

Last month I delivered my 2019 State of the City, reflecting on the City's accomplishments in 2018 and sharing my vision for 2019 and beyond. In my address, I shared four key areas of focus that will guide the City's work: Quality of life for our residents, economic vitality and housing, transportation and mobility, and education and workforce development. If you missed the State of the City, you can watch and read my full address at everettwa.gov/2019stateofeverett.

Everett’s great future is here I’m looking forward to showing the world we’re ready for it!

- Mayor Franklin

New opportunity for Everett businesses and students

The City of Everett has partnered with the Everett School District to create an exciting new internship program: Everett Career Link! The program will link Everett-area businesses with local high school students for a 90-hour summer internship. Students will receive real-world experience at local businesses and employers will gain fresh perspectives, provide pathways for young leaders and help keep local talent in the community.

Snowmageddon 2019

The February snowstorm covered Snohomish County in a deep blanket of snow and Everett City staff worked around the clock to keep the community moving! As soon as the snow started to fall, the City was ready. Everett Public Works followed the City’s Ice and Snow Control Plan 24/7 until conditions improved, plowing and treating roads according to the priority routes detailed in the plan. Crews plowed more than 10,000 miles of Everett streets, put out more than 3,700 cubic yards of salted sand and 8,600 gallons of brine, and responded to more than 800 service requests from community members.

The snow is gone for now, but should it return, visit everettwa.gov/inclementweather for updates, resources and information.

Rucker Ave. gets a makeover

Four blocks of Rucker Ave., between Pacific and Everett Avenues, are about to be transformed into a more vibrant, walkable corridor that encourages retail development, tourist destinations and an array of commercial activities for both residents and visitors. The project will include adding pedestrian-friendly features, such as wider sidewalks, landscaping and new lighting, and adding landscaping and trees to the median. The project will go to bid in March, with construction expected to begin this summer. Visit the project web page to learn more and sign up for regular updates at everettwa.gov/ruckerrenewal.

Volunteers needed to help lead transition to district elections

Community members interested in helping Everett transition to district elections for City Council can apply to serve on the City’s District Commission. Everett voters approved City Council districts in Nov. 2018 and per the Charter amendment, the District Commission will work with a hired districting master to develop the districting plan and map, and engage the community throughout the process. The final plan will be adopted by the City Council in late 2020.

District Commissioners must be Everett residents, and cannot be City employees, elected officials, or candidates for elected office. Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, April 30. Learn more and apply at everettwa.gov/districting.

Fire Station 2 to close temporarily for maintenance

Fire Station 2, located at 2201 16th St., will temporarily close for asbestos abatement and major maintenance beginning March 1. During the closure, the Station 2 fire units (Engine 2 and Aid 2) will temporarily relocate to 2801 Oakes Ave. and will still serve the same neighborhoods. An emergency phone will be available at Station 2 during the closure, and units will respond there as needed. The closure is expected to last until April 15. Learn more at everettwa.gov/FS2closure.

Community events

The Repair Café returns Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the WSU Snohomish County Extension to help community members fix their broken stuff! You bring the materials, and expert volunteers with skills in all kinds of fields will be there to help you make repairs. This event is free and open to all. Pre-registration is recommended, so you'll know what parts to bring.

Volunteers can help expand the walls of the Everett Animal Shelter and help sweet ol’ dogs find loving homes by joining the shelter’s senior dog foster team! Learn more about how you can help by attending a no-obligation training on Feb. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Everett Animal Shelter.

Put down that afternoon coffee and get the sleep you deserve! Join psychologist Diane Gillespie, author of "Stories for Going Back to Sleep," who helps craft scenarios designed to help people fall asleep after having wakened in the night. Stop by the Main Library on March 2 from 2-3:30 p.m. to say goodnight to sleeplessness!

Save the date! Due to inclement weather, Everett’s annual Daddy Daughter Dance was rescheduled for Friday, March 8, or Saturday, March 9, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Carl Gipson Senior Center’s Cascade View Hall. Tickets are still available to pick a night, dress fancy and have a ball while you pop, shuffle and twirl to your heart’s content!