First commercial flight out of Paine Field

Mayor's corner

March has already been an exciting month, with more to come! March 4 was a historical day for Everett as the first commercial flights took off from Paine Field. The airport is a game-changer that connects people from all over the west coast and beyond to our beautiful city. I was honored to be a part of the opening day celebration and take the first flight out to Portland and back. I can honestly say it’s an airport experience like no other, and I’m thrilled it’s here in Everett.

Next week, on March 20, we will be launching our new City and tourism brands. We’re working very hard to give the City a new look and feel that represents who we are and our incredible potential. I’m confident that the new brand will help take us to the next level in attracting new residents, businesses and visitors! Follow us on Facebook to be the first to see our new brand next week.

Warmly,
Mayor Franklin

Open data coming to everettwa.gov

We are launching a new interactive online portal that will allow community members to access a variety of City data through our website. The open-data platform is expected to launch in early summer and aims to promote transparency and empower community members by improving access to information about the City and its operations. We are also collecting input about what kind of data community members would like to see available on the portal. Learn more and submit your ideas at everettwa.gov/opendata.

Trade your lawn in for a beautiful rain garden

Rain gardens are a great, low-maintenance alternative to a lawn and have a bounty of benefits for both you and mother nature. We’re offering up to a $2,500 rebate to Everett homeowners who install an approved rain garden. Join one of Everett Public Works’ free hour-long informational workshops this month to learn about rain gardens and how to qualify for the rebate program. Learn more and find the workshop schedule at everettwa.gov/RainGardens.

New routes and service changes coming to Everett Transit

Everett Transit will change its routes and service on March 31, providing faster, more direct service to help get riders where they need to go. South-end routes will be faster, weekend service will improve, additional trips were added to routes 3, 12 and 29 and new routes will serve major destinations such as the waterfront and Paine Field Airport! This new network of routes is the first step toward implementing the agency's long-range plan and will help provide sustainable service. Learn more at everetttransit.org/servicechange

Volunteers needed to help lead transition to district elections

Everett is transitioning to district elections for City Council and you can help by applying 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.

Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, April 30. Learn more and apply at everettwa.gov/districting.

Community events

Fall in love all over again at the Broadway classic “I Do! I Do!”, now at the Everett Performing Arts Center until March 24. This musical tells the tale of 50 years of life and love with Michael and Agnes as they go on the amazing journey of life together and the perils and triumphs that come with it.

Tap your toes and sing along with folksinger, storyteller, and autoharp virtuoso Adam Miller when he returns to the Everett Public Library on March 23 with his repertoire of stories and songs. You won’t want to miss this afternoon with Miller, a masterful entertainer who has distinguished himself as one of the great interpreters of American folktales and folksongs.

Mark your calendars and get your tickets for the annual Ladies Tea and Brunch on Saturday, March 30, from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Carl Gipson Senior Center. Gather your daughters, mothers, and friends for an elegant afternoon as you travel “Around the World with Nellie Bly” with storyteller Debbie Dimitre as she shares Nellie’s experiences as America’s first female investigative journalist in the 1880s. Learn more and call 425-257-7087 for tickets and details.