EVERETT— Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin delivered her ninth annual State of the City address Wednesday, touting Everett’s economic momentum, community investments, and public safety initiatives while underscoring the city’s commitment to inclusivity and support for immigrant residents amid heightened federal immigration enforcement.
Speaking at the newly renovated Everett Historic Theatre, Franklin praised the city’s workforce, local businesses, and community partners for helping Everett “move forward by believing in what’s possible and doing the hard work day after day.” The mayor highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects, investments in housing, and partnerships with educational institutions and regional employers as central to the city’s growth strategy.
“Everett is a city where people come together to build something bigger than themselves,” Franklin said. “Whether it’s aerospace, clean energy, or supporting our neighborhoods, we’re stepping up to the plate and shaping what comes next.”
Welcoming and Inclusive City
Mayor Franklin opened her remarks by addressing concerns over recent federal immigration enforcement activities. She announced a mayoral directive designed to protect immigrant residents, including restricting access to non-public areas without a warrant, establishing clear staff protocols, and expanding community partnerships. The directive also reaffirms the Everett Police Department’s compliance with state law by prohibiting participation in civil immigration enforcement and not inquiring about immigration status.
“Last week, I spoke with a young boy who shared his fears that anyone could now be arrested,” Franklin said. “It was heartbreaking to hear, and it makes clear what’s at stake. Our responsibility is to act within the law to protect and serve our entire community.”
The mayor encouraged residents to support immigrant-owned businesses and highlighted partnerships with organizations such as the Latino Education and Training Institute, Connect Casino Road, and Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest. Franklin emphasized that the city is committed to being a place where all residents can work, shop, and seek help without fear.
Economic Momentum and Business Growth
Franklin highlighted Everett’s economic growth as a key driver of city services and quality of life improvements. Boeing’s ongoing operations, including the upcoming 737 North Line, continue to anchor the city’s aerospace industry. Over the past five years, new energy companies such as Helion, TerraPower, and Zap Energy have brought more than 1,000 high-skilled jobs to Everett, advancing clean energy and fusion technology.
“Different eras, different fields, but the same Everett – stepping up to the plate and shaping what comes next,” Franklin said.
The city issued nearly 1,600 business licenses in 2025, a more than threefold increase since Franklin first took office, reflecting growing confidence in Everett as a business-friendly city. New and expanding local businesses include Unique Brewing, Los Gavilanes, Milkhouse Coffee, Urban Air, and Perfect Form Pilates, as well as downtown investments like the new co-working space Forge 47 and Hillman’s Bagels.
Franklin also highlighted the Port of Everett and Naval Station Everett as critical economic engines. The port supports over 40,000 jobs and generates billions in regional economic activity, while the naval base employs roughly 6,000 military and civilian personnel.
“Every person in Everett is connected to Boeing in one way or another,” Franklin said. “When Boeing does well, Everett – and our greater region – succeed.”
Investments in Infrastructure and Transportation
Infrastructure projects were a central theme of the address. Franklin noted completion of the Edgewater Bridge replacement, improvements to stormwater and utility systems, and ongoing maintenance of roads, bridges, and public services. She credited federal and state partners, including Congressman Rick Larsen, for supporting infrastructure funding.
Transportation initiatives include expanded Everett Transit service, nearly 90,000 paratransit trips for seniors and residents with disabilities in 2025, and ongoing coordination with regional transit partners such as Community Transit and Sound Transit. Franklin reaffirmed his commitment to bringing Everett Link light rail to the city.
“Transportation is foundational to Everett’s future,” Franklin said. “Opportunity depends on how easily people can move throughout our city.”
Education and Workforce Development
Franklin emphasized Everett’s high graduation rates, with Everett Public Schools reporting more than 96% of students completing on time, and praised local higher education institutions, including Everett Community College and WSU Everett. Programs range from trades training to AI innovation and computer engineering, providing pathways for workforce development and career growth.
“Together, these partnerships create opportunities for students of all ages to build a big-league future – right here at home,” Franklin said.
Public Safety and Emergency Services
Public safety initiatives received significant attention. Franklin noted a 20% drop in overall crime from 2024 to 2025, with vehicle thefts down 70%. The Everett Police Department added 17 officers last year, bringing staffing to an all-time high, and launched the Drone-As-A-First-Responder pilot program to improve response times while protecting privacy.
Chief Robert Goetz, appointed following Chief DeRousse’s retirement, leads the department with more than 35 years of experience. Franklin also highlighted youth safety programs, including soccer camps, STEM academies, e-gaming tournaments, and the Youth Advisory Board’s “Wellness Wednesdays” social media campaign.
“Our focus is, and will remain, local public safety and community trust,” Franklin said.
The Everett Fire Department responded to more than 27,500 calls in 2025 and recently rescued seven residents from a two-alarm apartment fire in south Everett. The department has hired 13 new firefighters and graduated 20 more from probationary training, with investments in specialized training and equipment to maintain readiness.
Franklin also noted the role of municipal courts, prosecutors, and diversion programs in maintaining public safety, with more than 500 cases redirected to treatment or mental health services in 2025.
Behavioral Health and Homelessness
Everett’s CARE (Crisis Alternative Response and Engagement) team expanded in 2025 to provide specialized social worker support for residents in crisis, responding to over 3,000 calls. Programs also include mobile opioid treatment, increased Pallet shelter availability, and cold weather shelters, supported by federal and state funding, including grants from Senator Patty Murray.
The city continues partnerships with nonprofits and faith organizations to address homelessness, including Everett Gospel Mission, and works with neighboring jurisdictions to expand shelter availability. Franklin emphasized a coordinated, compassionate approach to help residents stabilize and move forward.
Housing and Smart Growth
Franklin outlined the city’s housing strategy to accommodate an expected 60,000 new residents over the next 20 years, requiring roughly 40,000 new homes. Nearly 1,000 homes are under construction with another 1,000 in development. Partnerships with builders like DevCo, Blackwood Homes, Skotdal Real Estate, and Rise Works LLC are creating apartments, townhomes, childcare, and mixed-use projects.
The city is also promoting middle housing options through initiatives like Plutus Development’s basement conversions, garage apartments, and small detached homes. Franklin announced upcoming pre-approved backyard cottage permits to help aging parents live nearby or generate rental income.
“Our goal is to be a city where people can find a place to live – and afford to stay,” Franklin said.
South Everett Development
South Everett is undergoing major change, with billions in investment anticipated alongside future light rail. Franklin highlighted the South Everett Economic Development Strategy and the role of the new Community Development Corporation, Stations Unidos, to ensure that growth benefits existing residents and small businesses.
“Through alignment of public investment, private development, and community priorities, we are expanding opportunity without displacement,” Franklin said.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Investment
Franklin outlined investments in parks, noting maintenance of more than 900 acres across 45 city properties. Recent improvements included upgraded playgrounds, sport courts, accessible trails, and new off-leash dog areas. Partnerships with Everett Public Schools improved park access citywide. Franklin also announced collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club to build a new facility at Walter Hall Park in District 4.
Cultural initiatives include public art installations, youth-led murals to combat graffiti, and improvements to the Pacific Avenue Gateway, enhancing placemaking and community pride.
Sports, Events, and Tourism
The city of Everett continues to support community events, including Sorticulture, the Fourth of July Festival, Wintertide, and partner-led events such as Everett Pride Block Party and Rock the Boat. Angel of the Winds Arena hosts the Everett Silvertips hockey team, which is entering the playoffs as the top team. Franklin highlighted the upcoming Everett Outdoor Event Center, a multi-sport and entertainment facility projected to generate $50 million in annual economic activity and attract 400,000 regional visitors.
“This project is a major undertaking and a bold, community-focused investment,” Franklin said. “It reflects our belief in growth, potential, and people.”
Franklin noted local athletes, including Seattle Seahawks star Abe Lucas and former AquaSox player Cal Raleigh, as examples of Everett talent achieving global recognition.
The city will also host official FIFA World Cup Fan Zone events in June, offering community watch parties and international exposure for Everett.
Conclusion
Mayor Franklin concluded her address emphasizing Everett’s long-term strategy, inclusive growth, and community engagement. She recognized city staff, elected officials, business leaders, and community partners for their contributions, including the recently retired Senior Executive Director Lori Cummings, who dedicated more than 40 years to public service.
“Everything we’ve accomplished together gives us a strong foundation and raises the bar for what comes next,” Franklin said. “By working together, we can protect what matters most and build a stronger, more resilient Everett for everyone. Now more than ever, we are One Everett.”
Author: Kienan Briscoe
