Highlights of the Everett Mayor's State of the City Speech My Everett News

Mayor Cassie Franklin delivered her 2024 State of the City address at the Everett Mall, marking a shift towards community engagement with local business leaders in attendance. She emphasized the revitalization of Everett, showcasing projects like “The Hub at Everett,” set to improve walkability by 2026. A significant focus of her speech was on addiction treatment; Franklin announced a new pilot program that aims to eliminate barriers to care by bringing services directly to individuals in need. Additionally, an alternate response program for behavioral health crises was introduced, aiming to deploy trained specialists instead of police or EMS in non-violent situations. The mayor highlighted the pressing housing issues in the city, noting that a large portion of residents are burdened by high housing costs, with efforts made to add over 2,400 homes in recent years.

Infrastructure improvements were also discussed, including the replacement of in-ground reservoirs and the upcoming Edgewater Bridge construction. Overall, Franklin's address illustrated a proactive approach to address critical community challenges while fostering growth and development. The speech reflected a commitment to enhancing quality of life for all residents in Everett.