Everett City Council Meeting – April 15, 2026: Outdoor Event Center, Legislative Debrief, Light Rail
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Everett City Council Meeting – April 15, 2026
Mayor Franklin called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. The council heard public comments, approved several consent items, passed ordinances on critical areas and the North Broadway Pedestrian Bridge, received a legislative session debrief, and took first readings on two Everett Outdoor Event Center (EOEC) items. A letter of support for light rail to Everett was announced for future approval.
Consent Calendar
- Approved six consent items unanimously (7-0): claims payment ($2,353,270.99), biosolids removal award, 2025 pavement overlay completion, materials testing amendment, Public Works Board pre-construction loan application, and call for bids for WPCF projects.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Reese Denhouse (Everett resident, AquaSox fan) expressed full support for the EOEC, citing economic benefits: $85 million in business revenue, 600 jobs ($33M/year labor income), ~$1 million annual tax revenue, and risk of losing 180 jobs and $9M labor income if the stadium is not built.
- Charles Burgess (Edmonds, Laborers Local 292) voiced strong support for the project on behalf of civic pride and organized labor, noting the venue will be built under a Project Labor Agreement.
- Tammy Dunn (Snohomish County Sports Commission) supported the EOEC for its potential to host tournaments, youth sports, and a women’s professional softball league, driving economic development and quality of life.
- Laura Gennan (Everett) attempted to speak but was cut off for campaigning for Congress; she then briefly expressed agreement with previous speakers.
Discussion Items
- Light Rail Support Letter: Councilmember Ryan announced he will draft a letter expressing the city's support for building light rail to Everett, to be discussed and approved at the next meeting (April 22, 2026). The mayor and several councilmembers encouraged public advocacy to the Sound Transit Board ahead of a May vote.
- Council Bill 2603-20 (2nd Reading – Naming City Properties): No discussion; third and final reading set for April 29, 2026.
- Council Bill 2603-19 (3rd Reading – Critical Areas Regulations): Public hearing opened and closed with no speakers. Councilmember Ryan asked about Tulelalp Tribe comments; staff confirmed ongoing collaboration. Ordinance passed unanimously (7-0).
- Council Bill 2603-18 (3rd Reading – North Broadway Pedestrian Bridge): Passed unanimously (7-0). Councilmember Zarlingo noted the bridge's importance for safety and connectivity to Everett Community College and WSU Everett, while acknowledging cost constraints.
- Legislative Session Debrief (Item 12): Trevor Justin reported key outcomes: the 2026 supplemental budgets (operating $80.2B, capital $890M, transportation $16.6B); passage of Senate Bill 6346 (millionaire tax, 9.9% on household income >$1M, effective 2028); housing bills (SB 6026, HB 2266) supported by Everett; public defense funding bill did not advance; automatic license plate reader bill passed with expanded crimes; and the city’s top win—HB 2442 (fire benefit district authority) passed. Council discussed the millionaire tax’s potential impact on city revenues and the need for state funding for public defense.
- Everett Outdoor Event Center (Items 9 & 10 – First Readings): Scott Patison and design team presented a 60% design update. Key details: total project budget $120M ($52M construction, $35M property acquisition, $19M soft costs, $9M contingency); 5,000 seats, artificial turf, retractable mound, flexible family seating; two primary entrances with views; festival street around stadium; design incorporates tribal heritage elements. The teams (AquaSox and USL) will assume daily operations and maintenance under a 30-year lease with $17M capital contributions, revenue sharing, and 50 city event days per year. Funding sources: 14% from teams, 6% state, 4% county, 9% other partners, 8% city CIP, 38% bond proceeds (covered by direct revenue), and 21% gap to close. Council asked about parking, pedestrian access from Everett Station, and the financial pro forma (to be presented in June/July). Third readings set for April 29, 2026.
Key Outcomes
- Appointment Confirmed: Louise Ramon Orochi appointed to CHIP loan review committee (term expiring Dec 31, 2029) unanimously (7-0).
- Minutes Approved: Minutes of April 8, 2026 approved (6-0-1, Vice President Ryan abstaining).
- Consent Agenda: Approved 7-0.
- CB 2603-19 (Critical Areas): Passed 7-0.
- CB 2603-18 (Pedestrian Bridge): Passed 7-0.
- CB 2603-20 (Naming Properties): Advanced to third reading on April 29, 2026.
- CB 2604-21 & CB 2604-22 (EOEC Items): First readings held; third readings set for April 29, 2026.
- Executive Session: Held for 20 minutes (real estate, no action taken).
- Light Rail Letter: Councilmember Ryan to draft a letter for council approval at the next meeting.
- Legislative Priorities: Staff will continue to advocate for state funding of public defense and monitor the millionaire tax implementation.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening, residents of Everett Washington. I'd like to call to order the Everett City Council meeting of April 15th, 2026. For information on council meetings and how to participate, please visit Everett Wah.gov slash city council. Clerk, will you please take the role? Mayor Franklin here. Councilmember Weir. Here, Councilmember Zarlingo. Yep. Vice President Ryan. Yep. Councilmember Burbano. Here. Councilmember Tui. Here. Councilmember Bader. Here. President Schwab. Here. At this time, I'd like to ask Councilmember Weir to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. And at this time, I'd like to ask Vice President Ryan to read the land acknowledgement. Yes. The City Council wishes to acknowledge the original inhabitants of this place, the Stahopes people and their successors, the Tulelep tribes. Since time immemorial, they've hunted, fished, gathered on, and taken care of these lands and waters. We respect their sovereignty, their right to self-determination, and honor their sacred spiritual connection with the land and waters. We will strive to be honest about our past mistakes and to include a future that includes their voices, their people, and their stories for a more just and equitable society. Thank you very much. We have an agenda change. We will be moving items 11 and 12 on the agenda to follow eight. So we'll do the last two items will be nine and 10. So we'll begin with the mayor's comments. Good evening, Council President and Council and Community. First, I wanna thank everyone who came out last night to Everett Station to learn more about Sound Transit and the challenges facing our uh light rail system. It was amazing to see such a huge crowd. It was standing room only of passionate advocates to get light rail to Everett. And I just wanted to encourage everyone who cares about uh this project, public transportation and getting our light rail stations in the city of Everett to email and the Sound Transit Board. Uh if you can show up to Sound Transit meetings. We have a big vote coming up in May, and we need to hear from uh our voices here in the city of Everett. We hear a lot from our friends in in King County, and it would be great to see those advocates that showed up last night um showing up to Sound Transit Board meetings. So thank you. Uh I also have an appointment to uh put forward for your confirmation. I'm recommending Louise Ramon Orochi. Is that how I say his last name? Um, to the CHIP loan review committee, uh position A3 for a term expiring December 31st, 2029. And I'm looking for your confirmation. Councilmember Ryan moves approval of appointment. Second the motion. Okay, motion and seconds made. Is there any council comment or questions? Seeing none, Clerk, please take the roll. Councilmember Weir.
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