Everett City Council Meeting – August 24, 2026

The Everett City Council met on the recorded date of August 24, 2026, for a regular meeting. Note: The agenda and transcript indicate the meeting date as August 12, 2026, creating a discrepancy from the provided date. The council approved routine consent items, heard public testimony primarily regarding the proposed Everett Transit–Community Transit merger, and unanimously adopted several action items including the Everett 2044 comprehensive plan periodic update.

Consent Calendar

• Approved claims against the city of $4,285,311.64 (period ending July 31, 2026) and payroll claims of $6,235,819.96 (period ending July 25, 2026).
• Authorized a contract amendment with the Washington Military Department to reimburse deployment costs estimated at $102,811.26.
• Authorized acceptance of the Sandy Williams Grant for the Evergreen Way Corridor Safety and Connectivity Plan.
• Authorized acceptance of the FY25 Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant in the amount of $1,200,000.
• Authorized a lease agreement with Josiah Washington Sobere (dba Jing Jiao Dojo) at Everett Station.
• Authorized a production agreement with Mulholland Media, LLC for the Everett Police Department’s participation in the television program “Police 24/7.”
• All seven consent items were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A speaker (name not given) on agenda item 8 requested collaboration to accelerate low-income housing development, citing complaints about inability to transfer out due to insufficient low-income housing.
• William Parent (Silver Lake) supported the proposed police reality show but encouraged featuring the e-bike patrol unit and drone technology to improve officer safety and reduce dangerous pursuits.
• Rene (Everett resident) opposed the Everett Transit–Community Transit merger, citing tax concerns, arguing that the merger should go to a public vote, and suggesting alternative revenue models.
• Roel Berlea (Lake Stevens, Everett Transit driver) expressed anxiety among drivers about the merger, fearing job loss and reduced paratransit service for seniors and disabled based on Community Transit’s history with third-party contracts.
• Steve Oss (Everett resident) argued the merger is a generational decision that should be put to a public vote, and highlighted differences in paratransit coverage (Everett currently serves all city destinations, while Community Transit only serves within 3/4 mile of bus routes).
• Lauren (Westmont community) raised concerns about the vacant Fred Meyer property, suggesting a fine for businesses that hold vacant properties without intent to reopen or sell.
• Daryl Sullivan (Everett Transit driver, lifelong resident) spoke against the merger, stating that Everett Transit provides superior local service and that Community Transit cannot match the neighborhood coverage, and urged the council to keep each agency in its lane.

Discussion Items

• Council Comments: Councilmember Ryan noted a lot splitting ordinance coming mid-September to increase homeownership opportunities, and an economic development update showing strong business momentum. Councilmember Burbano reported a pedestrian hit by a car on Evergreen Way, reiterating that Everett is the third most dangerous city for pedestrians in Washington state. Councilmember Weir attended an AWC budget workshop. Councilmember Zarlingo reported on Snohomish County Tomorrow’s new economic development committee. Council President Schwab announced the grand opening of a 2,000-square-foot neighborhood skate park at Lyons Park.
• Administrative Update: The City Administrator clarified paratransit commitments in merger negotiations: current employees and riders (including those over 65) would be retained; future eligibility would follow ADA rules; Community Transit agreed to provide paratransit to all destinations within Everett, not just 3/4 mile from bus routes. Councilmember Bader requested follow-up data on the percentage of current paratransit riders outside federal guidelines and areas of Everett beyond 3/4 mile of bus routes.
• Action Items:
  • Item 8 (CB 2607-39): Third reading – Ordinance establishing rules for use of real property for public benefit in accordance with RCW 39.33.015. Passed unanimously.
  • Item 9 (CB 2607-40): Third reading – Ordinance creating Langus Pier Removal special improvement project, Fund 354, Program 113, for engineering design costs of $128,000. Passed unanimously.
  • Item 10 (CB 2607-41): Third reading – Ordinance creating Turnbull Gazebo at Harborview Park special improvement project. Passed unanimously.
  • Item 11: Authorized professional service agreement with 2812 Architecture for Turnbull Gazebo design (not to exceed $41,030). Passed unanimously.
  • Item 12: Resolution transferring property at 6731 Beverly Boulevard from Fund 401 to Fund 197 for public benefit. Passed unanimously.
• Public Hearing: On Resolution declaring the Everett 2044 periodic update complete. No public speakers. Council members praised the extensive community engagement (hundreds of comments), the collaborative effort across departments, and the planning commission’s work. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• All consent items (7) and action items (5) were approved unanimously.
• The Everett 2044 comprehensive plan periodic update was declared complete via unanimous resolution.
• The council will continue to discuss the Everett Transit–Community Transit merger, with commitments to maintain current paratransit service levels and employee protections. A public open house on the merger is scheduled for August 18, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Walter Hall.
• A lot splitting ordinance is expected to come before the council in mid-September.