Everett City Council Meeting Summary – September 17, 2026

Note: While the agenda and transcript indicate the meeting was called to order on September 16, 2026, the date is recorded here as September 17, 2026 per instruction.

The Everett City Council met to discuss consent items, public comments, and action items including budget appropriations and the 41st Street to Rucker Avenue Corridor Phase 2 project. The meeting began with a land acknowledgment, a mayor’s proclamation for Larry O’Donnell Day, and updates on regional economic development and light rail. Public comment focused on transit consolidation, flock cameras, traffic safety, and the outdoor event center. The council passed consent items unanimously, advanced the budget ordinance to final reading, and approved the corridor phase 2 with a 6–1 vote after hearing public concerns.

Consent Calendar

• Adopted a resolution authorizing claims payable in the amount of $1,892,156.68 for the period of August 29, 2026 through September 4, 2026.
• Approved a Professional Services Agreement with Trevor Justin Government Relations LLC through August 2027 for legislative advocacy.
• Authorized the mayor to sign all necessary documents and agreements with Snohomish County for sex offender address and residency verification program services, accepting $101,000 in funds for the Everett Police Department.
• All three items passed unanimously on a roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Transit consolidation support: Raymond Stephenson (former mayor) expressed support for merging Everett Transit with Community Transit, citing the need for mass transportation and protection of employees. Alvaro, Yulisa, Sylvia, and Katie also spoke in favor, noting benefits such as more routes, longer hours, safety, and access to jobs and healthcare. Sulaine Altamirano (Snohomish County Transportation Coalition) highlighted barriers to transit access and the need for language-inclusive outreach, stating the consolidation is an important opportunity to improve transit.
• Opposition to flock cameras: John Judge expressed strong opposition to automated license plate readers (Flock cameras), citing privacy concerns, potential abuse, fiscal liability from lawsuits, and parallel to surveillance states. He urged cancellation of the contract and a moratorium on such technology.
• Traffic safety concerns: Janine Demaray described speeding on View Ridge and a related incident involving a minor, calling for speed bumps to improve safety.
• Outdoor event center: Holly James requested public input updates, transparency on budget shortfalls, and consideration of competition from the Tulalip Tribes’ potential stadium.
• Land acknowledgment and flock cameras: John Peoples opposed the land acknowledgment as “unfair defamation” and again called for removal of flock cameras; he also expressed support for ICE and data centers.
• Opposition to transit consolidation: Duane Dill, an Everett Transit driver of 33 years, argued that Everett Transit remains viable and provides high-quality paratransit service, contrasting with a for-profit contractor (Transdev) and urging the council to keep Everett Transit.

Discussion Items

• Mayor’s comments: Mayor Franklin proclaimed September 12, 2026 as Larry O’Donnell Day, honoring his community service. She noted participation in a regional economic competitiveness strategy launch and highlighted the upcoming draft Environmental Impact Statement for Everett Link Light Rail. She emphasized that federal grants (30–40% of light rail funding) depend on increased local transit service, and that without bigger investment, transit service in Everett could decline by 2037.
• Council comments: Councilmember Ryan thanked speakers and reported on a Port Gardner Neighborhood Association meeting. Councilmember Burbano covered a multicultural celebration and the September 19 opening of the community connection path at Walter E Hall. Councilmember Twee updated on the Pacific Avenue Gateway Mural Project (funded with ARPA dollars). Councilmember Weir reported on a tour of the water pollution control facility and upcoming community events. Councilmember Zarlingo reported on the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board, including discussions on the Cascadia High-Speed Rail Project and declining fuel tax revenues, and attended the Valley View neighborhood meeting.
• Public Works update: Tom Hood (Public Works) responded to public concerns about the 41st Street to Rucker Avenue Corridor Phase 2. He clarified that the project also impacts West Marine View Drive and Pacific. Two alternatives exist: one eliminates the northwest corner building, the other the northeast corner building, both due to freight turning geometry. No federal funds are involved, but the city typically provides equivalent relocation assistance. An open house and further outreach will be conducted during final design.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of minutes from September 9, 2026: Passed 5–0–2 (Councilmember Twee and President Schwab abstained).
• Consent items all passed unanimously (7–0).
• Ordinance CB 2608-49 (2026 Revised City of Budget Appropriations) – second reading; third and final reading set for September 23, 2026.
• Ordinance CB 2608-47 (41st Street to Rucker Avenue Corridor Phase 2) – third reading and final passage: passed 6–1 (Councilmember Ryan voted no). The ordinance creates a Special Improvement Project for design and construction, including potential property acquisition at the West Marine View Drive and Pacific intersection.