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September 16, 2020 <br /> been pleased with the results. We are seeking federal grant funding to allow us to <br /> expand the cameras department-wide. <br /> We are also budgeting for an assessment of our police department, which I know <br /> you as a council support. This will include an analysis of police staffing, patrol <br /> scheduling and deployment, community policing, and technology needs. <br /> We're making some organizational changes within the police department as well. <br /> We've reduced management in the department, protecting public safety, while <br /> reducing costs, and we'll be moving the embedded social workers to our <br /> community development team. This will allow us to cultivate more deeper <br /> partnerships with our human services programs and partners. Our social workers <br /> will still work day-in and day-out with our police officers, while being highly <br /> connected to our community partners. This budget also includes funding for an <br /> additional social worker to help meet the growing needs and provide more <br /> coverage evenings and weekends, providing more support for our police teams <br /> and people experiencing trauma. <br /> Housing & affordability <br /> Housing and affordability are key to a thriving, healthy community. Over the past <br /> 10 years, we've faced a shortage of housing at all price points, and particularly for <br /> lower-income residents. This is contributing to a crisis that is most visible in the <br /> increase of the homeless population around our city and county. The economic <br /> impact of COVID is making the situation even worse. <br /> I will continue efforts to build capacity in Everett by working in partnership with <br /> Snohomish County. Now and into 2021 we will be focused on affordable housing, <br /> as well as shelter capacity, to ensure that the needs of our residents, businesses <br /> and those in need in our community, are addressed. <br /> In 2021, our Rethink Zoning process moves to implementation phase, and our <br /> Rethink Housing efforts will inspire our community's response to the housing <br /> challenges we are facing. Our hope is to simplify our zoning codes so they make <br /> more sense, as well engage our community to understand our housing needs now <br /> and into the future. <br />