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RETHINK HOUSING ACTION PLAN PROJECT EVERETT Everett Housing Action Plan ii Executive Summary RETHINK HOUSING ACTION PLAN PROJECT EVERETT OVERVIEW Everett needs more housing to meet the needs of the entire community. The current housing availability and affordability crisis across the nation, here in the Puget Sound, and in Everett continues to threaten housing stability and quality of life for the community. Many of those hit hardest are households and individuals that have fixed or lower incomes as well as underserved and communities of color in the community. Housing for all is a key component to a thriving healthy city. In 2019, the City Council directed staff to develop a set of housing growth strategies, policies, and programs to increase housing supply and choices for current and future residents. In 2020, Mayor Franklin placed significant emphasis on the need for a community-wide action plan. Rethink Housing Action Plan Committee Recommendation Mayor Franklin appointed a Committee to review and make recommendations on key strategies the City could take to improve the housing condition in Everett. The Committee met several times and considered public input and staff recommendations during their deliberations. A final plan was recommended on June 3, 2021. KEY ASPECTS OF RETHINK HOUSING ACTION PLAN The purpose of the plan is to layout clear and achievable strategies that will support more housing and preservation of existing homes to equitably meet the needs of the community. The Housing Action Plan recommended strategies better align the City’s policies, regulations, and funding to allow greater predictability for developers and a greater variety of housing types, making it possible to increase housing supply while preserving community character and compatibility with existing neighborhoods. The main areas of the strategies emphasize: increasing housing variety, development in urban corridors, transit-oriented communities, and affordability and displacement. These strategies promote opportunities to encourage infill development in single family zones, also referred to as “missing middle housing”, that may feature more compact housing types, including accessory dwelling units, corner lot duplexes, townhouses, and courtyard apartments. Supporting strong incentives for new market rate and affordable housing production and displacement strategies in both urban corridors and transit- oriented communities are priorities identified in the Housing Action Plan. Evaluating parking requirements and long-term progress monitoring are also key components in the areas of focus. NEXT STEPS The Housing Action Plan actions fall into key implementation steps and establishes an implementation schedule.