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From: Liz Stenning <liz.stenning@downtowneverettwa.org> <br />Sent: Monday, October 6, 2025 1:01 PM <br />To: DL‐Council <br />Cc: Cassie Franklin; Angela Ely <br />Subject: [EXTERNAL] Buffer Zone Ordinance Support CB 2509‐53 <br /> <br />CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless <br />you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. <br /> <br />Dear Everett City Councilmembers, <br /> <br />I am writing in advance of the 10/8 City Council meeting. On behalf of the Downtown Everett Association, I urge your continued <br />support for extending the Buffer Zone ordinance. A thriving downtown is vital to the health and prosperity of our city, and the <br />buffer zone has proven to be an effective tool in fostering a safe, welcoming, and vibrant environment. <br /> <br />Since its implementation, we’ve seen meaningful improvements. Our downtown field crews report fewer incidents of trash <br />and biohazards in high‐impact areas, and spaces like the Everpark Garage and the breezeway to Colby Avenue have become <br />noticeably more inviting and secure. The area surrounding the Imagine Children’s Museum, in particular, has benefited from <br />reduced negative disruptions making it a safer space for families and children. <br /> <br />We appreciate the City’s approach in pairing enforcement with outreach. The ongoing communication between law <br />enforcement and social workers has made a difference—not only in supporting our businesses and neighbors, but also in <br />connecting vulnerable individuals with the services they need. Our regular conversations with EPD and community <br />development staff highlight the positive, respectful interactions that help build trust and guide people toward stability. <br /> <br />Additionally, the ordinance’s requirement for a Right of Way Use permit has helped reduce unintended consequences from <br />food and supply events, such as litter and loitering, while still allowing for meaningful support to those in need. <br /> <br />Thank you for your leadership and commitment to the well‐being of our downtown community. We look forward to continuing <br />our partnership in making Everett a place where everyone feels safe, supported, and proud to belong. <br /> <br />Sincerely, <br /> <br />Liz Stenning <br />Executive Director <br />Downtown Everett Association <br />desk: 425-367-0355 <br /> <br /> <br />To advance a vibrant and thriving downtown <br />