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THORESEN-PETERSON PLANNING GROUP ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT STUDY SYNOPSIS Images Often perceived image of Everett -- Old Milltown. Interpretation -- former industrial area heavy into forest products; past its prime; blue-collar, lunch bucket community; hard working residents; utilitarian services with few amenities. Recreation, entertainment, culture, education generally found elsewhere in the Puget Sound region. Economy based on heavy industry manufacturing in related community services. Everett also shares Snohomish County reputation for being environmentally sensitive and considered anti-growth and development. A City struggling for identity between rural and urban. Image of community in the mind of locals centers around growing deterioration of downtown, lack of creativity or diversity at the waterfront, appropriate use of Paine Field, lack of cultural facilities and union history of the community. Finally, a perception that there also exists within the community a lack of cohesive private leadership and a corresponding lack of direction. Perceptions of three types of leadership: (1) old guard; (2) recent arrivals; (3) emerging leadership. Other more positive impressions revolve around Everett potential for development and likely recipient of future growth. Great potential along the waterfront. Good public education system. Good family town. Some perceive that the community has significantly moved toward modern industry while upgrading others by virtue of the addition of Hewlett Packard And Honeywell to the area; the existence of Boeing provides national and international recognition along with the home of Senator Henry M. Jackson. Some view housing stock as old, others interpret it as a rich history and tradition to be maintained, upgraded and nurtured. Community viewed as a town with excellent city services; security and infrastructure, with a concerned, capable political leadership. Downtown viewed as surviving even with threats from suburban malls. Three overall images portray Everett as (1) the old milltown where nothing happens and time passed it by; (2) a quiet community with some significant improvements that will experience growth in the next few years; and (3) a sleeping giant with lower land costs, spectacular views and the ability to blossom in the next decade.