Ordinance 3454-15 with Exhibits A- C

EVERETT COMPREHENSIVE PLAN III. City of Everett's Role in Economic Development Everett, like other cities and counties, plays a significant, though limited role in shaping how the local economy performs. Regional, national and global economies and events have a much greater impact on the local economy than land use policies or infrastructure investment the city might implement. The economic recession, from which we are still recovering, showed how national policies and regulations can have a dramatic effect on our regional and local economy. The Port of Everett provides a critical link to international trade and is an effective partner to provide business and developers access and key contacts in the Pacific Rim. Becoming known as a city engaged in international trade is an important factor for businesses relocating and, more importantly, expanding. Seventy percent of new -jobs will come from those companies already here, according to the Brookings Institute in their study of the Puget Sound Region. This has played out in the most recent company expansions, mergers and new site opportunities. The City has a critical advantage, given its size and distance from Seattle and lower costs. It is key that the city provide ample land opportunities for these growing firms and an expedient and predictable permitting process. Quality lifestyles with access to the arts and recreation, low crime, good schools, and efficient traffic handling are extremely important in making the City a place where businesses and its employees will want to stay and grow. Given the lessons learned from the economic recession and current budget realities, there are four key areas in which the city can take a leadership role to promote economic development for the benefit of its citizens. These are: 1) land use (zoning, development standards, permit processing); 2) public facility and service investments (utilities, transportation improvements, public safety, etc.); 3) marketing, cooperation and coordination with other entities (Port of Everett, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, citizens and property owners, businesses, etc.); and 4) recruitment and retention of business in Everett. This element of the comprehensive plan will focus on these four areas. IV. General Status of Everett and the Planning Area Economy In our Everett community, opportunities are heavily influenced by our natural resources. Everett is home to The Boeing Co.'s massive manufacturing complex, a magnet that draws numerous aerospace and technology companies to the area. In 2014, Everett was selected to be the assembly and manufacturing center for the 777X and its wing. This decision, along with the 787 siting in 2003, solidifies Everett's status as the aerospace manufacturing capital in North America for decades. Everett is also home to the Port of Everett, the only international seaport in the City and Snohomish County. This natural deep -water port is a national asset that supported nearly $22.7 billion in exports in 2013 and supports more than 34,000 jobs. In the late 1980s, the Port sold 110 acres of its trade facilities to the U.S. Navy, which allowed for the construction of Naval Station Everett that opened in 1994. Today, Naval Station Everett is the County's second largest employer, and accounts for approximately 2% of the total employment in Snohomish County. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ELEMENT