2019/07/24 Council Agenda Packet

HOUSING EVERETT EVERETT PROFILE As the largest city in Snohomish County, Everett serves an increasingly diverse community of more than 110,000 residents. Located 25 miles north of Seattle,the city is situated between Port Gardner Bay and the Snohomish River.The metropolitan city also serves as the county seat. Everett is expected to grow to a population of 165,000 by 2035 and an employment base of about 140,000 presenting growth challenges given the city's vacant land availability and access to a higher level of transportation infrastructure needed to accommodate these changes. The City recognizes there are current conditions and future housing needs at all economic levels as well as the region-wide housing crisis overshadowing housing production and the city's aging housing stock. Given the current and future housing needs, most new housing will be in multifamily development and housing types other than single family homes. Everett's average household size supports smaller unit sizes. It is important to fully understand the barriers to housing so that creative and realistic solutions can come to fruition through collaborative public private partnerships. In 2019, Mayor Cassie Franklin declared"housing for all" as one of the City's top priorities moving forward. Quality of Life Everett's historic downtown is home to an arts, culture and music scene, dining, pubs and breweries,Angel of the Winds Arena, and family-oriented festivals year-round.The downtown also hosts unique shopping experiences including toy maker Funko's headquarters.Angel of the Winds Arena has a community ice rink, and is home to the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club, and Funko Field is home to the Everett Aquasox minor-league baseball team. Residential areas,the majority zoned single-family, are located throughout the city from the south end near Silver Lake and Casino Road, northward along the Evergreen Way transit corridor,the downtown core and north Everett communities. Residents have access to recreation opportunities nearby including skiing, hiking, biking and kite boarding, with the Cascade Mountains to the east and the bay to the west.The City's Parks and Community Services Department maintains a large network of parks and programs. Everett is easy to access to by car,train, bus and air. Everett Paine Field began commercial air service in early 2019 with 24 daily flights to destinations along the west coast and beyond, connecting Everett to the world.The airport provides service to several domestic destinations. Employment& Education There are a number of large employers in and near the city most in the manufacturing sector, predominately in the aerospace industry. The majority of residents, approximately 61% have less than a 30-minute travel time commuting to work. Major employers in Snohomish County include The Boeing Company, Naval Station Everett, Providence Regional Medical Center, Snohomish County Government,the Everett Clinic, Fluke Manufacturing, and Funko. Higher education opportunities exist in the community with the presence of Everett Community College and Washington State University. Everett Public Schools have a 96 percent 5-year graduation rate. Population Growth and Changes Residents are deeply rooted in its history and community connections. Neighborhood groups and nonprofit civic groups are actively engaged in community initiatives. Everett is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse with the Hispanic or Latino community the as biggest population group. Significant changes are also occurring in the age demographic in the 35 to 39 age group and people over 65 most notably indicating future pressures on housing for seniors. EVERETT WASHINGTON Community, Planning, and Economic Development Wage 5