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Commission reviews draft economic development goals; staff flags edits and actions for next steps
Summary
Planning staff and economic development officials reviewed proposed goals and policies aimed at diversifying Everett’s economy, supporting home-based businesses and ADU considerations, and listed short-term actions including revising a manufacturing subarea plan and pursuing an arts district certification.
The Planning Commission reviewed a draft Economic Development element Feb. 18 that city staff said aims to diversify Everett’s economy, support business retention and attraction, and expand neighborhood-level economic opportunities.
Allison (planning staff) presented goals and policy language prepared with the city’s economic development team. Staff said the draft emphasizes a multi‑faceted economy and includes topics such as business retention, equitable workforce opportunity, employment centers, creative industries and sustainability. Staff noted edits suggested by the economic development director (Dan Earnesty) and asked commissioners for feedback and more time to refine language.
Specific policy and action items discussed: commissioners and staff debated language about temporary markets and whether the policy should enumerate examples; staff reported a late comment asking to add “climate innovation” and “health sciences” to sector lists. The commission also discussed home-based-business and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules: current home-occupation rules in Everett limit home-based commercial activity to 25% of the dwelling (or 600 square feet, whichever is less) and require access through the residence. Staff said the intent of the policy is to provide more flexibility and to explicitly allow small, low‑impact home businesses, including in ADUs, but that the existing development regulations will need updating to align with policy.
Short-term actions: staff said the recommended near‑term actions include updating the Southwest Everett manufacturing center subarea plan and Microsoft/PSRC-related MIC designation work, applying for ArtsWA creative-district certification for the downtown arts district, and exploring a community development corporation or public development authority to support development goals.
Ending: commissioners requested time to “marinate” on the draft, asked staff to circulate an annotated version with highlights for changes, and said they would return comments in advance of the next meeting. Staff committed to provide a revised, numbered draft and supporting notes.
