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Everett council adopts Vision Zero resolution to eliminate traffic fatalities by 2050
Summary
The Everett City Council voted unanimously to adopt a Vision Zero resolution committing the city to substantially reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries and to pursue federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding to implement targeted safety projects.
The Everett City Council on Jan. 22 adopted a resolution committing the city to “significantly reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries” with a long-term goal of zero by 2050.
City traffic engineer Corey Hurd briefed the council on Vision 0 Everett, describing it as “a long range plan so no family needs to be touched by serious injury and fatal crashes” and an incremental program to deliver near-term safety actions and longer-term projects.
The plan, developed with consultants Kimley-Horn and DKS, identifies 37 candidate safety improvement locations — 17 roadway segments and 20 intersections — and will be narrowed to a prioritized top 20 for further design and funding pursuit. Brent Crowther, project manager for Kimley-Horn, explained that the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program requires a local leadership commitment as a condition of eligibility. Nikki Davis of DKS described work to align Vision 0 with Everett policies including the local road safety plan, transportation improvement plan and the city’s speed-limit setting approach.
Hurd and the consultants said the plan emphasizes the safe systems approach — combining safer street design, appropriate speed management, education and enforcement. The city intends to pair project recommendations with changes to speed-setting policy and tools such as leading pedestrian intervals. Hurd noted that pedestrian-involved crashes accounted for 31% of fatal crashes in the five-year analysis the team presented.
Council members asked about public engagement, timelines and enforcement. Hurd said the city will launch an online mapping and comment tool in February and will collect speed and traffic data on a rotation to inform speed-limit decisions. Council member Bader raised concerns about enforcement and repeat violators, and the consultants and staff responded that the policy is intended to be one part of the broader “engineering, education and enforcement” approach.
The motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded; the council voted by roll call with six affirmative votes, and the resolution passed.
The resolution directs staff to continue the Vision 0 planning process, pursue SS4A and other implementation funding, and return with policy and project details for council review and prioritization.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution adopting Vision 0 Everett (Item 15): passed by roll call (Yes: Vice President Zarlingo; Council Member Mary Fosse; Council Member Bader; Council Member Rhine; Council Member Toohey; President Schwab).
