Mayor Franklin issues directive on local response to immigration enforcement; outlines jobs, housing and new outdoor event center

Mayor Cassie Franklin used her ninth annual State of the City address to announce a mayoral directive guiding Everett’s response when federal immigration enforcement is active and to lay out priorities for jobs, housing, infrastructure and a new downtown outdoor event center.

The directive, Franklin said, establishes protocols for city staff that restrict access to non‑public areas without a warrant and “reinforces our police department’s compliance with Washington state law, including prohibiting participation in civil immigration enforcement and not inquiring about immigration status.” She framed the measure as a safety and dignity issue, saying it is “not about politics, it's about safety, dignity, stability, and trust.”

Why it matters: Franklin said escalated enforcement activity is creating fear among families and businesses and hurting local commerce; the directive is intended to reduce uncertainty for residents and strengthen partnerships with immigrant‑serving organizations. The mayor named several local partners her office will work with, including Latino Education and Training Institute and Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest.

Economic development and jobs were central to the address. Franklin praised aerospace and clean‑energy companies choosing Everett, citing Boeing’s announced expansion of a fourth 737 production line and saying hiring for that line is already under way. Gina Brekelman of Boeing Global Engagement noted the company’s plans to expand 737 production in Everett and highlighted local hiring and the plant’s role in the regional economy.

Franklin also credited recent local growth to small and mid‑sized businesses: the city issued nearly 1,600 business licenses in 2025, which she said is more than triple the number at the start of her tenure.

Infrastructure and services: The mayor described progress on major infrastructure projects — including the Edgewater Bridge replacement — and thanked federal partners for funding advocacy. On transit, Franklin reported nearly 90,000 paratransit trips last year and reiterated her advocacy for Everett Link light rail in coordination with Community Transit and Sound Transit.

Public safety and response: Franklin said overall crime fell by “more than 20% from 2024 to 2025,” with vehicle thefts dropping about 70%, and that the city swore in 17 new officers last year, bringing staffing to an all‑time high. She announced Chief Robert Goetz’s appointment following Chief Deroos’s retirement and described investments in specialized training, a drone pilot program and other tools the city uses under policies intended to protect privacy and community trust.

Behavioral health: The mayor highlighted expansion of the CARE alternative response team, saying it served more than 3,000 residents in 2025 and can deploy trained social workers alongside or separately from public safety crews to de‑escalate calls and connect people to services.

Housing and growth: Franklin said the city is streamlining permitting to speed housing development, reporting nearly 1,000 homes under construction and another 1,000 planned. The city will pre‑approve several backyard cottage plans to simplify permitting and is evaluating annexation areas where residents have Everett addresses but do not yet receive full city services.

Outdoor Event Center and events: Franklin described the planned Everett Outdoor Event Center as a “once‑in‑a‑generation” project, naming anchor tenants including the AquaSox and USL soccer and saying the facility is expected to draw about 400,000 visitors annually and generate roughly $50,000,000 in economic activity per year. She said property acquisitions are in progress, leases with anchor tenants are being finalized, and the city expects the venue to open next year. The mayor also announced that Everett will host official FIFA World Cup fan‑zone watch parties in June at Boxcar Park, with large screens, family activities and free shuttles.

What comes next: Franklin emphasized partnerships with labor, developers and regional agencies to sustain momentum while pursuing long‑term fiscal stability. She closed by urging continued civic participation and repeating the evening’s theme — “Everett takes the field.”

Quotes: “This is not about politics, it's about safety, dignity, stability, and trust,” Franklin said when explaining the mayoral directive. “We are making incredible progress, and it's because we know how to play the long game.”

No formal council votes were recorded in the program; the mayor described the mayoral directive as an administrative action taken by her office.