Mayor Cassie Franklin gave her 9th ever budget address to the Everett, Washington City Council tonight. Like the other eight before, the message included a reference to the structural deficit that the city has faced for more than a decade. Here is the press release issued by the Mayor after the address. Now the City Council will begin deliberating the budget, holding public hearings and working to pass the budget by the end of the year.
Mayor Cassie Franklin presented her proposed 2027 City of Everett budget during her annual budget address to the Everett City Council on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Her balanced budget avoids cuts to City services and staffing while advancing strategic investments in public safety, housing, quality of life and economic development.
The proposed budget totals nearly $766 million, including $204 million for general government services. While Everett faced a projected $13.1 million structural deficit for 2027, recently approved revenue measures and strong economic growth would allow the City to balance the budget without further reductions.
“I’m proud to bring forward a fiscally responsible budget that protects core services, maintains our reserves and allows us to make bold investments in Everett’s future,” said Mayor Franklin. “At a time when we’re seeing headlines about cities facing significant service reductions and layoffs, it’s particularly noteworthy that we developed a budget for Everett that doesn’t cut services or staff.”
While the 2027 budget is balanced, Everett will continue to face a structural deficit. Franklin emphasized the importance of pursuing responsible local revenue options while continuing to advocate for state-level reforms to modernize the funding of critical local services.
“There’s only so much our City can do to address the structural budget deficit,” said Mayor Franklin. “We need the State to do its part and give cities more reliable revenue tools that can keep pace with how much it costs to actually provide the essential services that keep our communities moving.”
Protecting essential services and investing in the community
The proposed budget maintains Everett’s investments in public safety, including funding for 220 police officer positions, sustaining fire and emergency medical services, and adding capacity for municipal court and emergency management. It also continues funding for the City’s successful CARE alternative response program, which has served more than 2,200 individuals this year and responded to more than 800 active 911 calls without police or EMS.
The budget includes investments supporting housing including, adding a plans examiner to help expedite permit reviews and continuing efforts to encourage housing development. It restores Human Needs grants to nearly $500,000, which will support local nonprofits that serve individuals and families in need.
New proposals focused on public safety and south Everett
Franklin also announced plans to bring forward new initiatives aimed at strengthening City services and preparing for future growth.
Public safety sales tax: To protect Everett’s public safety investments over the long term, Franklin plans to ask City Council to consider a one-tenth of 1% public safety sales tax. Several other Snohomish County cities have either already implemented a public safety sales tax or are currently considering it. The proposed revenue would help sustain police staffing, establish dedicated funding for the CARE program and address increasing criminal justice costs, including jail services and indigent defense.
“Bringing forward any type of tax increase is difficult, but ultimately, this is the best option available to protect and build upon our progress strengthening public safety,” said Mayor Franklin.
South Everett directive: The mayor also announced plans to issue a new directive focused on south Everett, where significant growth and change are anticipated in the coming years. The directive will guide City staff in identifying opportunities for strategic investments, preparing infrastructure and services for growth, and ensuring future development benefits existing neighborhoods.
“Growth brings change, but with thoughtful planning and strong community partnerships, we can make sure that change honors and protects the rich cultural diversity, character and sense of community that make south Everett so special,” said Mayor Franklin.
Preparing Everett for the future
Mayor Franklin also discussed the proposed consolidation of Everett Transit and Community Transit.
Transit consolidation would create opportunities for expanded transit service, stronger regional connections and increase transit capacity in preparation for the arrival of light rail. Additionally, it would address the ongoing issue of Everett Transit’s long-term financial sustainability and allow the City to reinvest one-time resources associated with consolidation into priorities such as parks and pedestrian infrastructure.
“Transit consolidation offers a path forward to protect what we’ve built while creating opportunities for improved service and a strong transportation system,” said Mayor Franklin.
Addressing Everett’s long-term financial challenges
While the proposed 2027 budget is balanced, Franklin emphasized that Everett’s structural deficit remains an ongoing challenge. The City has closed more than $100 million in projected budget gaps in recent years through service reductions, staffing cuts, finding efficiencies, identifying partnerships, capturing new revenue and encouraging economic development. However, the cost of providing essential services continues to outpace available revenue.
Franklin called on state lawmakers to modernize local government funding tools to help Washington cities sustainably provide the services their communities depend on.
“We need our state legislature to provide cities with tools that allow us to plan responsibly for the long term rather than face the same structural budget gap every year,” said Mayor Franklin.
Budget process and public participation
The full proposed 2027 budget will be delivered to Everett City Council in late October and a digital version will be available on the City website. Visit: www.everettwa.gov/2027budget.
Council will deliberate on the budget and hold multiple public hearings in November, providing opportunities for community members to provide feedback. Input can also be shared via email. Final action on the 2027 budget is scheduled to occur in early December.
- To learn more about City Council meetings and opportunities for public comment, visit www.everettwa.gov/council
- To read, watch or listen to the full 2027 Budget Address, visit www.everettwa.gov/budgetaddress
- For information about the City’s budget process, visit www.everettwa.gov/budget