Our guest speaker this past Friday on Zoom was Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. She is a member of the South Everett/Mukilteo Rotary Club.
The Mayor commented that this was the most challenging time in her lifetime. First there was the impact and dealing with Covid-19. It was an open, off the cuff presentation because on Thursday, her day was interrupted by the Boeing announcement that they were moving the entire Dreamliner production to South Carolina. Due to that announcement, the day was spent responding to the onslaught of calls from the media for comments and her reaction. Unlike most elected officials, the Mayor is taking the high road and isn't going to get into the Boeing bashing like so many others. Boeing still has a substantial investment in Everett and Snohomish County. The decision by Boeing was a business decision. Why? Because the fuselage is made in South Carolina and cannot be made here at the Everett plant. The cost to move the fuselage production to the Everett plant is over $1 billion dollars.
The Mayor is sad to see the lost of the Dreamliner and the loss of about 900 direct jobs. She feels supporting Boeing will pay dividends for future relations. During these trying times, the Mayor will focus on WSU and the NW Regional Innovation Center.
The Mayor commented that the anti-business climate to the South is opening up new channels of opportunities for Everett and Snohomish County. Looking at tax incentives that will attract companies like Bio-Tech and Green Advancement companies that are a growing entity and interested in locating here. Remote services is helping the community. On the good news front, the Rucker Street renewal and the Grand Avenue Park bridge are beautiful additions to the City. More walkable areas for visitors and neighbors.
The Mayor is focusing on brutality and praised the Everett Police Department for taking a pro-active stance on community development. Increasing the staffing of the police department is important because of the increase in criminal activity and the need to resolve the Safe Community goals. Training and staffing are important as well. The City recently received a $6.3 million dollar COPS grant--the second largest grant given to any community in the United States. The police department will be adding to the bicycle patrols and training grants will provide better assistance to patrolman to intervene if something is going wrong with another police officer.
The City of Everett is facing $18 million dollars in lost revenue. Significant reductions have already occurred because of the impact of COVID-19. The Senior Center will remained closed and other recreational programs will be affected as well. She acknowledge the close working relationship with Mayor Brett Gailey and former Mayor John Spencer of Lake Stevens.
She addressed a question about the importance of prioritizing the Lynnwood to Everett Light Rail which has been affected by the pandemic. There could be a delay of 1-2 years because of the deficit funding going on right now. Responding to another question about the 20th Street corridor water line owned by the City of Everett she commented that teams from both cities are working on the issue. The Mayor wants to protect the water resources and the City of Lake Stevens.
The Mayor commented that Naval Base Everett is growing and more ships are coming. She supports advocating for more ships with 5-6 already lined up. Thanks so much Mayor for a great discussion and update on what's going on in Everett.