First Public Safety, Now Everett Mayor Targets Economic Development

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin is wasting no time issuing her second Mayoral Directive on the heels of her “State of the City” address earlier today.

Back on January 11th she issued her first directive targeting youth, gun and gang violence.

Today’s directive covers community planning and economic development.

“Everett has all of the ingredients we need to promote positive growth and to create a vibrant, attractive community,” said Franklin. “I am thrilled to help lead the charge as we strengthen our economy, bring new jobs and job centers to Everett, and take advantage of the innovative, creative institutions that are the foundation of our city.”

The mayoral directive realigns City resources to better achieve short- and long-term economic goals and includes a focus on developing key business corridors and districts. Franklin will also establish an economic development advisory committee to advise City staff.

The directive also includes a renewed focus on promoting Everett to new businesses, residents and visitors, which will be led by Meghan Pembroke, executive director of communications and marketing.

“We have so much going for us – from incredible schools and colleges to leaders in industry and health care to an amazing natural setting,” said Franklin. “We need a comprehensive, proactive marketing and branding effort that highlights those strengths.”

Under the directive, the City will:

• Establish an Office of Communications and Marketing to develop and manage City-wide branding and marketing campaigns, including the City’s tourism initiative.
• Establish an Office of Community Planning and Economic Development to better align the City’s resources and more effectively achieve Everett’s short-and long-term economic development priorities, including the recruitment of new businesses and the retention of existing businesses.
• Establish an economic development advisory committee of local business leaders and City Council representatives to work closely with the Office of Community Planning and Economic Development on economic development initiatives and emerging opportunities.
• Finalize and implement the Metro Everett plan to encourage development downtown and near Angel of the Winds Arena and Everett Station
• Develop strategic plans for business growth and expansion for key corridors/districts, including Broadway/College District, Paine Field, Evergreen Way, the Everett Mall, and Metro Everett.

Each initiative includes timelines for implementation or reporting.

Again you can click here to see the complete directive including timelines and expectations.