A Downtown Improvement District (DID) may be the most useful set of tools since the invention of the Swiss Army knife. A combination of maintenance and prevention programs, Downtown Everett’s DID creates a safe and healthy environment for everyone to enjoy.

The idea of forming a Downtown Improvement District (DID) came in response to a growing awareness of Downtown Everett’s deteriorating condition in the early 1990’s. Weeds sprouted from sidewalk cracks, graffiti marred building walls, and garbage containers overflowed with trash. Unless a solution could be found, downtown’s future was threatened.

To reverse this trend, downtown supporters saw the formation of a DID as a time-tested solution—one that could prevent problems as well as respond to them. Thus, a group of active downtown stakeholders—business and property owners, community leaders, and concerned citizens—drafted a new plan of action. This plan now forms the basis of operations for the DID.

Here is how it works, each property owner pays an annual assessment for services such as the ongoing maintenance of sidewalks, alleys, and other common areas. These funds are collected by the City of Everett’s Finance Department, and are administered by the Downtown Everett Association. Once collected, assessments are put to work making Downtown Everett a clean, safe, and vibrant environment.

Initiatives supported by DID assessments:

• Manage a Clean Team dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness of downtown
• Partner with City of Everett on public safety, parking, lighting, events, and marketing
• Advocate with government leaders on economic development issues and initiatives
• Collect data to track downtown economic health across a variety of metrics
• Facilitate Ratepayer Advisory Council meetings
• Provide effective program administration and financial management

For over two decades, the Downtown Everett Association has been successfully providing enhanced services to create a cleaner, safer, and more attractive downtown. We are proud of the work we’ve done and are eager offer services that encourage investment and growth in Downtown Everett.