The Downtown Everett Association (DEA) is seeking a creative consultant to develop a Vision and Action Plan. The plan will guide the physical and cultural development and revitalization efforts within roughly 40 blocks in Downtown Everett. This plan will build on downtown’s strengths while incorporating new ideas, creating a vision for the future and an achievable roadmap for the next 10 years.
As a downtown management organization, DEA focuses on enhancing the district through clean and safe services, marketing, business recruitment, and placemaking. DEA is a national and Washington State accredited Main Street organization, emphasizing economic development through enhancing our historic assets. With deep roots in the community, DEA aims for a plan that reflects its ongoing commitment to advance a vibrant and thriving downtown.
Over the past two decades, several City of Everett (City) led plans have shaped Downtown’s growth, including Everett Downtown Plan (2006) and Metro Everett (2018, amended 2020). The DEA is launching the Vision and Action Plan to build directly on this foundation. This plan complements and activates existing City planning efforts delivering a clear 10-year Vision for Downtown Everett, underpinned by a prioritized five-year Strategic Action Plan.
The City of Everett is located approximately 25 miles north of Seattle and is the seventh most populated city in the state of Washington. Everett’s downtown is a vibrant urban core rich with history and framed by a stunning natural landscape. Situated on a peninsula bordered by the Snohomish River and Port Gardner Bay, and bisected by I-5, it balances accessibility with scenic beauty. The area is a patchwork of historic Prohibition-era architecture, classic storefronts, and modern developments that reflect its evolution as the seat of Snohomish County.
This unique character is defined by cultural landmarks like Schack Art Center, The Village Theater, APEX Everett, and New Everett Theater. It also features the global headquarters of Funko, attracting international visitors, and a mix of independent restaurants, boutique retail, and community events. The presence of Angel Of The Winds Arena further cements downtown’s reputation as a vibrant center for creativity and cultural connection.
At the same time, Downtown Everett faces several impediments to realizing its full potential. Obvious opportunities include connecting various districts, updating streetscapes, opportunities for redevelopment, and improving public spaces. As Everett and Snohomish County prepare for significant growth, including new housing, a light rail station, a new outdoor events and sports stadium, this revitalization plan must address current issues and forward-looking opportunities while honoring the district’s heritage.
To meet this moment, DEA seeks a plan that goes beyond a standard ‘wish list’ of improvements. We require a vital readiness strategy that demonstrates how downtown will be strategically positioned, ensuring that physical enhancements and economic strategies are resilient –leveraging growth and change. This plan will focus on economic development, public realm, transportation, growth, equity, and land use, while considering themes outlined in the DEA’s Strategic Plan and addressing other important issues to the community. It’s crucial to find a consultant who can offer innovative solutions while highlighting community involvement. We envision a plan that prioritizes the physical development of downtown, guides its future, and enables DEA and the City to address areas of improvement that benefit downtown now and in the future.
Timeline
RFP Posted: May 19, 2026
Proposal Submission Deadline – June 19, 2026, 5:00 PM PST
Anticipated Consultant Selection – July 2026
Anticipated Project Start Date – Summer 2026
