Downtown Everett is entering an exciting new chapter. The Downtown Vision and Action Plan is a community-driven initiative led by the Downtown Everett Association (DEA) to map out the future of our urban core.This isn’t just a high-level strategic document—it’s a working roadmap designed to pair big-picture growth with practical, near-term actions that deliver real results.
Urban Design & Streetscapes: Enhancing the physical character, walkability, and aesthetic of our downtown streets.
Vibrant Public Spaces: Creating welcoming parks, plazas, and gathering places where people want to spend time.
Economic Vitality: Supporting local businesses, attracting new investments, and strengthening our commercial district.
Community Connections: Ensuring downtown is accessible, inclusive, and connected for every resident, worker, and visitor.
A plan for Downtown Everett must be built by Downtown Everett. Over the coming months, DEA and our planning partners at Perkins Eastman will be out in the community gathering direct feedback through:
Whether you own a local shop, live in the neighborhood, work downtown, or visit on the weekends, your voice is essential to shaping this shared blueprint.
The Downtown Everett Association has partnered with Perkins Eastman, a global architecture and urban design firm specializing in human-centered planning and vibrant public realms. Led by Susan McLaughlin, Principal-in-Charge of Perkins Eastman’s Seattle office, the team brings deep local knowledge and national expertise to Everett’s core.
The planning process will continue into 2027, culminating in the final plan deliverable in Spring 2027. The final document will serve as an official guide for the City of Everett, local agencies, property owners, and community organizations to coordinate future investments, policies, and developments.
Our Public Life Study was completed on October 17, 2026, marking an important step in developing the Downtown Vision and Action Plan. Thank you to the volunteers who shared their time to help us better understand how people use Downtown Everett’s public spaces!
What is a Public Life Study?
A public life study provides a data-driven snapshot of how people use shared spaces, including streets, parks, and plazas. These observations help identify what’s working, where there are opportunities for improvement, and how we can create places that people enjoy spending time in.
What did volunteers do?
Working in pairs, volunteers observed downtown public spaces on October 13 and 17, counting people and recording their activities. This information will help inform recommendations for the design and activation of downtown’s public spaces.
Visioning Workshops
At these two visioning workshops you will have the opportunity to share your ideas, help identify downtown’s biggest challenges, and shape a vision for its future. Learn more HERE.
Public Survey
This survey offers another opportunity for community members to share their feedback and ideas as the plan takes shape. The findings from the study will be considered alongside input gathered throughout the community engagement process to help inform the Downtown Vision and Action Plan.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved, share your ideas, and help shape the future of downtown!
