Light Rail Coming to Everett in 2036—Grassroots Planning Already Underway

Stakeholders in Everett, Washington are preparing for the arrival of new light rail transit, expected to open in 2036, by planning for transit-oriented redevelopment and seeking local revenue for clean and safe enforcement in the area around the planned transit station.

Lizz Giordano reports on the work of theEverett Station District Alliance in forming a business improvement area (BIA) and mobilizing local stakeholders to a new vision for the land use around the Everett Station: "Imagine multi-story buildings rising around the Everett Station; apartments above stores, restaurants or office space, with plazas and parks mixed in."

The article focuses mostly on the proposed BIA, and the politics of rounding up the necessary support for a new assessment. The Everett Station District Alliance is focusing on the potential benefits of a BIA, which include public safety and cleaning services and the recruitment of new businesses in addition to advocating for more density and mixed-use buildings.