EVERETT, OCT. 15: The City of Everett is gathering community feedback on Everett’s budget priorities as it navigates an estimated $7.9 million deficit for 2026.
For the year 2025, the city had to cut more than $12 million dollars in general government funding, impacting 55 general fund positions and reducing services.
As of August 2025, the general government deficit for the upcoming year is approximately $7.9 million.
Everett has been dealing with a deficit every year since 2001, with the city and Mayor Cassie Franklin pointing to an initiative limiting municipalities from increasing property tax levies by 1% annually.
The city has five budget priorities:
- Safe Community
- Responsive & Responsible Government
- Housing, Transportation & Infrastructure
- Economic, Workforce & Cultural Vitality
- Engaged & Informed Community
The survey will help rank city priorities that matter most to the community and to share concerns on what might be missing, a press release from the city said. Responses will help shape how resources are planned and allocated for the year ahead. The survey can be found here: surveymonkey.com/r/everett_2026_budget
Mayor Franklin will give her proposed 2026 budget address on Wednesday, Oct. 22, during the city council meeting.
To learn more about the city budget, see here.
