Making Everett Safe for our Children
Mayor Cassie Franklin has been in office since 2018, yet it wasn’t until March 20, 2025 — after a string of deeply troubling youth violence incidents — that her administration released a school safety plan. That’s too little, too late.
Everett families deserve leadership that prioritizes public safety before tragedy strikes. As mayor, I will act with urgency and accountability. The safety directive I’m releasing today lays out clear, practical steps to protect our children and our neighborhoods — and I invite the current administration to adopt it now. Our kids can’t afford to wait until next year.
Every family should feel confident that their child can walk to school safely, that parks and public spaces are secure, and that community safety is a top priority. But today, crime near schools and youth gathering spaces is on the rise — and Everett’s current approach has been reactive instead of preventative.
This is unacceptable. As mayor, I will take immediate and sustained action to make Everett safer for everyone. This directive is just the beginning.
Immediate Actions to Protect Everett’s Children
Emergency Deployment of Law Enforcement to School Zones and Public Spaces
- The Everett Police Department will immediately increase patrols near all schools, particularly at high-risk areas where recent violence has occurred.
- More School Resource Officers (SROs) will be deployed in middle and high schools facing high crime risks to prevent violence and protect students.
Zero Tolerance for Threats Against Children
- A dedicated Youth Violence Unit will be created to target known activity near schools, parks, and community centers.
- The City Attorney’s Office will prioritize prosecution to ensure accountability and protect victims.
- A new Student Harassment Prevention Initiative will be implemented in partnership with Everett Public Schools and law enforcement to ensure zero tolerance for threats or intimidation against children.
Safe Streets and Safe Walking Routes for Kids
- Streetlights, crosswalks, and pedestrian safety measures will be enhanced around all Everett schools and along high-crime corridors such as Broadway and Evergreen Way.
- Surveillance cameras will be installed near high-incident areas to deter crime and assist law enforcement.
Reinstating the Park Ranger Program for Public Safety
- The Park Ranger program will be restored to increase security at playgrounds, sports fields, and community parks where children and families gather.
- Park Rangers will work alongside police to monitor high-risk areas, report suspicious activity, and engage with the community to promote safety.
Community Accountability
- All city departments will be required to submit an annual Public Safety Progress Report, ensuring that safety improvements are tracked and measured.
- All city citizen committees will be required to include public safety on their regular agenda and will be asked to bring new ideas and improvements to staff for consideration.
A Mayor’s Responsibility: Making Everett Safe for Every Child
Public safety is not about politics—it’s about protecting our children and ensuring that Everett is a city where families can thrive.
The current administration has no plan to address the rising violence near our schools, parks, and neighborhoods. Our children deserve better.
As mayor, I will make public safety my top priority.