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"Shannon listens and works effectively to address community issues. I appreciate his understanding of the concerns that businesses face and his sound judgment regarding City spending and the use of our tax dollars."
Judy Matheson
Everett Business Owner
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Issues - Economic Development
The impact of this recession has been deeply felt by people and families throughout our community.
We face economic hardships not seen since the Great Depression. Now more than ever, Everett must
focus on attracting and retaining good-paying jobs that can create employment opportunities for
our citizens and restore people's confidence in the future. As a City Council member, I intend
to help our community pursue thoughtful economic development that will draw responsible companies
into Everett during these challenging times.
Shannon reviewing the plans of a local construction project in Everett
While working to attract new jobs to our community, I want to ensure that we also make strategic
investments that will enable Everett to remain competitive with other cities in the Puget Sound
region. These investments include infrastructure and educational programs that can support aerospace,
health care, and other key industries. We can attract entrepreneurs and businesses to Everett by
establishing a four-year university for our community and redeveloping Everett's riverfront.
To reach this goal of a diversified economic base, I have worked hard with Mayor Stephanson and
other leaders to ensure that we achieve the right balance of regulation and taxation. For example,
I supported the expansion of a property tax incentive in the downtown area for multi-family
residential development that will help revitalize the city and bring more customers to our
downtown businesses.
Everett is already becoming a more compelling choice for future employers thanks to our
commitment to building world-class facilities like Comcast Arena, Providence Regional Medical
Center, and Everett Station. Positive changes are taking place in our downtown area and
throughout the city, but we still have work to do. By helping business owners create good-paying
jobs for dedicated people and families, I hope to establish Everett as the city where high
quality employers and employees come together.
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