Hello and Happy New Year!
As the Everett Active Transportation Advisory nears its first anniversary, and I’d like to take a moment to reflect on this past year and look to what’s ahead. We are deeply grateful for the leadership and partnership of Eric Molinari and Aya Oulal in the Everett Transportation Department, whose support has been instrumental in helping the committee get off the ground.
Over the past year, we’ve had many opportunities to hear directly from residents-whether tabling at community events or hosting our own. Much of the feedback revolves around safety. Parents would like their children to be able to bike around the city, but are worried the bike lanes aren’t safe enough. Students have told us that they would like to see more crossing guards and clearer signage around schools. Some suggestions are as simple but high-impact: repainting crosswalks for better visibility and installing speed bumps or speed humps to reduce speeding.
These conversations reinforce why active transportation infrastructure is so important. I’m proud to live in Everett and am excited about the upcoming transportation projects, including the Silver Line extension, Commuter Rail station, and the Mystic River Pedestrian Bridge. These projects will expand residents’ abilities to visit nearby communities without requiring a car.
Looking ahead, the committee plans to collaborate with neighboring cities on community events, develop educational resources for residents, and continue advocating on their behalf to local leaders.
In just one year as Chair of Everett ATAC, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges municipalities face as they try to balance competing priorities, limited budgets, and regulatory constraints. It’s helped me understand why even seemingly small changes can take a long time to implement. At the same time, I’ve also learned that it only takes a few people to make those changes happen. Community input plays avital role in shaping infrastructure projects, and local advocacy is an excellent way to get to know your neighbors, speak with your elected officials, and bring you a sense of civic pride. If you’ve thought about joining the Everett ATAC, I hope you make this the year.
Thank you for your engagement and support. Together, we can make Everett a safer, more connected, and more welcoming city for everyone who walks, bikes, or takes transit.
Sincerely,
Andrea Porras
Chair, Everett Active Transportation Advisory Committee
