Approved Everett budget includes housing, other help for the homeless

Published 6:29 pm Thursday, December 3, 2015

EVERETT — The Everett City Council has approved a $324.8 million spending plan for 2016 that includes more money to build housing for chronically homeless people.

Mayor Ray Stephanson announced earlier this year a plan to build 20 units of low-barrier supportive housing over the next two years. The 2016 budget includes money that will start that process, as well as create a dedicated unit within the Everett Police Department to help homeless people get access to mental health care, substance abuse treatment or other services — instead of focusing on jail time.

The budget also includes funding for several major projects, including the Grand Avenue Park pedestrian bridge to the waterfront, new fields at Kasch Park, and new restrooms at Wiggums Hollow Park.

The spending plan is part of a $500 million total budget that includes $175.6 million in reserve and pension funds that is not expected to be spent in the coming year, but which must still be accounted for.