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Everett · EVT-CP-2044 · Pages 125-194

Transportation Element

The Transportation Element establishes a strategic 20-year framework for Everett's multimodal transportation system covering walking, bicycling, transit, freight, and motor vehicles. It includes detailed project lists totaling $171.7 million in active transportation and roadway projects plus $306.2 million in transit projects, mode split goals, level-of-service standards, funding sources, and 58 numbered policies. The element coordinates with Sound Transit's Everett Link Extension, Community Transit's Swift BRT expansion, and state highway improvements.

Transportation Economy Environment Social Safety Governance

“Only 4 of 58 Transportation Element policies (7%) include a concrete, measurable commitment.” Real Record SAY vs DO analysis · Everett Comprehensive Plan

About this analysis

Real Record applies the SAY vs DO accountability framework to every chapter of every Washington comprehensive plan we publish. Each policy in the chapter is read individually and scored into one of four buckets:

  • Measurable — the policy names a specific target, deadline, dollar amount, or action that can be verified later.
  • Strong — binding action language (“shall,” “will adopt,” “require”) without a measurable threshold.
  • Aspirational — encouraging or supportive language (“encourage,” “support,” “consider”) with no enforcement.
  • Monitor only — policies that commit to tracking or reporting but not to action.

The accountability score shown in the sidebar is the share of policies in the chapter that landed in the “Measurable” bucket. A score of 0–19 (red) indicates most policies use aspirational language without concrete accountability; 20–49 (orange) is mixed; 50 or higher (green) means the chapter is dominated by measurable commitments.

The underlying text comes from the official adopted comprehensive plan published by the Everett planning department. Scoring is performed by Real Record analysts using a structured rubric; the raw policy text and bucket assignments are archived in the Real Record civic data warehouse.

Read the full methodology, sources, and rubric at Real Record · About.

What the Plan Promises
Formal targets adopted in the Everett Comprehensive Plan.
Daily transit boardings tripling by 2044; Downtown Everett drive-alone mode split reduced to 43% by 2044; Paine Field drive-alone reduced to 60% by 2044; $171.7M total capital projects; $306.2M transit projects 2025-2044; LOS E standard on major arterials by 2044; light rail service to SW Everett 2037 and Everett Station 2041
Goals (12 total)
  • TR-1: Everett has a safe, resilient, sustainable, equitable, and accessible multimodal transportation system.
  • TR-2: Transportation system is complete, integrated, and fulfills daily needs efficiently and sustainably.
  • TR-3: Multimodal network developed based on adopted land use vision to accommodate targeted growth.
  • TR-4: Transportation system supports a strong and diverse economy and West Coast trade gateway role.
  • TR-5: Safe, reliable, well-marked freight routes that minimize conflicts with pedestrians.
  • TR-6: Public transportation seamlessly provides convenient service, with daily boardings tripling by 2044.
  • TR-7: Safe pedestrian routes connecting community hubs, neighborhood nodes, transit stops, and parks.
  • TR-8: Complete network of safe bicycle routes and facilities connecting key destinations.
  • TR-9: Everett efficiently uses intelligent transportation systems to optimize movement.
  • TR-10: Prevent traffic fatalities and serious injuries through Safe Systems approach.
  • TR-11: Transportation system supports achieving regional greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.
  • TR-12: Proportion of commute trips by single occupant vehicles decreases.
Stronger Policy Language (40 policies in this chapter)
  • TR-53: The arterial intersection level-of-service standard for the PM peak hour is LOS E on major arterials and LOS D on all other corridors in the city.
  • TR-3: Require developments to provide right-of-way dedications or access easements in support of the development of a robust grid network for all modes.
  • TR-25: Construct, maintain, and repair sidewalks, bike lanes and trails for active transportation in accordance with adopted plans and design standards.
  • TR-37: Design and operate streets to be inherently safe for all users in the goal of eventually eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Show all 40 stronger policies
The four examples above are a representative sample. The remaining 36 stronger policies are catalogued in the Real Record civic data warehouse and indexed by policy number against the adopted plan text. See how policies are scored →
Aspirational / Monitoring Language (14 policies in this chapter)
  • TR-23: Seek opportunities to incorporate exercise, recreation facilities, and community gathering spaces into transportation project designs.
  • TR-30: Encourage the use of energy efficient and clean delivery vehicles.
  • TR-46: Support the development and implementation of car and mobility sharing systems.
  • TR-48: Support maintenance of existing rail and water corridors and the expansion of the capacity of those corridors consistent with economic development goals.
Show all 14 aspirational / monitoring policies
The four examples above are a representative sample. The remaining 10 policies in this bucket use language like “encourage,” “support,” “consider,” or “monitor” — phrasing that does not create an enforceable commitment. See how policies are scored →

SAY vs DISCUSS: Did this come up in meetings?

Real Record has not yet indexed any Everett briefings tagged to this chapter’s topics. Browse all Everett council and planning briefings to see related discussions in context.

View Everett Briefings →

SAY vs DO: Where the Money Goes

Departments related to Transportation Element in Everett — what the city actually funds, year over year.

Budget analysis for this chapter is in progress. Real Record has mapped 3 Everett departments to this chapter, but the FY2006 / FY2025 line-item totals are not yet loaded into our civic data warehouse. In the meantime, browse the city-wide budget comparison on the index page.