Why Neighborhood Associations Work

Everett is a city of over 100,000 people.

Can everyone here have a voice?

Neighborhood associations help Everett citizens to have a say in how their city is run.*

The city is divided into 19 districts and each has an independent neighborhood association. Having these outlets for local governance is important. An ounce of civic action is worth a pound of online handwringing.

Here's what you can do with the help of neighborhood associations.

BUILD STRONG COMMUNITY

Neighborhood associations strengthen the city by building camaraderie.

I attended a holiday party for the Port Gardner Neighborhood Association a few years ago. It was a fundraiser for a nonprofit. There was a strong sense of conviviality as neighbors outbid one another, dropping $100 for home made pies. All for a good cause.

In a neighborhood association you meet people who can watch your lawn while you're on vacation. You meet Rodger down the street who will trade you rhubarb for chard next summer.

I've been a part of neighborhood cleanups, and have heard of neighborhood associations setting up drop-off stations for old furniture, and building school bus stops.

Neighborhood associations generate public value.

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

Each neighborhood association holds monthly meetings. Meetings are attended by an assigned member of the Everett City Council. City council members are there to listen to their constituents.

Every month representatives from each neighborhood association meet at the Wall Street building to report on their communities and hear from people in other parts of Everett.

I attended the council of neighborhoods meeting once about a year ago. I heard about the new YMCA building and community life in the View Ridge-Madison Neighborhood. I didn't even know where View Ridge-Madison was before.

There is lots of talk these days about the need to unify sections of our city, to give North and South Everett equal representation in city government. I believe that citywide conversation helps to balance the North/South say-so and create understanding as different voices chime in.

OKAY

Does your block need better parking? Could your neighborhood use a public garden? Better crosswalks? Bike lanes?

What's your idea?

Consider getting involved.

A city is as strong as the people who participate in it.

Learn More

*There are other routes for civic action if you're not a joiner. You can attend a city council meeting, wave signs, or gather signatures on a petition.