The Snohomish County voters approved Sound Transit 3 with a vision for a more connected future, where mass transit is reliable, commuters are less burdened by traffic, and the economy thrives with a variety of transportation solutions. The Everett Link Extension is one of the most transformative transportation investments in the county’s history. By connecting Everett and surrounding communities with the regional lightrail network, dependable alternatives to freeway congestion will be available, expanding access to jobs and education and supporting longterm economic development.
As Snohomish County grows, its transportation system must evolve with it. Population and job growth require forwardlooking infrastructure to ease strain on roadways and provide sustainable mobility choices. Everett is currently considering a merger with Community Transit to expand bus service in the city, which would serve as a step toward improving connectivity.
A major milestone in the effort to expand light rail service is the release of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). This document evaluates alternatives for station locations and track alignments. It also looks at ways to reduce the impacts to the physical, natural, and human environment.
The current 45day comment period is an important opportunity to shape the future of lightrail access in our community. Your input is essential to ensuring the Sound Transit Board delivers an Everett Link Extension that meets the needs of Snohomish County residents for generations to come.
The benefits extend far beyond mobility. At each light rail station, new opportunities await for transit-oriented development. Housing and commercial space will spring up, driven by demand for easy access to quick connections to the rest of our region. Neighborhoods will transform. Highcapacity transit will attract employers and encourage new housing for workers seeking transit solutions.
We are already seeing this around the Lynnwood City Center and Mountlake Terrace stations, which opened in 2024. We will soon see the same near Everett Station, Evergreen, Mariner, Ash Way, and other future lightrail stations that will become vibrant hubs for residents and businesses.
Transit investments also play a vital role in addressing housing affordability. As our region grows, communities are exploring ways to add housing while preserving quality of life. Excellent transit access means lower household transportation costs and more sustainable growth. Importantly, we must be sure that our neighborhoods are served by light rail, not displaced by it. We will need to shape the growth carefully.
People who live here today and our future neighbors should all get the benefits of this historic investment.
And of course, this is our chance to bolster economic opportunity. Snohomish County is home to major economic engines, including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and a growing technology sector. Employers such as Boeing rely on dependable transportation that connects workers with job centers. As businesses decide where to invest and expand, robust transit infrastructure is a key factor in regional competitiveness.
What can you do?
Learn more about the Everett Link Draft EIS and project alternatives: https://soundtransit.org/everettlink-deis
Attend one of Sound Transits public meetings on Oct. 13 (Mariner), Oct. 15 (Everett), and Oct. 21 (Lynnwood)
Share your comments on the Draft EIS by November 2, 2026:
Online: https://soundtransit.org/everettlink-deis
Email: [email protected]
Everett Link Extension Public Input
Address for comments Mail: Everett Link Extension, ATT: Galeeb Kachra, Sound Transit, 401 S. Jackson St., Seattle, WA 98104 Phone: 4252436255
An opportunity is now open for residents to submit comments regarding proposed station sites and rail routes. The planned light rail project is expected to bring significant changes to Snohomish County, and community members are encouraged to participate in determining the path forward.
The Everett Link Extension is overseen by the Sound Transit Board. Dave Somers, serving as Snohomish County Executive, holds the position of Board Chair. City of Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin serves as a Board Member, as does David Parshall, a member of the Lynnwood City Council.