Everett Light rail update - Fall, 2026

By Nathan, October 15, 2026 Light rail is coming to Everett as we have talked about, and the plan for getting there is now public. On September 18, Sound Transit released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Everett Link Extension, a 16-mile line from Lynnwood to downtown Everett with six new stations. Phase 1 would reach the Southwest Everett Industrial Center in 2037, and Phase 2 would reach Everett Station in 2041. The line promises faster trips and new growth, but it would also displace hundreds of households and bring years of construction. The public has until November 2, 2026 to weigh in. What the community gains Faster, more reliable trips. Sound Transit estimates about 33 minutes from Everett Station to Lynnwood and about 60 minutes to downtown Seattle, with trains every 4 to 6 minutes at peak. A direct line to jobs. The Southwest Everett Industrial Center station would serve the Paine Field/Boeing area and its roughly 44,370 jobs. Growth around stations. The Economic Alliance Snohomish County says economic activity is already following Lynnwood Link and expects the same for Everett. With Washington's new law allowing housing in commercial zones, station areas are likely to see new homes and mixed-use projects. What the community gives up Homes and neighborhood anchors. Every Mariner alternative would displace 287 to 300 residences and dozens of businesses, including a library, grocery stores and HUD-assisted apartments. The Ash Way and Broadway/I-5 segments would each displace dozens more homes. A large rail yard. The line needs an 80- to 100-acre maintenance facility. One candidate site would take 186 to 189 residences; another would fill a stream and affect manufacturing jobs; a third would disturb the most wetland. Years of construction. Starting around 2030, nearby businesses face months-long road closures, noise, lost parking and reduced visibility. Small local businesses are the most exposed. Weighing the trade-offs Routes for the Ash Way, Mariner, SR 99/Airport Road and SR 526/Evergreen segments, and the rail-yard site, are still undecided. Those choices will determine which neighborhoods lose homes and businesses and which gain stations. Done well, Everett Link can connect thousands of residents to jobs and bring new housing to station areas. Done poorly, it could push out the residents and small businesses those benefits are meant for, so commitments on relocation help, replacement affordable housing and construction support matter as much as the route. About Us: at Weitz Commercial, we specialize in Snohomish County Commercial Real Estate efforts if you own property or want to explore investment in the area.  Have your say Comments are open through November 2, 2026 online or by email to everettlinkcomments@soundtransit.org. Sound Transit expects a Final EIS in late 2027 or early 2028, with the board's final route decision to follow.