Mayor Cassie Franklin of Everett has been selected to participate in the 2025 Mayors Institute on Pedestrian Safety. The Institute, a collaboration between The Mayors Innovation Project, AARP, and Smart Growth America, chose twelve mayors committed to improving pedestrian safety. Franklin's involvement highlights Everett's focus on traffic safety through initiatives like the Vision Zero Everett action plan,as per the City of Everett News.
Franklin, who has previously participated in the Institute, emphasized the importance of traffic safety for Everett’s growing population. She believes her prior involvement helped bring projects like the Silver Lake Trail to fruition and hopes to achieve similar results this time.
The Institute will provide mayors with resources, expertise, and peer support to address pedestrian safety challenges. Over six months, the mayors will engage with national experts through in-person and virtual events. Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant concern, with about 20 deaths per day in the U.S. Improving pedestrian safety not only saves lives but also supports economic development.
Franklin joins mayors from cities like Alameda, CA, Brevard, NC, and Little Rock, AR, in this effort. Each mayor brings a unique perspective on improving public safety and creating safer streets.
