We know the world feels pretty crazy right now, but that’s exactly why local action matters. Last November, the people of Everett made history by passing Initiative 24-03, giving the Snohomish River Watershed legal rights. This law ensures that when environmental protections fail, citizens can represent the river’s interests in court — safeguarding both the ecosystem and the democratic will of our community.
Now, developer interests led by the Master Builders Association are suing to overturn this law. Their goal? To erase what Everett voters chose and put profits over the health of our river. Our educational partner Standing for Nature, a small nonprofit, has stepped in as an intervenor, but we’re up against a full law firm backed by vast developer resources. It’s only fair that the watershed has the same level of legal representation.
We’re calling on Mayor Cassie Franklin and the Everett City Council to uphold the voters’ decision and defend the watershed law by hiring outside legal counsel with experience in defending citizen initiatives and the environment, like Smith & Lowney PLLC.
SIGN THE PETITION to make your voice heard:
Defend Everett’s Watershed Law: Fair Legal Representation Needed
Quick Facts:
- Initiative 24-03 was passed by Everett voters last November.
- Plaintiffs suing to overturn it include Master Builders Assoc. of King and Snohomish County, Building Industry Assoc. of WA, Washington Aggregates & Concrete Assoc, Greencity Development LLC, Osprey Logistics LLC, Robinett Brothers Construction LLC, Robinett Investment Company LLC, and Martin Robinett.
- Standing for Nature is a small nonprofit with limited resources.
- City discretionary funds exist to hire outside counsel.
- Court date: Friday, October 24th, 2025 at the Snohomish County Courthouse.
This isn’t just about one watershed. It’s about whether citizens can truly make democratic decisions to protect our future. The citizens of Everett and the law they passed deserve strong, effective representation in this lawsuit.
SIGN THE PETITION to make your voice heard:
Defend Everett’s Watershed Law: Fair Legal Representation Needed
Read about the court case including all the Pleadings Here: