Council adopts resolution updating prohibited areas tied to drug-trafficking enforcement

The Everett City Council on June 25 adopted a resolution establishing and updating prohibited areas tied to drug-trafficking enforcement, following staff recommendations that balanced public safety and residents’ access to services.

City staff explained the changes to what the presentation described as SODA (safe/structured drug-area) boundaries; the resolution removes one area from the map and adds a new one after reviewing crime data and police experience.

"It's no precise science, as far as, area of the city that can be covered or should be covered," city staff member Lacey told the council, explaining the city seeks to be judicious because restricting areas can affect defendants' access to transit and services. Lacey said judges also review individual SODA restrictions and may narrow them at sentencing.

Councilmember Ryan asked about the benefits of removing areas from the map and whether there are limits on total area coverage; Lacey said removals occur when data and officers’ experience no longer support keeping an area designated in relation to drug trafficking.

The clerk recorded aye votes; the roll call in the meeting record showed unanimous support with no recorded opposition. The council’s action finalizes the updated prohibited-area map as presented to council.