Council asks administration to work with Everett Housing Authority on subsidized air conditioners

Councilor Elsie Jabuen introduced a resolution asking the city to work with the Everett Housing Authority (EHA) and the administration to pursue funding to subsidize air conditioners for residents at Glendale Towers and other EHA properties.

Councilor Jabuen said the city has more than $4 million in ARPA funds earmarked for public health-related uses and described conditions at Glendale Towers where upper floors can reach high temperatures. She asked the administration to collaborate with the EHA on a grant application through the NCER-managed subrecipient grant program and the council moved to refer the resolution to the administration for that purpose. Councilor Wayne Matuszewski and Councilor Katie Rogers spoke in support; Rogers requested to be added as a cosponsor and was added.

Why it matters: EHA residents often include low-income and medically vulnerable households for whom heat can pose a health risk. Councilors framed the resolution as an attempt to use available ARPA funds and partner with the housing authority to improve living conditions.

What’s next: The council referred the resolution to the administration and asked staff to work with the EHA on grant application details and potential funding options.