First Street Master Plan

  1. Advisory Committee
  2. Meeting Info

Join the Community Advisory Committee for the First Street Master Plan!

Are you passionate about shaping the future of historic downtown Snohomish? The City of Snohomish is seeking dedicated volunteers to join the Community Advisory Committee for the First Street Master Plan. This committee will advise staff and the City Council, providing valuable insights and recommendations to help guide the outreach, design, and development of the First Street Master Plan.

The Community Advisory Committee will play a crucial role in ensuring the First Street Master Plan reflects the needs and priorities of the Snohomish community. Committee members will engage with stakeholders, provide input on design and planning elements, and support efforts to enhance economic vitality, accessibility, infrastructure improvements, and historic preservation. 

Topics for Discussion

 The Advisory Committee will explore key topics that impact the First Street corridor, including:

  • Parking solutions and management
  • Traffic flow 
  • Pedestrian safety enhancements
  • Shared sidewalk uses for businesses and pedestrians
  • Connectivity between key destinations
  • Wayfinding improvements to assist residents and visitors

 Key Responsibilities

  • Facilitate discussions with local residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure diverse perspectives are considered.
  • Identify challenges and opportunities related to mobility, infrastructure, economic development, and historic preservation within the First Street corridor.
  • Provide feedback on proposed design concepts, policy recommendations, and implementation strategies to ensure alignment with community values and goals.
  • Work closely with City staff, consultants, and local organizations to promote community-driven solutions and secure support for the Master Plan’s initiatives.

 Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants should have an interest or expertise in business operations, transportation, tourism, architectural design, urban planning, special event planning, or similar.
  • Must be able to attend and participate in regular committee meetings held the third Wednesday of every month from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Meetings will be held remotely via Zoom or in-person at the Snohomish Carnegie Building.
  • A majority of the members must reside within City limits or be a commercial business owner within City limits.

 Application Instructions

If you are committed to supporting First Street on this critical infrastructure project and have a passion for community planning, we encourage you to apply! 

Applications must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 23 online 

Final appointments are subject to City Council approval, tentatively scheduled for June 3, 2025.

Send us an email with questions.

  1. Why is the Master Plan needed?
  2. What are the main objectives of the Master Plan?
  3. What areas will be addressed by the plan?
  4. How will the plan improve transportation, safety, and accessibility?
  5. Will there be changes to parking, sidewalks, or bike lanes?
  6. Has a parking study been conducted?
  7. Will parking still be free?
  8. What considerations are being made for handicap parking and accessibility?
  9. How can residents and businesses provide input on the project?
  10. Are there public meetings or workshops to discuss the plan?
View All FAQs

First Street Master Plan Project Information

The underground utilities beneath First Street are almost 100 years old and need to be replaced soon. Many of the metal pipes are far beyond their intended lifespan, with heavy mineral build-up that reduces water flow and increases the risk of leaks and breaks.

Mineral Buildup in Metal Pipes

There are also large gaps under many sidewalks, left over from when the street was built over older structures. As those underground areas settle, sidewalks are cracking or buckling. In some cases, these gaps have even allowed water to seep into nearby basements or foundations without being noticed.

Void under sidewalk

While these sidewalks are the responsibility of adjacent property owners to repair, the City's need to replace the utilities beneath them creates the opportunity to invent in upgrading all of the infrastructure at the same time. This means streets, sidewalks, parking, street trees, lighting, crosswalks, and more. This infrastructure project is focused on enhancing Historic Downtown Snohomish while preserving its rich character and heritage for generations to come. 


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Project Timeline

Just like any infrastructure or construction project, the first step is preliminary planning. This master planning process is the first phase of a long-term effort. It will explore all options to address the key concerns we've heard from businesses, customers, and community members over the years.

The process will be ongoing and collaborative, with draft plans shared for public feedback, revisions made based on input, and updated drafts shared again, ultimately leading to a final master plan presented to the Council in late 2025 or early 2026.

The final master plan will guide the City in securing funding for future street design, engineering, construction documents, and construction. This overall project will take several years to design and build.

Project Area


25_0207 Project Area Map_FINAL


The master plan process will focus on the planning and design of distinct segments of First Street, considering factors such as adjacent buildings, land uses, and riverfront access. The end result will be a cohesive design that enhances walkability, accessibility, and vibrancy, strengthening downtown Snohomish as a dynamic community destination and the heart of the community. 

Area 1: Avenue D to Maple Avenue

  • Strengthen connections to Kla Ha Ya Park and Cady Landing
  • Improve pedestrian accessibility and activate the gazebo space at the south end of Avenue A

Area 2: Avenue J to Avenue D

  • Enhance pedestrian corridors and expand/improve parking options
  • Develop connections to the future park planned at the City Operations and Maintenance site (1801 First Street)
  • Establish linkages to the Riverview Wildlife Refuge Trail

Area 3: Maple Avenue to Lincoln Avenue

  • Improve pedestrian connectivity to existing and planned non-motorized networks

First Street Master Plan Visioning Session & Survey

On March 27, 2025, the City of Snohomish, in collaboration with our design consultant, First Forty Feet LLC, hosted a Visioning Session to discuss the future of First Street. The session provided valuable information, explored potential design considerations, and gathered input from business owners, property owners, residents, and visitors.

We invite you to share your thoughts! The survey linked below provides an overview of the topics discussed during the session and offers an opportunity to provide additional feedback. Your input will help shape the future of First Street.

***The survey closed on April 28, 2025. Thank you to everyone who participated and provided thoughtful feedback. Additional questions and more open houses are coming soon. Please keep an eye out for future dates.