Why Everett doesn't have an iconic monument (when we can get it for free)

During my travel to Barranquilla, Colombia, I was struck by the beauty of three stunning monuments known as "Las Tres Hermanas" or "The three sisters."

Ventana al Mundo, Ventana de Sueños, and Ventana de Campeones. These monuments have given that city identity and character. They’ve become a symbol of pride, with hundreds of tourists taking photos at all hours of the day. One of them even serves as a lighthouse.

Curious, I did some research—and to my surprise, I discovered that these monuments weren’t built with taxpayer money. They were funded by private companies and then donated to the city.

That got me thinking: Why would a company spend money building something for a city?

Well, consider this—businesses already spend millions on advertising and public relations. They have a budget for that, so a beautiful, permanent monument with their name attached? That’s not just good branding, it’s beloved by the public. It’s a win-win.

Then I asked myself: Why doesn’t Everett have something like this?

Imagine a bold, instagrammeable and eye-catching landmark that truly represents us—something we can be proud of, that brings jobs, attracts visitors, and becomes a symbol of our shared identity.