Washington: Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin is aiming to use the city's remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds to expand childcare and mental health services. Initiatives would include a new childcare center that opens hundreds of additional spots for local children while providing workforce training and additional services for families. Many child care providers struggled to maintain employees and funding during the pandemic, but this proposal will offer child care training programs and other services for students and families. The $1 million grant to the Child Development Center would allow parents to maintain their jobs, boosting the local economy. Other funds would go to expanding capacity to treat individuals with mental health needs.