LYNNWOOD— At her State of the City address held Wednesday, March 6, Mayor Christine Frizzell remembered 65-years of Lynnwood history then shared an uplifting message of moving forward to “THRIVE” into the future.
The event was emceed by Economic Alliance Snohomish County interim CEO and President Went Poischbeg who shared some opening remarks before Doug Raiford, Equity and Social Justice Advisor for the City of Lynnwood, recognized the native lands of the Snohomish people. Mike Evans, President of the Snohomish Tribe of Indians then granted a tribal blessing.
Lynnwood City Council President George Hurst then took the stage to share some words followed by David Kleitsch, Development and Business Services Director for the City of Lynnwood gave his Development Forecast, Cole Langdon, Lynwood Police Chief, who gave his public safety remarks, and Cheri Ryan, City of Lynnwood History and Heritage Board Member, who shared some of Lynnwood’s rich history.
Mayor Frizzell opened the State of the City address by remembering two esteemed Lynnwood residents who the community lost recently— Betty Lou Gaeng and Loren Simmonds.
City Historian Betty Lou Gaeng was a former Alderwood Manor and Lynnwood resident who was instrumental in helping preserve and interpret the area’s history. Gaeng wrote stories for local papers and Heritage Park and was an “incredible woman who loved our community,” Mayor Frizzell noted.
“I really enjoyed reading her articles over the years. We again extend our condolences to her family,” said Mayor Frizzell.
The second person Mayor Frizzell paid tribute to was Loren Simmonds, a former City Council member of 16 years, eight of which as council president.
“Loren was a mentor, advisor, and great friend to many, encouraging others to serve with heart and humility. He was a servant leader, who emphasized teamwork, consensus building, and a passion for helping others. He even kept serving his community for years after he was no longer on City Council,” said Mayor Frizell before calling for a moments silence for both individuals.
Every year Mayor Frizzell chooses a word to act as her set point for the next 12 months. This year she chose the word “THRIVE,” an acronym standing for Thankful, Health, Relationships, Intentionality, Vision, and Empower.
“If you’re ready to be on this THRIVE journey with us, start where you are,” said Lynnwood Mayor Frizzell. “Look around to see what needs to be done and connect with one of our many community partners; likely your passion is a great match for an existing, like-minded organization. If that doesn’t create a match, let’s talk about something new. Let’s plant seeds of community and see us THRIVE.”
Lynnwood is prepared for the upcoming year with its Comprehensive Plan, Lynnwood Legacy, City Center Subarea Plan, Highway 99 Subarea Plan, and College District plan, to name a few.
The current Comprehensive Plan, which acts as the guiding principles for Lynnwood for the next 20 years, sets its core values as: equity, livability, orientation to transit, sustainability, and resiliency.
In addition the city is gearing up for the opening of the Lynnwood Link light rail extension opening later this year which will extend light rail from Northgate to Lynnwood Transit Center and is projected to be the busiest station with 17,900 daily boardings. The station is scheduled to open by Fall of 2024.
After Lynnwood, Sound Transit plans to further extend light rail service to Everett—a decision which was voter approved in 2016 with planning beginning in 2021. Design is scheduled to begin in 2027 with the line scheduled to open 2037 through 2041.
Lynnwood is continuing work on its City Center and Alderwood Development plan which is already underway with several housing options opening including The Woods at Alderwood, Avalon Alderwood Place, Alexan Alderwood, Ember, Northline Village, and Kinect @ Lynnwood.
The Public Facilities District is continuing work on its Lynnwood Events Center Master Plan which will act as a sort of entertainment district for Lynnwood complete with several retail shopping, restaurants, beer gardens, and concert venues, as well as hotels, and affordable living options.
The city welcomed several new businesses in the last year including Chick-Fil-A at HWY 99 and 196th St, Holman Automotive/Porsche, BMW, Alexander 61, Novo on 52nd, Fogo de Chão, and Pier 88.
Progress is being made for the Poplar Way Extension Bridge which, upon completion, will extend Poplar Way over Interstate 5 and connect to 33rd Avenue West. The extension is said to improve access to Regional Growth Center and City Center and offer congestion relief for Interstate 5 and 196th Street Southwest. The project is expected to begin construction in 2025.
The new Community Justice Center and Community Recovery Center are also making headway; a space specifically dedicated to addressing the behavioral health needs of the community.
Mayor Frizzell concluded her Lynnwood address circling back to her “set point” word of THRIVE.
“Thank you to all who joined us here today; we are so overjoyed to be working together to enrich the lives of all who live, work, shop, learn, and play in our great City,” said Mayor Frizzell in her closing remarks. “Thank you for choosing Lynnwood and let’s THRIVE together this year.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: Special thanks to Nathan MacDonald, Manager of Communications and Public Affairs for the City of Lynnwood for providing the slide show of the State of the City.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
