LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council created its first-ever Youth Council, discussed a 25% increase to Public Defender Service costs, signed a proclamation recognizing Labor Day, and reappointed Wally Webster to the Public Facilities District Board at its Business Meeting Monday, August 11.
Youth Council
The newly formed Youth Council Committee aims to give youth a voice in government, decision-making, developing skills through mentorship and service, building connections, and making an impact on their own future.
Councilwoman Derica Escamilla moved to approve the ordinance (34-86) to add a new chapter 2.62 to the Lynnwood Municipal Code establishing a Youth Council, seconded by Council member Joshua Binda. The motion was approved unanimously.
“I’m really, really, proud of this initiative and all the hard work of the task group and the youth put in in the month of March, to try our hardest to launch it this year. Unfortunately, due to me being newly appointed and us all trying to figure out how, and who, drafts ordinances around here,” said Escamilla. “I’m just really proud of the group, and also the community who sees the value in this, and wants this, as well as the council for coming together to form an ordinance that works for everyone that we can all agree upon…The youth are our future and we know we can do better.”
Council member Binda echoed many of the comments of Escamilla, adding that establishing the city’s first-ever Youth Council is a “significant milestone” for the community.
“The formation of the Lynnwood Youth Council is not just about creating another committee; it’s about empowering our young people to take an active role in our community. This will provide them with a platform to express their ideas, concerns, and aspirations,” said Binda. “It is essential that we provide our youth with the opportunity to influence the changes that will shape their future, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Tonight we are taking a crucial step toward building the next generation of leaders and community changers by giving our youth a seat at the table.”
On May 21, 2025, Council Members Josh Binda and Derica Escamilla presented a draft ordinance to establish a Youth Council and requested Council feedback regarding whether the body should be formally structured as a Board/Commission or as a program. Council requested that the task group return with clearly outlined options and a recommendation at a future meeting.
On July 14, 2025, Council voted to intend to establish the Youth Council as an official commission and bring back the ordinance for review at a future date after a very contentious meeting.
Indigent Defense Services contract adjustment
The City Council also discussed a 25% increase to Public Defender Service costs in a mid-budget cycle adjustment from $60,000/month ($720,000/year) to $75,000/month ($900,000/year) — this equates to an increase of $180,000/year.
The City provides Indigent Defense Services (Public Defender) to defendants eligible for assistance, through a professional services contract with Feldman & Lee. For its proposed Sept 2025 – Dec 2026 contract, the council will discuss, the law firm is requesting an increase in compensation to $75,000 per month, to allow for a fourth full-time attorney to handle both the increased case filings as well as the mandatory WA Supreme Court reductions in total case counts per lawyer which Lynnwood is expected to exceed by the end of this year.
On March 8, 2024, the Washington State Bar Association adopted revised Standards for Indigent Defense Services (WSBA Standards). These new standards will, over a three-year period, drastically reduce the number of public defense cases an attorney is able to accept in a year.
The WA Supreme Court on June 9, 2025, issued an order setting new, lower caseload standards for public defenders. The new standards will be phased in over a two-year period beginning on July 2, 2025, with the full standard beginning on July 2, 2027.
Because the City had not yet renegotiated its current contract with Feldman & Lee by the time of its 2025-26 Budget adoption in November of 2024, legal services were estimated at $1.84 million factoring in a 10% increase for 2025.
It is unknown if the $1.84 million line item for Public Defense in the approved biennium budget is solely for its contract with Feldman & Lee. If so, the approved $1.84 million budgeted line item should be enough to cover the estimated biennium cost through Dec 2026 of $1.76 million.
No decision was made Monday and the conversation is set to continue at future meetings.
Other Business
In addition to these two items, Lynnwood City Councilman Robert Leutwyler read a proclamation recognizing September 1, 2025, as Labor Day in the City of Lynnwood – a celebration of the economic achievements of American workers, Wally Webster was reappointed back to the Public Facilities District Board during council’s unanimous consent agenda, and council also entered an agreement with Hough Beck & Baird Inc. to provide outreach and design services for Rowe Park.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
One Response
This youth council is bad preform for the families. I strongly disagree. The council is absolutely destroyed the quality of families lives. It’s not only increasing families spending, it’s also taking the rights away from families.