Last Friday, April 10, was my 100th day as Lynnwood Mayor. I can tell you that those days were busy ones, filled with meetings and events. I am amazed by how quickly the workday goes by and I am thrilled and honored to serve as your Mayor. It is really a joy of mine to do this work for you and our community. The following are some of the highlights during my first 100 days.
Without a doubt, the greatest accomplishment was finally closing the largest budget deficit in the history of our City. It started as a $25 million budget deficit in 2025. In January, I challenged the City Department leadership with the goal of closing this deficit by April 1. As a result of the joint efforts of the City Council and the Department heads by the first day of April the deficit was reduced to $0 for 2026.
This was a major accomplishment. And plans have already begun for the creation of the 2027-2028 biennial budget. Unlike the past two budget cycles, this will be a transparent and collaborative process. Uncertain economic times are already affecting the need to blend community priorities with the reality of limited revenues. It will be a major challenge to craft a balanced budget, but I am confident it is doable. The goal for the coming months is to have the new budget ready for Council review and approval beginning in September 2026.
While budget concerns have dominated my first 100 days, there have been other successes. The Lynnwood Hygiene Center has a new owner, Rick Steves, and plans are being made by him to remodel and expand the facility. My staff has begun to develop a Good Neighbor Policy that will ensure all stakeholders around the Hygiene Center, the business community, residents, parks staff, and the unhoused will all benefit from this facility.
Other initiatives that have begun in my first 100 days include my appointment of members for an ICE Response Network Committee. My immediate focus on reducing housing costs in Lynnwood has City staff reviewing the Multi-Family Tax Exemption Ordinance and the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance. I will continue my efforts to increase the household incomes of Lynnwood residents using labor agreements and a wage theft ordinance.
There have been changes within City Hall. In January, I asked Lynn Sordel to serve as Interim Assistant City Administrator. He has been instrumental in guiding the process to reduce that budget deficit. In January, I also hired Mike Bailey on an hourly basis as a budget consultant. Mike is the recognized expert for municipal budgeting in Washington State and has provided excellent advice on action steps to improve our City’s financial stability. And on April 1, Nathan MacDonald was appointed as City Clerk. Nathan will continue his current duties as Communications and Public Affairs Manager.
I am optimistic about the future of Lynnwood. Your City staff consists of dedicated public servants. The residents of Lynnwood have provided over 8,000 hours of volunteer time to make this a better place for all. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you as your Mayor. It is the best job I have ever had, and I look forward to the next four years.
George Hurst, Mayor, City of Lynnwood
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Author: Lynnwood Times Contributor
