No ‘Dirty Work,’ City of Lynnwood clarifies $360,000 retroactive utility tax by Water District
LYNNWOOD—The City of Lynnwood has provided more detail—beyond what was originally provided to the Lynnwood Times by the City’s spokesperson—regarding retroactive utility taxes applied by the Alderwood Water & Wastewater District (Water District) against Lynnwood residents, that was first reported by the Lynnwood Times earlier in March. In a March 13 letter penned by Mayor […]
Lynnwood retiree hit with $500 water bill from a retroactive City Utility Tax hike
LYNNWOOD—A retired Lynnwood homeowner was shocked to see a $500 water bill from Alderwood Water District at the beginning of the month, an impact from the City Council’s decision to approve a utility tax increase last November to address the city’s budget shortfall. The Lynnwood resident – who has asked to remain anonymous so we […]
Lynn Sordel Returns: From Retirement to Lynnwood’s New Interim Assistant City Administrator
LYNNWOOD—Former Lynnwood Parks and Recreation Director Lynn Sordel has emerged from retirement to once again serve the people of Lynnwood, this time as the City’s Interim Assistant City Administrator, replacing Julie Moore. According to the job listing, the Lynnwood Assistant City Administrator is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing city operations, implementing policies, and providing […]
Councilman Jim Smith Celebration of Life, April 18
James “Jim” Smith, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, musician, entrepreneur, licensed pilot, and dedicated public servant who served the City of Lynnwood for 28 years on the City Council, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at the age of 75, surrounded by his wife after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Born […]
Lynnwood Council discusses housing affordability, business development, and multi-family tax exemption
LYNNWOOD—In Lynnwood City Council’s very first meeting with newly appointed Council member Chelsea Wright, it discussed housing affordability funding, multi-family tax exemption updates, was briefed on the small business development program, and presented a recap on the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) visit to the state capital. Fund 146 Housing Affordability Funding Plan First on […]
Seattle City Light leadership shakeup: Dennis McLerran named new CEO amid clean energy push
SEATTLE—Mayor Katie Wilson announced January 16 the appointment of Dennis McLerran as the new general manager and chief executive officer of Seattle City Light, replacing Dawn Lindell, who has led the utility since 2024. McLerran, a seasoned environmental attorney, will assume the role on March 4, pending potential City Council confirmation for a permanent position. […]
Meet the New Hopefuls Vying for Lynnwood City Council Position 6 After Ranking Mistake
LYNNWOOD—A ranking error glitch resulted in the Lynnwood City Council Leadership Team adding three new candidates in addition to the selected eight finalists to interview to fill the Position 6 council vacancy the City’s released in a statement on January 15. The Lynnwood City Council will now be interviewing 11 candidates on Tuesday, January 20. Position 6 […]
From engineers to advocates: Here are the hopefuls vying for Lynnwood’s open council seat
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council selected the following eight finalists to interview to fill the Position 6 vacancy after voters elected Councilman George Hurst as mayor in November 2025. The City Council will interview the eight applicants on the evening of Tuesday, January 20, with an anticipated final decision on Monday, January 26. The appointed Council […]
Lynnwood council wrestles to approve 2.7% COLA increase for non-union staff
LYNNWOOD—Facing a structural budget deficit that is still short approximately $3.1 million, Lynnwood City Council members are wrestling with whether to grant non-represented (GSO) city employees the same 2.7% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) the City is being asked to approve for its unionized AFSCME employees. Human Resources Director Annie Vandenkooy urged the City Council on Monday, […]
Lynnwood PD suspends Flock camera system amid concerns over ICE access
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood Police Department (LPD) has temporarily paused use of its Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) system, known as Flock Cameras, to address community concerns about data privacy and system access. “Flock cameras have already proven to be an invaluable investigative tool in solving crimes and keeping our community safe,” said Police Chief Cole Langdon. […]
