‘All are welcome,’ Councilwoman pushes immigrant safety in Lynnwood
LYNNWOOD—A proposed resolution before the Lynnwood City Council aims to clarify the city’s stance on federal immigration enforcement and outline steps to better inform residents of their constitutional rights. After concerns from Police Chief Cole Langdon about potential legal liability for officers, Councilwoman Isabel Mata amended the measure to remove language that would have directed […]
Lynnwood terminates Flock Safety cameras due to trust and oversight issues
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council voted unanimously on Monday, February 22, to terminate its contract with Flock Safety, scrapping a controversial network of automated license plate recognition cameras that had drawn months of fierce community backlash over privacy invasions and potential misuse for immigration enforcement. The Council’s decision was a swift reversal for a program once […]
Amid Trump crackdown, Lynnwood proposes protections for immigrants from ICE
LYNNWOOD—Amid escalating national outrage over fatal shootings and tactics by ICE in sweeping immigration crackdowns — which has deported over 540,000 people since January 2025 — the Lynnwood City Council debated a resolution on Tuesday, February 17, to shield immigrant residents from federal agents and raids. The Lynnwood police warned of legal risks if they […]
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 […]
Chelsea Wright appointed to Lynnwood City Council, new Poplar Extension Bridge contract awarded
LYNNWOOD—Chelsea Wright was unanimously appointed to the Lynnwood City Council Position 6 seat on Monday and will take the Oath of Office on February 2. The Position 6 seat was vacated in December 2025 following the election of Goerge Hurst as mayor. “I’m excited to show the City of Lynnwood what I am about so […]
10 Lynnwood City Council hopefuls tackle council member questions
LYNNWOOD—Ten candidates vied to fill the Lynnwood City Council Position 6 vacancy, on Tuesday, January 20, bringing an array of professional backgrounds, personal stories, and visions for the City’s future. The interviewees—Jacob Berger, Han McDonald, Paula Ferreira-Smith, Quinn Van Order, Chelsea Wright, Noel Baca, Richard Wright, Cathy Baylor, Dorina Katro, and Brandon Molina—each delivered opening […]
Lynnwood City Council passes sales tax increase to 10.7%, now highest in Washington state
LYNNWOOD—The council voted 5-1, at its Monday business meeting, to impose a councilmanic 0.1% public safety sales tax increase without voter approval, to fund criminal justice and safety priorities—Council Vice President Derica Escamilla was the lone dissent. Starting April 1, on April Fool’s Day, Lynnwood’s combined sales tax rate will increase to 10.7%—the highest in Washington state. […]
2025 Washington Politics: Elections, Scandals, Immigration, and Budget Deficits
In 2025, Washington state and Snohomish County politics were defined by high-stakes decisions, legal battles, fiscal pressures and budget deficits, and of course political scandals. Below are the highlights of our state, and local, politics coverage for 2025. Brandy’s Law brings some peace to victim of fatal dog attack in Lynnwood The Lynnwood City Council […]
Lynnwood Menorah lighting defies darkness after Sydney terror attack
LYNNWOOD—Amid grief over a deadly terrorist attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, approximately two hundred gathered at the Lynnwood City Center Light Rail Station on Sunday to light a giant menorah, affirming that goodness and light will overcome darkness and hate. Rabbi Berel Paltiel, director of Snohaimish Chabad of Snohomish County, led the […]
Lynnwood Council ends 2025 with a bang, now pay more in 2026
LYNNWOOD—At its final 2025 meeting for the year on December 8, attended by over 120 people, Lynnwood City Council swore in Mayor-elect George Hurst and new councilmembers, honored outgoing leaders, then approved (4-3) a 14.7% permit/fee hike and 33% business license increase; unanimously passed 2.7% COLA for city employees; authorized drafting a voter-free 0.1% public […]
