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 […]
Swearing in of new elected officials, Council considers $2.5 million in permit and fee increases
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood City Council will hold its last Business meeting for the year on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at Lynnwood City Hall to vote on new salary schedules and permit fee increases for 2026. To view the entire agenda, click here. Permit & Fee Increases The Council will vote on a 14.7% […]
2025 General Election Results: Winners, losers and too close to call!
SNOHOMISH COUNTY—The Snohomish County Auditor’s Office has counted 144,887 (26.76%) ballots as of November 5, 2025, for the 2025 General Election. Below is a summary of election outcomes for feature races: City of Snohomish Mayor Linda Redmon and Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell, Lynnwood City Councilman Josh Binda, Lake Steves Councilmen Kim Daughtry and Gary Petershagen, […]
Lynnwood Police Guild endorses Cho and Mata for City Council
LYNNWOOD—The Lynnwood Police Guild, the union representing the men and women of the Lynnwood Police Department, has endorsed both Lynnwood City Council candidates for Position 2 — Ki Seung Cho and Isabel Mata. Last week, The Guild endorsed Dio Boucsieguez for Position 1, Bryce Owings for Position 3, and newly appointed councilman Robert Leutwyler for Position 5. Current council members Derica […]
‘Protect what matters, Build what’s next!’ Cho launches historic Lynnwood City Council bid
LYNNWOOD—Scores of residents gathered at Master Cho’s Black Belt Academy to celebrate the historic campaign launch of Lynnwood City Council Position 2 Candidate Ki Seung Cho—a 9th degree Taekwondo black belt (Grand Master), 30-year local businessmen, and 34-year Lynnwood resident—who, if elected, would be the first Korean American (and first member of the Asian diaspora) […]
‘Hit me with your best shot!’ Isabel Mata launches campaign for Lynnwood City Council, aiming to foster safety, care, and inclusion
LYNNWOOD—Isabel Mata, a freelance writer and mindfulness meditation counselor who identifies as an openly queer member of the LGBTQ+ community, officially kicked off her campaign for Lynnwood City Council Position 2, on Friday, August 15, at Peace of Mind Brewing in Lynnwood. The Position 2 seat is currently held by Councilman Patrick Decker who is […]
Lynnwood CC candidate Isabel Mata hopes to be a voice for the underrepresented
LYNNWOOD—Lynnwood City Council candidate Isabel Mata, running for the Position 2 seat currently held by Councilman Patrick Decker who is not seeking re-election, is running to be a voice for the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, refugees, and people of color – to ensure they’re represented at a local level and their voices are heard. “Over the […]
