LYNNWOOD — The look and feel of Lynnwood is changing.
This time in the city’s history is both exciting and challenging, Mayor Nicola Smith said Thursday in her annual State of the City address.
Lynnwood is facing major population growth, a construction boom and the eventual approach of light rail. The city needs to make sure local kids can grow up and find jobs in town, Smith said.
People also have to be able to get around from place to place, and not necessarily by driving a car.
She noted that Lynnwood’s motto is “a great deal more.” For families and developers, that still translates to “a great deal more cheaper than Seattle,” she said.
At the same time, the city has to be better prepared for the next recession, she said. That means managing costs and building reserves.
They’ve been taking a long look at how different city departments are run and funded.
For example, the fire department’s budget is not sustainable for the number of crews needed in the future, she said. That’s why the city is exploring a contract or consolidation with Snohomish County Fire District 1.
“The reality is that something has to be done,” she said.
Smith promised that a public vote would be held before that could happen.
As is happening in many cities, Lynnwood is seeing impacts from a surge in heroin use. It also is realizing that greater resources are needed to address homelessness and mental illness, she said.
Another big issue for Lynnwood is transportation. The busiest east-west route, 196th Street SW, is slated for widening in the coming years. Last year saw the completion of the city’s first roundabout at Edmonds Community College and the extension of 33rd Avenue W. around the new Costco.
Those two recent projects provided “a critical boost in capacity and traffic flow around those typically congested areas,” Smith said.
More projects are coming, especially but not exclusively in the designated City Center area around 196th and I-5.
Smart growth management means “not letting growth manage us,” Smith said.
A typical year in Lynnwood sees about $50 million in construction. Last year there was more than $200 million. This year and next year are each on track to surpass that figure, Smith said.
Put more succinctly: “More cranes, I suspect,” she said.
As for the light rail station, people still should see construction start in 2018, she said.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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