Lynnwood mayor talks budget, housing, community in annual address

LYNNWOOD — Lynnwood Mayor George Hurst gave his first annual State of the City speech on Thursday at the new Lynnwood Neighborhood Center.

Hurst shared information about ongoing city projects and his priorities for the coming year, including raising household incomes, addressing youth violence and supporting residents affected by increased immigration enforcement.

Last summer, the Lynnwood City Council learned the city was facing a $25 million budget shortfall by the end of 2026. Since then, with a combination of department cuts, policy changes, and tax and fee increases, Hurst said the city has eliminated its budget gap. At a City Council meeting on Monday, Finance Director Michelle Meyer said departments have been working to identify an estimated $2 million in cuts to close the gap, but the city is “still working out the details” on specific reductions.

Now, the city is looking ahead to the 2027-28 budget, which it must pass by the end of the year. Hurst said the city will focus on community priorities in the budget process. In a citywide survey last year, priorities included safety, parks, transit and trust in government, Hurst said.

https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/03/26/lynnwood-mayor-talks-budget-housing-community-in-annual-address/