
Issues
Below are my views on several critical issues facing Lynnwood, and the solutions I will continue fighting for on City Council.
The issues listed are important, but by no means comprehensive. Please contact me to share your concerns on other important problems.
Housing Solutions
Housing costs are too high because there aren't enough homes available to meet people's needs and budgets. In Snohomish County, rents have surged by 53% from 2000 to 2021, and Lynnwood housing prices have skyrocketed by 40% since 2010. As a result, 40% of Lynnwood households pay more than they can afford on housing. People throughout the community, whether fixed-income seniors or renters facing displacement, are struggling to find homes they can afford.
We need to create more home choices to provide safe, clean, and affordable housing. By allowing for options like duplexes, townhomes, and ADUs, we can give residents, especially renters and tenants, greater protection and stability. By building a range of homes, we can ensure economic stability and thriving communities for everyone.
We are a diverse city with diverse needs, and as Lynnwood continues to evolve, we have the opportunity to positively impact our community. New development can help expand our tree canopy and green spaces; create vibrant, walkable neighborhoods; and create more good-paying jobs and small business opportunities for Lynnwood entrepreneurs.
Public Safety
People deserve to be safe and to feel safe. Our law enforcement and emergency responders must be fully funded to address crime and public safety. Just as importantly, we need strong public health funding to help tackle the root issues, and not just treat the symptoms. Lynnwood should lead the way as an example for community-oriented, proactive policing that works closely with community groups to keep Lynnwood safe. I will continue to support Lynnwood's Community Justice Center and Community Recovery Center to help bring much needed resources to Lynnwood and South Snohomish County.
Safe Streets
For years, residents have expressed concerns about congestion, busy roads, and unsafe streets. Last year alone, Lynnwood Police reported over 1,000 collisions, hundreds of traffic-related injuries, and four traffic-related fatalities.
Lynnwood residents consistently voice their support for safer streets, and a walkable and transit-accessible city. I will continue to fight for this change. Our streets should be designed for all Lynnwood residents. We need to genuinely prioritize multi-modal transportation: traveling by car should be an option, but not the only option. We can balance the needs of all road users - drivers, transit riders, pedestrians, and cyclists. We can make Lynnwood safer, healthier, and more accessible for everyone.
Supporting Our Local Economy
Lynnwood is an exceptional economic hub. Despite the ongoing economic uncertainty, I see incredible opportunities on the horizon for Lynnwood. I am committed to supporting our resilient small business owners and will work to remove barriers for entrepreneurs wanting to start or grow their business in Lynnwood.
We have significant development work ahead of us, which will require both private and public investment. Taxpayer-funded projects should prioritize local Lynnwood workers and companies as much as possible, to strengthen our local economy. This is why I support Fair Labor Practices and Project Labor Agreements. As the exciting vision for our City Center becomes a reality, I will advocate to bring in new industries and better-paying jobs, providing greater economic opportunities for Lynnwood residents.
Reinvesting in Lynnwood's Infrastructure
Like many cities, Lynnwood has significant infrastructure challenges ahead of us. Our roads, utilities, and parks all have a backlog of deferred maintenance as a result of inadequate funding. In the coming years, we face a 10-year, $250+ million Wastewater Treatment Plant project. We can't keep kicking the can down the road. These are serious problems that only become more costly the longer we wait.
With your support, I will continue working with Council and city departments to develop a fiscally responsible strategy that prioritizes our neglected infrastructure.
Supporting Inclusivity In Lynnwood
I am committed to supporting inclusivity within Lynnwood. We need to stand up to hate in Lynnwood. Like many of you, I have family and friends who are part of the LGBT+ community. We need to stand together with the marginalized. We should celebrate our diverse community. I will continue to advocate for policies to make Lynnwood an accessible and welcoming city for people of all backgrounds to live, work, and play.