Lynwood City Council Reviews Community Justice Center and Contracting Standards

The Lynnwood City Council convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss significant updates regarding the Lynnwood Community Justice Center (LCJC) and its operations, particularly focusing on the facility's approach to rehabilitation and community safety.

Chief of Police Cole Langdon opened the session by highlighting the progress made since the LCJC's opening nearly a year ago. He emphasized the center's commitment to treating individuals with compassion and providing them with the necessary resources to avoid reoffending. The facility is set to begin housing individuals from neighboring jurisdictions, including Mill Creek and Maui Terrace, starting August 1, 2025. This expansion aims to alleviate overcrowding in other facilities while ensuring timely judicial processes for those housed at the LCJC.

The presentation included insights from various team members, including Joe Dickinson, the outgoing jail commander, and Greg Curtis, the new jail manager. They discussed the facility's innovative approach to rehabilitation, which includes comprehensive medical and mental health services, substance use treatment, and reentry support. The team reported that a significant percentage of individuals entering the facility are detoxing from substances, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatment programs.

A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of the 11-15 Medicaid waiver, which allows the facility to utilize Medicaid for medical services provided to incarcerated individuals. This waiver is expected to enhance the quality of care and reduce the financial burden on the city by covering a portion of medical costs associated with treatment.

Council members expressed their support for the facility's mission and the positive impact it has had on reducing recidivism rates among engaged individuals. The data presented indicated that those who participate in the LCJC's programs have a significantly lower chance of being rearrested compared to those who do not engage with the services offered.

In addition to the updates on the LCJC, the council discussed the importance of ensuring fair treatment and wages for workers involved in public projects. The meeting included a presentation on capital project labor provisions, emphasizing the city's commitment to prevailing wages, apprenticeship programs, and support for disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). The council acknowledged the need for ongoing discussions about how to extend similar standards to private construction projects within the city.

As the meeting concluded, council members reiterated their commitment to supporting the LCJC's initiatives and exploring ways to enhance community safety and rehabilitation efforts. The council's proactive approach aims to foster a more compassionate justice system while addressing the needs of the Lynnwood community.