During a recent Lynnwood City Council Work Session, officials engaged in a detailed presentation on land productivity, highlighting the importance of land use in shaping the city’s economic future. The session featured insights from Carl Omgren, the community planning manager, and Chris Collier, the government relations director for HASCO, who presented findings from a 2021 study conducted by Urban3, a consulting firm specializing in urban analysis.

The primary focus of the discussion was on how different land uses contribute to property tax revenues, which are crucial for funding city services. Collier emphasized that cities often evaluate land based on total property taxes rather than the more insightful metric of property taxes per acre. This shift in perspective can significantly influence urban planning and development strategies.

The analysis revealed that mixed-use developments, which combine residential and commercial spaces, tend to generate higher property tax revenues per acre compared to single-family homes. For instance, while single-family homes in Snohomish County averaged around $550,000 in property taxes per acre, mixed-use developments could yield much higher returns. This finding underscores the potential benefits of promoting mixed-use zoning as a strategy for enhancing city revenues and supporting sustainable growth.

Collier also presented a visual map of Snohomish County, illustrating the varying property tax values across different land parcels. Notably, areas like Downtown Edmonds showed high property values, reinforcing the idea that urban centers with mixed-use developments are more economically productive. The discussion included the potential for future annexations in Lynnwood, suggesting that careful consideration of land productivity could guide decisions on which areas to incorporate into the city.

The council members acknowledged the challenges of balancing development with community needs, particularly in light of recent state legislation aimed at increasing housing availability. Omgren pointed out that the city’s adoption of a Unified Development Code is expected to positively impact property values as Lynnwood embraces middle housing outcomes.

As the meeting concluded, council members expressed a commitment to further explore these findings and their implications for Lynnwood’s growth strategy. The insights from the presentation are expected to inform future discussions on urban planning, housing policy, and economic development, as the city seeks to enhance its fiscal health while meeting the needs of its residents.