Lynnwood mayor and finance director outline $2025-26 shortfall; council urged to weigh cuts and revenue options

City of Lynnwood leaders told the council Sept. 15 that the city faces a substantial budget gap for the 2025–26 biennium driven by lower-than-expected revenues and a beginning fund balance shortfall. Mayor Christine Frizzell and Finance Director Meyer outlined actions already taken, remaining shortfalls and next steps for council consideration.

"Our 20 25, 20 26 budget was prepared last year and was passed by council in November," Mayor Frizzell said, and noted that actual revenues and the beginning fund balance did not meet earlier estimates. Frizzell described a suite of cost-saving measures already enacted, including a directive to departments to reduce general-fund operating expenses (initially 3%, later increased to a 10% target overall), holding vacancies where possible, reduced seasonal staffing, restricted overtime, professional-service reductions, travel and training cuts, a mayor and director furlough…