Council reviews request to use opioid settlement funds to continue retail-theft diversion program; no vote taken

The Lynnwood City Council discussed a proposal on May 27 to use opioid settlement money (Fund 147) to continue a retail-theft diversion program that pairs criminal-court diversion with intensive case management and substance-use services.

Program background: The program — run through a partnership of the city prosecutor’s office, the police department and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) — was funded earlier through a state-organized grant program that is ending June 15. City staff and Council member Hurst proposed using part of the city’s opioid settlement balance to continue the work through December.

Financial ask and city funds: Council member Hurst said the immediate ask is $271,330 from the city’s opioid settlement balance (Fund 147). City staff reported the city currently has about $1,100,000 in that fund and anticipates receiving roughly $2.8 million over the duration of settlements; staff emphasized…