Lynnwood council debates tightening residency rules for elected officials; no vote taken

Lynnwood City Council members debated proposed amendments to Lynnwood Municipal Code (LMC) 2.04.060 on Monday, May 12, 2025, after Councilmember Decker introduced language intended to define “resident” and “live in” and to set a written proof process for verifying whether someone meets residency requirements for city office.

The change under consideration would require written proof of residency and would specify time windows and timelines for submission and review. Supporters said the amendment is intended to close ambiguity about who is eligible to hold elective office in Lynnwood; critics and staff warned it could create legal and administrative complications.

Councilmember Decker said the existing language is unclear and urged clearer definitions: “I would challenge any member of this council to tell me how they would define the 2 terms the 2 terms, resident or live in.” He said the change is meant to prevent situations in which an elected official could keep serving while living outside the city, “playing snowbird in Arizona.”

City Attorney Lisa told the council that staff had reviewed implementation risks…