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Lynnwood council adopts Youth Council ordinance, 7-0
Summary
The Lynnwood City Council voted unanimously to add Chapter 2.62 to the municipal code establishing a Youth Council (Ordinance 3486). Council members described the effort as a milestone and directed staff to implement an application and selection process.
The Lynnwood City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 3486 on Aug. 11, adding Chapter 2.62 to the Lynnwood Municipal Code to create a Lynnwood Youth Council.
Council Vice President Bridal moved the ordinance and the council adopted it by roll call vote, 7-0. Council President Coelho presided and read the final tally into the record.
Why it matters: Supporters said a Youth Council gives young people a regular, structured platform to offer ideas and feedback on city policies and programs. Council members said the body will be modeled on existing boards and commissions but tailored for minors, with protections and an application process discussed during the ordinance drafting.
What the ordinance and council discussion said: - The ordinance establishes a Youth Council, includes limits on nonresidents, and requires a selection committee composed of a council liaison, an administrative staff liaison and an alternate, guided by an application process. - Council member Escamilla said the ordinance is "to empower the next generation of leaders" and described the drafting as a multi-stakeholder effort including youth and staff. - Council member Decker said he would vote in favor but raised a question about residency verification for minors; Escamilla replied that residence would be established through the application and, if necessary, verbal confirmation during the interview process. - The council discussed meeting modality; the intent is to hold in-person meetings with hybrid options available where appropriate, similar to other boards and commissions but accounting for minors' privacy.
Vote and next steps: The roll call vote was recorded as yes from Council members Escamilla, Hurst, Decker, Vice President Vinda (Bridal), Council member Lewyler, Council member Partial, and Council President Coelho (7 yes, 0 no). Staff will implement an application and selection process and return as needed on bylaws and operational details.
Speakers quoted in this article are identified in the speaker list below; all quotes are taken from the Aug. 11 council meeting transcript.
Ending: With ordinance adoption, the council directed staff to operationalize the Youth Council and to return with administrative procedures and appointment timelines.
