The Lynnwood City Council Work Session on June 16, 2025, focused on the allocation of opioid settlement funds, a critical topic given the ongoing opioid crisis. Assistant City Administrator Julie Moore and Human Services Coordinator Kyle Ward led the discussion, providing insights into the city’s compliance with the settlement agreements and potential uses for the funds.

Moore began by outlining the background of the opioid settlements, which began in 2022 when the city joined a memorandum of understanding related to the Washington opioid settlement. This agreement was established to distribute funds from major pharmaceutical companies implicated in the opioid epidemic. Since then, the state Attorney General's office has filed additional lawsuits, with Lynnwood co-signing on these efforts. The city is set to receive approximately $3.4 million over the next 17 years from these settlements, with some payments already received.

The council discussed the conditions tied to these funds, which include developing a methodology for proposals on how to use the money, ensuring community input, and maintaining transparency in fund allocation. Moore reported that Lynnwood is currently in compliance with these conditions and has created a dedicated webpage for public access to information regarding the funds.

Ward highlighted how other cities in Snohomish County have utilized their opioid settlement funds. For instance, Everett has implemented an emergency medical opioid team, while Monroe has focused on recovery scholarships for uninsured individuals. Lynnwood is considering various initiatives, including funding for a peer navigator position within the police department and educational programs on overdose prevention.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing the intertwined issues of mental health, substance use, and homelessness, as identified in the city’s human needs assessment. The council is committed to using the opioid settlement funds effectively to support community health and safety initiatives.

As the city moves forward, the council plans to continue discussions on specific projects and funding allocations, ensuring that the community's needs are met in the ongoing fight against opioid misuse.