The Lynnwood City Council Work Session on June 16, 2025, focused on the allocation of opioid settlement funds and the establishment of a selection committee to oversee the distribution of these resources. The meeting highlighted the city's proactive approach to addressing the opioid crisis through community engagement and strategic funding.

During the session, city staff reported on outreach efforts to local nonprofits and service providers to identify gaps in services and understand the potential impact of funding cuts on various agencies. A draft Request for Proposals (RFP) was discussed, along with the formation of a preliminary selection committee composed of city staff involved in human services, public health, and safety. This committee is intended to review proposals and ensure that funding is allocated effectively.

A significant point of discussion was the creation of a publicly accessible website to track the spending of opioid settlement funds. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and allow residents to provide feedback on the use of these funds. The city has received over a million dollars from opioid settlements, but future payments are expected to decrease, prompting the need for careful planning on how to allocate these resources.

Council members expressed varying opinions on the RFP process. Some supported the idea of soliciting proposals from external agencies to maximize the impact of the funds, while others raised concerns about the potential complexity and workload involved in managing multiple proposals. There was a consensus on the importance of ensuring that funds are used effectively and that the city remains focused on addressing local needs.

Next steps discussed included setting parameters for fund allocation, determining criteria for proposals, and deciding whether to move forward with the RFP process. The council was encouraged to consider how to best utilize the funds to support the community, particularly in addressing the opioid crisis.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to tackling the opioid epidemic through strategic funding and community collaboration, while also navigating the challenges of managing limited resources. The council's decisions in the coming weeks will shape the future direction of opioid-related services in Lynnwood.