The Lynnwood City Council held a work session on July 21, 2025, focusing on community engagement and local initiatives. The meeting began with Councilmember Mary Frizzell sharing her experiences from recent community events, including the Parr 4 Parks golf tournament, where she distributed leis to participants and noted positive feedback regarding improvements at the golf course, such as tree removals and upgraded golf carts.

Frizzell also attended a youth camp organized by the Lynnwood Police Department, where she engaged with participants aged 11 to 14. The camp emphasized lessons on respect, teamwork, and leadership, with 36 young people graduating from the program this year.

Councilmember Bridal reported on a groundbreaking ceremony at College Place Elementary, celebrating the completion of a road renovation project. He highlighted the community's involvement and the importance of the project for local students and families.

The council addressed ongoing issues with garbage collection due to a strike involving Republic Services. Councilmembers, including Bridal, Escamilla, and Koi Lo, volunteered to assist residents by collecting trash in affected neighborhoods. They received positive feedback from the community, emphasizing the balance between supporting workers' rights and addressing public health concerns related to uncollected waste.

Councilmember Koi Lo expressed a desire to enhance community outreach efforts, suggesting creative initiatives to engage residents more effectively. He noted the importance of clear communication regarding the garbage collection issues and the need for residents to direct their concerns to the appropriate channels.

Councilmember Askamiya shared her experience during the volunteer trash collection, reflecting on the gratitude expressed by residents. She also participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the road project, recognizing the community's role in advocating for improvements.

Councilmember Hurst acknowledged the success of the golf tournament and commended the council's efforts in community outreach, particularly regarding the garbage collection initiative. He also mentioned his attendance at a meeting with the Latino Educational Training Institute, highlighting the importance of allyship within the Latino community.

The meeting concluded with a sense of accomplishment regarding community engagement and a commitment to continue addressing local issues collaboratively. The council plans to build on these initiatives in the coming months, focusing on enhancing communication and support for residents.