Lynnwood council to weigh distribution of 3M opioid settlement June 16

The Lynnwood City Council will deliberate on legalizing cannabis sales and the distribution of $3. 4 million in opioid settlement funds during its June 16 meeting. Cannabis remains prohibited within city limits despite its availability in neighboring areas. The council has previously discussed reversing this ban, with city staff presenting data on neighboring jurisdictions' cannabis laws. Last week, the council rejected a $200,000 funding request from the city prosecutor for a crime diversion program, indicating a desire to first determine a broader allocation strategy for the settlement funds.

Washington State secured $518 million in 2022 from lawsuits against opioid manufacturers, with Lynnwood slated to receive approximately $3. 4 million over 17 years for approved uses like substance abuse treatment. So far, the council has allocated $400,000 of these funds for treatment in the city jail and approximately $42,000 for a social worker to assist individuals with mental health and substance use issues. The meeting will also include a briefing on the CHANGE Program, which aims to help reintegrate formerly incarcerated individuals into the community. The meeting will be held at 6 p.

m. at Lynnwood City Hall and will be live-streamed online.