Lynnwood Council Weighs Expanded Traffic Camera Program for 2027-28 Budget

The Lynnwood City Council began deliberating a proposal on Monday to expand its automated traffic safety camera program as part of the 2027-28 budget. The plan, introduced by Mayor George Hurst in October, aims to increase revenue while addressing specific safety hazards in the city.

Currently, Lynnwood operates red-light cameras at nine intersections 24 hours a day and speed cameras at two school zones only during drop-off and pick-up hours. The new proposal would extend the school zone cameras to operate around the clock. Additionally, the city plans to install two new speed cameras on 44th Avenue West, a stretch between 164th Street Southwest and 168th Street Southwest that police identify as a high-risk area for crashes due to excessive speed.

The budget estimates an additional $1.1 million in revenue from fines and forfeitures for the 2025 to 2027 period, with a similar increase projected for 2028. Interim Finance Director Monisha Harrell noted that these figures are conservative. She stated that the city is avoiding optimistic forecasts to ensure it can close its budget, a critical step as it recovers from a significant deficit identified in 2025 caused by lower-than-expected revenue from cameras, permits, and sales tax.

Police officials indicated that violations outside of school zone hours would be based on the standard 30 mph speed limit. The specific speed threshold for citations will be determined by the council. Under the draft ordinance, speed infractions outside of school hours would carry a $145 fine. Deputy Police Chief Chuck Steichen highlighted the chronic nature of the problem on 44th Avenue West, which he referred to as the S-curves, noting that the area has seen fatalities for decades.

State law restricts how the city can use revenue from these specific cameras. Funds must cover program costs and traffic safety initiatives. Any unspent revenue after four years, amounting to 25 percent, must be returned to the state. This restriction does not apply to revenue from the city’s existing red-light cameras.

Municipal Court Judge Valerie Bouffiou revised her estimate of the additional processing costs for the expanded program. While she previously cited $750,000 annually, she now estimates the cost will be less than $540,000 per year. She explained that the city will not activate all cameras simultaneously, allowing staff time to train for the increased volume.

Council members expressed varying opinions on the proposal. Council member Isabel Mata acknowledged the discomfort of relying on traffic violations for revenue but viewed it as a viable method to fund important city services. Council member Robert Leutwyler expressed disappointment that the city had not implemented road diets, a practice that narrows lanes to improve safety, on roads with existing cameras.

Public Works Director Jared Bond explained that a road diet was previously considered for 168th Street Southwest but rejected due to its impact on school drop-off traffic. However, the city plans to reconfigure 164th Street in 2028 using a paving grant, which will include restriping the road to have one lane in each direction.

The discussion takes place amid financial scrutiny. S&P Global Ratings recently lowered Lynnwood’s bond rating from AA+ to AA, citing reduced reserves. The agency gave the city a stable outlook due to recent budget-balancing measures, including a public safety sales tax. Mayor Hurst described the rating change as a wake-up call, emphasizing the importance of approving the 2027-28 budget to secure the city’s financial future.

The council is scheduled to vote on the proposal on November 23. Before the final vote, they will hold another discussion session to address remaining questions. Steichen anticipates that 24/7 school zone camera operations could begin in January, with revenue collection starting in February after a grace period. The new speed cameras on 44th Avenue West may not generate revenue until spring or early summer.