LYNNWOOD. The newly formed Youth Council convened for its inaugural session Thursday, identifying violence prevention, mental health resources, and the creation of community gathering spaces as primary objectives for the upcoming school year.
Thirteen of the fifteen appointed members attended the meeting. The Lynnwood City Council authorized the creation of this commission, comprised of students from the Edmonds School District, in August 2025. The initiative was originally proposed by Council Vice President Derica Escamilla in September 2024, following the 2022 and 2024 fatal shootings of Lynnwood teenagers Tidus Linville-Goodwin and Jayda Woods-Johnson.
Mayor George Hurst stated in July that 14 shootings involving 18 teenage victims, including five deaths, have occurred in Lynnwood since 2022. While officials across south Snohomish County acknowledge the issue, finding effective solutions remains a challenge.
Many council members identified violence prevention as a leading concern.
"I joined Youth Council because there is so much violence among teens in Lynnwood and really just all over the country and you can't solve a problem about teens without talking to teens," said Makayla Chappelle, a junior at Meadowdale High School and secretary of the council.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the concept of "third places," or locations where students can gather outside of home or school. Kelly Schudde, the staff liaison to the council, noted that the Alderwood Mall previously served this function for students prior to a 2024 shooting incident. The council agreed with this assessment.
"The mall used to be something that we would always go to before the shooting," said Jerico Magat, a senior at Meadowdale High School. "We should create a safe space for kids to be able to go where they don't have to let their outlet be violence."
Council members discussed organizing movie nights or other community events. They also supported launching an Instagram account to disseminate information regarding community resources and generate interest in the Youth Council. Some members noted a prevailing perception that Lynnwood caters primarily to seniors and older adults.
"There's a very serious stigma around the city of Lynnwood, and the first thing that comes to mind isn't usually teens and activities and a third place to hang out," said Karas Younan, a senior at Meadowdale High School.
Other discussions addressed mental health and substance use. Council members estimated that over half of students at their respective schools use nicotine.
"Some people got into it at a young age, and it's been with them for a long time, so they don't really know how to deal with it," said Nana Abena Leo-Nkoah, a junior at Meadowdale High School.
Some members expressed support for hosting Narcan training sessions at schools and facilitating connections between teens and local resources.
Others proposed hosting a youth job fair to provide students with constructive activities during their free time. Members noted that securing employment as a teenager has become increasingly difficult due to a higher number of adults occupying minimum wage positions.
A senior student at Edmonds-Woodway High School, who serves as the vice chair of the group, noted that there is a significant lack of available data regarding employment options for young people. The official observed that many in her demographic assume the fast-food sector is their primary career path, yet adults are increasingly occupying those positions.
Although no formal resolutions were adopted during the Thursday session, the group will spend the next several months refining its strategic goals. The next scheduled gathering is set for Oct. 15.