What's New in Lynnwood: November 2026

Lynnwood heads into winter with real news: a budget that cuts 14 city positions, a property tax levy decision coming on November 9, paid parking staying at the light rail station, and a holiday calendar with more downtown events than the city has ever put together. Here is what is actually happening, verified against the city's own pages and local reporting as of early November 2026.

The 2027-28 budget and the layoffs

Mayor George Hurst proposed the 2027-28 biennial budget on October 12 with 14 staff layoffs: five in Development & Business Services, four in Finance, two in IT, and two in Parks. The stated goal is closing a projected two-year general fund gap of roughly $21.5 million. For residents, the offices most affected are the ones that process permits and maintain parks, so expect permit timelines to stay slow and routine park maintenance to take longer while the city runs lean.

A bigger property tax levy is on the table

The public hearing on the 2027-28 budget is set for Monday, November 9 at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 19100 44th Avenue West, and the council moved the 2027 property tax levy decision to the same night. The proposal uses about $2.2 million of banked levy capacity, raising the maximum no-vote levy to roughly $11.1 million, per the Lynnwood Times. That is the ceiling, not the guaranteed number, and the council can set the rate lower. For homeowners it belongs in the budget math before you buy.

Paid parking stays at the train station

On October 12 the council voted 5-2 to extend paid parking near the Lynnwood City Center light rail station for another six months, so the current parking rules stay in place through spring 2027. If you ride the 1 or 2 Line regularly, nothing changes this winter.

New stores at Alderwood

• MISS A, the $1-and-up beauty and lifestyle retailer, opened its first Washington store at Alderwood Mall on September 5, 2026.
• Gem Studio, a hands-on jewelry-making studio, opened at Alderwood in September 2026, and Levi's is now open near Center Court.
• Rowan, an ear-piercing studio next to Apple, opened over the fall.
• TESO Life, an Asian lifestyle retailer, is taking the former REI space, about 25,000 square feet, and expects to open late this year as the chain's largest Puget Sound store.

New places to eat

• XJ Dumpling House opened around October at 7600 196th Street SW in the QFC shopping center.
• Sugo Hand Roll Bar opened its larger Lynnwood location in October.
• Dave's Hot Chicken has signed a lease for a first Lynnwood location east of the mall; no opening date is announced yet.
• The Yemeni House, a Yemeni restaurant at 6815 196th Street SW near T&T Supermarket, is projected to open this winter.

The holiday calendar

• Veterans Day Ceremony: Wednesday, November 11, 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at Veterans Park.
• Holiday Boutique Craft Show: November 12-14 at the Lynnwood Event Center.
• Light Up Lynnwood: Sunday, December 6 at 4 p.m., the 15th annual menorah lighting and celebration at the Lynnwood City Center light rail station, hosted by Chabad of Snohomish County.
• Lynnwood Laughs: comedy night with Andrew Rivers on Sunday, December 6 at the Event Center, doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m.
• Jingle Bell Breakfast & Craft Fair: Saturday, December 12 at the Event Center, fifth annual edition, with a ticketed breakfast with Santa from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and a free craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Living Colors quilt exhibit runs free at the Event Center through December 11, and the city's annual Christmas tree lighting is expected in early December at Silver Creek Family Church, 5326 176th Street SW, with the exact date posted on the city calendar as December approaches.

Bottom line

Lynnwood is tightening its belt, the station area keeps moving, and the shopping and dining scene is adding options faster than in any recent fall. The holiday calendar gives residents real reasons to use the new downtown. If you are weighing a move, pair this with the November market update for the other half of the story. Take Care.