Lynnwood: City Center + Alderwood Plan
Lynnwood is embarking on a comprehensive planning initiative to shape the future of its City Center and Alderwood areas over the next two decades. This 1.2 square mile region, strategically positioned between I-5 and I-405, is poised for significant transformation with the arrival of two light rail stations as part of Sound Transit’s Lynnwood and Everett Link Extensions. Recognizing its designation as a Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) regional growth center since 1995, the city is proactively developing the City Center + Alderwood Plan to create a cohesive and thriving urban heart. This planning effort is a continuation of Lynnwood’s long-standing policy of concentrating population and job growth within this subarea, aligning with previous plans and transportation investments.
The City Center + Alderwood Plan aims to establish a clear vision and goals for this evolving district, fostering connectivity between the existing City Center and Alderwood areas. A primary objective is to prepare for the anticipated growth spurred by the incoming light rail, transforming the area into a vibrant hub for employment and housing. The plan will integrate previous planning efforts, such as the 2007 City Center Subarea Plan, and will coordinate with the city’s broader Comprehensive Plan and Sound Transit’s expansion projects. The city has partnered with OTAK to assist in developing this Regional Growth Center Plan, which must adhere to the Washington State Growth Management Act and PSRC Vision 2050 subarea plan requirements.
The scope of the City Center + Alderwood Plan is broad, encompassing key elements such as transit-oriented development, diverse housing options, accessible parks and trails, efficient transportation networks, and robust economic development and employment opportunities. The overarching goal is to create vibrant, recognizable areas with ample amenities that contribute to a high quality of life for residents and workers. Furthermore, the plan seeks to meet regional growth targets for both housing and employment, while also establishing and achieving community-driven goals and priorities for the area’s future.
The project will culminate in several key deliverables designed to implement the community’s vision. These include the adoption of a new subarea plan that incorporates and updates the existing City Center Subarea Plan, the issuance of a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) followed by the adoption of a planned action ordinance, and updates to development standards, design guidelines, and a suite of implementation strategies. The new Regional Growth Center Plan will build upon the foundations laid by the City Center Subarea Plan, expanding its scope to encompass the entire area from Alderwood Mall through City Center, ensuring a more unified vision and improved connectivity throughout this vital and rapidly changing part of Lynnwood.