FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lynnwood Selected By Federal Transit Administration for Transit-Oriented Development Technical Assistance Program

LYNNWOOD, WA (April 4, 2016) - The Federal Transit Administration has just announced that the City of Lynnwood is one of nine cities nationwide selected to receive transit-oriented development technical assistance through its Ladders of Opportunity Initiative. Of the nine cities selected, Lynnwood is one of three cities that will receive in-depth assistance. This will benefit Lynnwood by leveraging City Center as the future home of Sound Transit's Lynnwood Link Light Rail, jumpstarting local economies and strengthening our community.

The National Public Transportation/Transit-Oriented Development Technical Assistance Ladders of Opportunity Initiative is a project from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in partnership with Smart Growth America, designed to provide technical assistance to improve access to public transportation, build new economic opportunities and pathways to employment, and support transit-oriented development (TOD). The technical assistance will help elected leaders, developers, and community members work together to build more TOD projects across the country. 

"Technical assistance from the FTA and Smart Growth America will build upon the community's plan for growth in Lynnwood's City Center," said Lynnwood Mayor Nicola Smith. "With Lynnwood Link Light Rail opening in seven years, we are at a critical point to guide the development of transit-oriented projects that improve multi-modal connections and provide housing, employment, and services to our diverse community."

“Helping local leaders leverage their transit investments to attract more affordable housing, commercial development, and jobs is a critical priority for the Department,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We’re also extending ladders of opportunity directly to residents, using strategies that support equitable, appropriate development linked to transit service. In these communities, people will now more easily get to where they need to go without relying solely on cars.”

The FTA's full press release can be viewed here.

Construction at the CityCenter Apartments - photo courtesy of Exxel Pacific

About the Lynnwood City Center

City Center is located in the Lynnwood Regional Growth Center and will become a compact and mixed-use, transit-oriented urban neighborhood that offers Lynnwood new opportunities for culture, commerce and habitation. The area is planned to accommodate up to nine million square feet of development in an attractive and dense development pattern, which helps preserve resources and existing residential areas. The Sound Transit Lynnwood Link Light Rail station will be located adjacent to the Lynnwood Transit Center and is scheduled to begin operations in 2023, connecting Lynnwood and downtown Seattle by a 28-minute ride. City Center is generally bound by 194th St SW on the north, 33rd Ave W on the east, Interstate 5 on the south and 48th Ave W on the west. For more information on the City Center, visit us online at www.ci.lynnwood.wa.us/CityCenter. 

About City of Lynnwood

Incorporated in 1959, Lynnwood is the economic hub of South Snohomish County. Situated at the convergence of interstates I- 5 and I-405, Lynnwood’s accessibility, variety of housing and employment options, colleges and outstanding park system attract a wide variety of businesses and residents. For its diverse population of more than 36,000, Lynnwood is a great place to live, work and play. Lynnwood Moving Forward: Our Community Vision – the City will be a regional model for a sustainable, vibrant community with engaged citizens and accountable government. Lynnwood is…a great deal more!

Contact:

Dustin Akers, City Center Program Manager
dakers@ci.lynnwood.wa.us
425-670-5045

Julie Moore, Manager of Communications & Public Affairs
jmoore@ci.lynnwood.wa.us
425-670-5023

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