Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission — Lynnwood, WA
Date: 2026-05-14

LYNNWOOD DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMISSION -
 regular Diversity Equity and Inclusion Commission meeting
 Members of the public can also attend remotely by clicking the
 following RingCentral link: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/213484001

 Meeting ID: 213484001

 One tap to join audio only from a smartphone:
 +16504191505,,213484001# United States (San Mateo, CA)

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 +1 (650) 4191505 United States (San Mateo, CA)

 Access Code / Meeting ID: 213484001
 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026 6:30 PM



1. Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement
 We acknowledge that the City of Lynnwood is located on the traditional lands of the
 Snohomish people and the confederation of Tulalip Tribes and their families. For
 generations, these Indigenous communities have lived on this land, and we recognize,
 support, and advocate alongside them.

 We also acknowledge the forced removal of Indigenous communities from their
 Homelands as a result of the 1855 Treaty of Point Elliott. We understand that Land
 Acknowledgements are only the first step in our efforts to support Coast Salish tribes
 and educate non-Natives about their lived history. We strive to achieve this through
 building relationships with Indigenous communities, supporting Indigenous commerce,
 government-to-government partnerships, and lifting indigenous voices to create equity
 for all.

 Through these actions, we hope to not only pay respect to the past but also collaborate
 in creating a sustainable future, hand in hand with the first protectors of our shared
 environment.

2. Roll Call

3. Approval of Minutes

 3.1 Approve March 2026 Minutes - 5 minutes
 Chair, DEIC
 04/08/2026
 1
4. Public Comments

5. Old Business

 5.1 "Gambian Voices: Youth Stories, Culture & Connection" Event Recap - 20
 minutes
 Sona Porter, President of Pacific Northwest Gambian Association

6. New Business

 6.1 Neighborhood Equity Grant Final Review - 15 minutes
 Kyle Ward, Staff Liaison

 6.2 Outreach Planning - 20 minutes
 Kyle Ward, Staff Liaison

7. Staff Liaison

 7.1 Staff Liaison Report - 10 minutes
 Kyle Ward, Staff Liaison

8. Council Liaison

 8.1 Council Liaison Report - 15 minutes
 Isabel Mata, Councilmember

9. Comments for the Good of the Order

Adjourn




 04/08/2026
 2

CITY OF LYNNWOOD
 DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION COMMISSION - REGULAR DIVERSITY
 EQUITY AND INCLUSION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
 April 8, 2026



1. Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement

2. Roll Call
 Present:
 Member Melody Schneider
 Member Rebecca Thornton
 Chair Rosa Murillo
 Member Mara Brewster

 Absent:
 Member Maryam Aburabie

 Also in attendance: Staff Liaison Kyle Ward Council Liaison Isabel Mata Members of
 PNW Gambian Association (in-person and virtual)

3. Approval of Minutes

 3.1 Approve March 2026 Minutes
 Amend the March Minutes to correctly reflect Rebecca Thornton's role as Co-
 Chair

 Moved by Melody Schneider; seconded by Rosa Murillo to Approve as Amended
 Motion to Approve March Minutes

 .
 Motion Passed: 4- 0
 Voting For: Rosa Murillo, Mara Brewster, Melody Schneider, Rebecca Thornton
 Voting Against: None

4. Public Comments
 No public comments

5. Old Business


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 5.1 "Gambian Voices: Youth Stories, Culture & Connection" Event Recap
 The DEIC was joined by the PNW Gambian Association, who are recipients of
 the Neighborhood Equity Grant. Leaders and volunteers from the organization
 shared about their mission and role in the community, as well as the event they
 hosted with DEIC grant funds. The event, titled "Gambian Voices: Youth, Stories,
 Culture and Connection", was held in Everett and included a panel of Gambian
 youth throughout South Snohomish County. The event was a success, and
 provided youth an opportunity to share their experiences, connect with their
 peers and grow their support networks. A recap of the event has been posted on
 the DEIC website.

6. New Business
 6.1 Neighborhood Equity Grant Final Review
 Staff Liaison Ward led the DEIC members through a finalized draft of the
 Neighborhood Equity Grant, set to open for application submissions on April 13
 through June 1. Staff Liaison Ward answered clarifying questions regarding
 eligibility, re-eligibility after having receiving the award in prior years, data
 tracking, promotion, and application periods for Spring and Fall. The DEIC
 approved the application after offering small language revisions, and will review
 submissions on June 10.

 6.2 Outreach Planning
 Staff Liaison Ward shared with the DEIC a number of events coming up during
 Summer 2026, including City Pride, Juneteenth, Fair on 44th and Meet Me at the
 Park. Staff Liaison Ward will dedicate time on the May agenda to go over each
 event and seek any volunteers to staff the DEIC table.

7. Staff Liaison
 7.1 Staff Liaison Report
 - Staff Liaison Ward shared with the DEIC the resource website for Immigrants,
 Refugees and Asylum Seekers before it goes live. This effort is part of the City's
 larger efforts to better support immigrant communities in Lynnwood, particularly
 those affected by ICE presence in the region.

8. Council Liaison
 8.1 Council Liaison Report
 Council Liaison Mata shared updates regarding community regulations around
 labor rights and protections, as well as an update regarding flag policies and
 efforts to raise a Pride flag at local parks.

9. Comments for the Good of the Order
 None
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Adjourn




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