Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission

Regular Meeting

Lynnwood, WA · May 14, 2026

Minutes

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 1 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 2 Adjourn 3

Agenda

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) Or dial: +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