The Lynnwood City Council has appointed Rebecca Thornton to fill the vacant Position 5 seat, following the resignation of Julieta Altamirano Crosby in January. The council initially received 19 applications, narrowing it down to eight candidates, and ultimately, Thornton and Robert Leutwyler were tied in the final voting round. After an executive session, the council unanimously chose Thornton to serve in the position. A Lynnwood resident since 2019, Thornton has been deeply involved in local organizations and events, showcasing her commitment to community engagement. As an assistant director at the University of Washington’s Consulting and Business Development Center, she has focused on supporting small businesses owned by marginalized groups, successfully increasing contracting opportunities for underrepresented businesses by 25%.

In her interview, she articulated her vision for preserving Lynnwood's community character, emphasizing its growth as a vibrant destination. Thornton also expressed her readiness to tackle the city's fiscal needs while maintaining tax levels, leveraging her experience in managing budgets at the university. She is scheduled to be sworn in on February 24, marking an important step in her public service journey.