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Focus - Fall 2022
FALL/WINTER 2022
Property Tax Levy for a Comprehensive Public Safety Program in Redmond
The City of Redmond is seeking additional property taxes through a levy lid lift to fund new and traditional public safety services that will:
- Expand mental and behavioral health services by hiring six additional personnel to support crisis response
- Increase community mobile health services which connects non-emergency calls and needs to appropriate services and reduces demand on the 911 system
- Expand fire and police personnel to support community needs
- Fund staffing and technology services for the body-worn camera program to increase police transparency and accountability
- Reinvest in fire and police personnel supported by the 2007 property tax levy lid lift
Washington state limits increases in the City’s property tax revenue to 1% per year, however, city expenses have increased approximately 5% every year due to inflation, rapidly outpacing revenues. A voter-approved levy lid lift allows a city to increase its annual property tax amount by more than the 1% cap. Property taxes are paid by all property owners in the City, including businesses and residents.
If approved, the proposed measure would raise residential and business property taxes beginning in 2023 by $0.366 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, which would generate $10.4 million per year for public safety.
Assessed Home Values
$750,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
Levy Costs
$22.92 per month
$275 per year
$275 per year
$30.50 per month
$366 per year
$366 per year
$45.75 per month
$549 per year
$549 per year
Current property tax rate: $0.99 per $1,000 of assessed valuation | New property tax rate beginning in 2023: $1.36 per $1,000 of assessed valuation |
A Message from Mayor Birney
When I think about what makes a community strong, I always think of the people – the children, the families, the volunteers, those who work here, those who enjoy the parks and trails, and the business owners, to name just a few. Everyone brings a unique perspective and role to the community, which increases our diversity and makes us stronger.
One staple in our Redmond community has been Anne St. Germain, owner of McDonald’s Book Exchange. Anne is set to retire soon, and while she looks to find a new owner, she’s reflected on the last two plus decades of memories from the bookstore.
“It has been a wonderful experience and I’ve loved every minute,” said Anne. “My two favorite things in the world are books and people.”
The store welcomes all and Anne has noticed that her customer base has become more diverse over the years, which she values.
As Anne looks to her future, she is unsure what is next but anticipates spending time with her children, grandchildren, and first great-grandchild and catching up on things she’s been too busy to stay on top of while working.
We will miss Anne in the heart of Redmond. She has some high hopes for the community’s future and encourages people of all ages to put down their phones and electronics and do fun things, whether that be talk to each other, ride bikes, camp, do school activities, and of course, read books. These are such wonderful ideas and remind me why I love being an active member of the community, both as Mayor and a Redmond resident.
Anne St. Germain is one of the many individuals who helps shape our vibrant Redmond community. As you read our fall Focus newsletter, I encourage you to think about how you can get involved, share your story, and connect with Redmond so that we can shape our future, together.
Mayor Angela Birney
Celebrate the Winter Season in Community
A month of art and light in Downtown Park is just around the corner, with Redmond Lights returning Dec. 1 – Jan. 4. The free experience celebrates the winter traditions of the many diverse cultures in the Redmond community through light displays, art installations, and multiple nights of performances.
New this year, the community can enjoy live entertainment and activities during Friday Night Celebrations on Dec. 2, 9, and 16 in Downtown Park. Additionally, the City is partnering with OneRedmond for their International Winter Market, an opportunity to support local businesses, engage with vendors, and discover a variety of gift ideas on Dec. 3.
To celebrate the season throughout Redmond, residents are invited to share their home light displays as part of the Resident Lighting Contest, and businesses are encouraged to get involved with the annual Business Window Decorating Contest. Children of all ages are also encouraged to get involved in the celebrations, through a coloring contest, thanks to Redmond Town Center’s partnership with the City.
“The most positive aspect of creating artwork for Redmond Lights in 2021 was building community. A unique dialogue took place between the teens and seniors that took part in the work, and everyone was able to interact with the art.”
Valencia Carroll, Redmond Lights 2021 artist and a participant in the Public Art Intensive Eastside program
Learn more and get involved
Come Play With Us
Redmond Parks and Recreation builds community through people, parks, arts, recreation, and conservation. This winter, the City is offering youth basketball, fitness classes, Juel Park community garden plots, indoor pickleball at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse, and more. Opportunities are available for all ages, interests, and skill levels.
“Redmond Parks and Recreation youth basketball league provided our sons with a fun and constructive environment to learn the fundamentals of the game of basketball. As parents, we also loved seeing the boys’ self-esteem and perseverance grow throughout the season, as well as their ability to be positive members of a team,” said youth basketball parent and coach Kelly Mickelson.
Recreational opportunities are available to all Redmond residents, regardless of income. If you are interested in learning more about the Fee Assistance program, please visit redmond.gov/Register or call 425-556-2300.
Winter Registration Schedule:
Learn more and sign up for winter activities
Registration is also available by phone at 425-556-2300 or in person at the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, Old Redmond Schoolhouse, or City Hall.
Redmond Light Rail Marks Milestone
Excitement continues to build with the anticipation of Sound Transit’s arrival in Redmond.
This summer, construction of light rail in Redmond made substantial progress. Notably, Sound Transit’s crews have completed all ground improvements and restoration work at Bear Creek. Additionally, infrastructure to support light rail was constructed under several roads in Redmond, which meant months-long closures on NE 40th, NE 51st, and NE 60th streets, as well as the on-ramp from Redmond Way/SR 202 to westbound SR 520. As of September, all these roads have reopened to traffic in both directions.
Also, during the summer months, Sound Transit’s board approved the station names for Redmond – Downtown Redmond and Marymoor Village. The selection was a culmination of collaboration with the community, city staff, and Sound Transit.
Increasing access and walkability has been a priority for the light rail project, and to that end, a pedestrian bridge across Bear Creek has been installed. This bridge will eventually connect the East Lake Sammamish Trail with the Redmond Central Connector and the Bear Creek Trail. The bridge is scheduled to open for community use in 2023.
Sound Transit is assessing the opening dates for projects across Puget Sound due to systemwide construction challenges, including East Link for the Overlake stations and the extension to Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond. While they were scheduled to open in 2023 and 2024 respectively, East Link is delayed at least one year and the extension to Marymoor Village and Downtown Redmond by four to six months.
“I’m excited to see Marymoor Village come to life as an emerging neighborhood. We envision it to be a vibrant and walkable urban village with a diversity of opportunities. The arrival of light rail complements this vision.”
- Mayor Angela Birney
Learn more about the light rail projects
Let's Connect to Shape the Future of Redmond
It is imperative that the community’s voice is represented and informs decisions about city projects and initiatives. Redmond uses an online platform at LetsConnectRedmond.com as one tool to collect community input.
Currently, we are seeking input on Redmond 2050, which focuses on future growth in Redmond. We recently finished collecting input on the community’s priorities for Redmond’s budget and on the comprehensive public safety funding plan. Through community involvement, the City’s project staff and leadership learn what matters most to those who live, work, and play here. For instance, the Redmond 2050 team has learned valuable information through this process, including community priorities for where growth should go, future needs for services and amenities, community design preferences, and policy options and alternatives for housing, transportation, and economic vitality. These outcomes and others are posted on each Let’s Connect project page to increase transparency of the City’s work.
Two public hearings remain for the 2023-24 budget on Nov. 1 and 15. You are invited to provide feedback at either of these hearings.
City Council is scheduled to vote on the budget on Dec. 6.
Share your voice
Construction is Progressing on the Future Gathering Space for the Redmond Community
A walk on the Sammamish River Trail near City Hall has a much different view than it did six months ago. Officially named the Redmond Senior & Community Center by City Council this summer, the new facility is starting to take shape. The name was selected following community outreach and involvement, a recommendation by the Parks and Trails Commission, and Council’s discussion of the recommendation and alternative names, ultimately determining Redmond Senior & Community Center was the best suited name for the new building.
With the site mobilized, demolition and excavation were ongoing during the summer and more than 1,000 piers were drilled and filled with stone to firm up the soil for the building’s foundation. In September, 280 yards of concrete were poured for the shear wall footings that will support the active recreation space, which features an elevated walk/jog track and a multipurpose gymnasium for indoor pickleball, basketball, and other activities. In the coming months, the team will pour the concrete slab for the first floor and then construct columns to support the second level and roof.
Transformation of the site will continue, with an anticipated completion in late 2023.
“When I walk outside of City Hall and see the active construction site transform daily, I am reminded of how strong our community is here in Redmond. The community has been instrumental in designing this space and sharing what matters most.”
Loreen Hamilton, Parks and Recreation Director
“Naming the new facility the Redmond Senior & Community Center demonstrates our commitment to including everyone in our community.”
Tammy VuPham, Parks and Trails Commissioner
Follow the construction progress
Redmond Takes Action for a Sustainable Future
Together, the Redmond community and City have been working hard to preserve and enhance our natural environment. Our collective efforts are making a real impact towards reducing emissions in half by 2030 to meet our Environmental Sustainability Action Plan (ESAP) goals.
2021 was our first full year implementing the ESAP since it was adopted. In that time, community members volunteered more than 1,700 hours to plant trees in Redmond parks through the Green Redmond Partnership. You gave your expertise and perspective on the newly formed Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee to advise ESAP implementation efforts. You signed up for new programs like the front porch recycling pickup, the Redmond Climate Action Challenge and Adopt-a-Drain programs, actively contributing to Redmond’s climate and sustainability goals. Thank you for your dedication to this impactful work.
Through the ESAP, Redmond committed to reflect on the successes, lessons learned, and next steps to drive us faster towards our goals. Explore Redmond’s 2021 ESAP Annual Report and find ways you can get involved. Together, our efforts help create a healthy and thriving environment for all generations.
28%
Community energy
use reduction
352
Rooftop solar systems
43%
Community waste
diversion rate
37.8%
Tree canopy coverage
Learn more about our collective accomplishments and ways you can get involved
Get Involved and Make an Impact!
FREE Sustainable Living Classes and Events
Classes are free, but registration is required.
Sustainable Cleaning
Thursday, Nov. 3, 12 – 1 p.m. | Virtual
Learn how to choose safer cleaning products and how to make non-toxic cleaners with simple ingredients at home.
Sustainable Living Game Night
Wednesday, Nov. 9, 5 – 6 p.m. | In-person at the Redmond Library
Test your knowledge at a fun, action-packed Sustainable Living Game Night. All attendees will receive prizes to help live more sustainably. All ages are welcome. A parent or guardian must accompany children under 14.
Sustainable Kitchen
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 7 – 8 p.m. | Virtual
Learn how to buy, store, and cook foods to prevent waste and create recipes using food scraps.
Waste-Free Giving
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 7 – 8 p.m. | Virtual
Learn tips and sources for making more sustainable purchases of materials or experiences for gift giving just in time for the holidays.
Using Resources and Tools for Recycling or Disposing of Unusual Items
Monday Dec. 5, 7 – 8 p.m. | Virtual
Familiarize yourself with a host of tools available online and beyond for waste reduction, recycling, and disposal.
Learn more and register for classes
Be Prepared for Winter and Holidays
Holiday Schedule Changes
Garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection are not provided on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day. Weekday holidays will delay collection by one day for the remainder of the week.
More garbage, recycling and yard waste information
Free Holiday Tree Collection
Those living in homes in Redmond with curbside garbage collection can recycle their holiday tree at no cost. During the first two weeks of January, place trees up to six feet tall next to your yard waste cart. Flocked trees (trees with fake snow) must go in the garbage. After the first two weeks of January, trees must be cut into four-foot or smaller segments and placed fully inside your yard waste cart to be collected at no additional cost.
Additional information for Waste Management tree collection
Other tree recycling options can be found using the What Goes Where searchable directory.
Free Cooking Oil Recycling
Used cooking oil should not be poured or washed down the drain as it can clog and damage pipes. Put cooled oil from fryers, pots, or pans in a sealed container and recycle it at the City of Redmond’s free cooking oil collection tank, located outside the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village, 6505 176th Ave NE, Redmond. No motor oil or other petroleum products.
Waste Management Service and Weather Events
Cold weather is here and with that comes winter storms. Below are some frequently asked questions about Waste Management service during inclement weather.
How will I know if my carts are going to be serviced?
Waste Management service alerts for Redmond can be found at servicealerts.wmnorthwest.com/redmond.
What do I do if my garbage is not collected?
You may put out double loads of garbage, recycling, and yard waste at no additional charge on your next regularly scheduled pick-up day.
Why is my garbage not being collected?
Winter storms can create unsafe and sometimes impassable road conditions that impact Waste Management’s ability to provide collection service safely. The Waste Management operations team inspects every route so that collection will resume when it is safe to do so.
Winter Tips
Don't Forget
Set your clock back on Nov. 6 for the end of daylight savings. It is also a great time to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Be Prepared
Now’s the time to purchase a snow shovel, salt, generator, and other winter weather supplies. Stock up now and reduce the need to travel when it snows.
Clear Sidewalks and Storm Drains
Please clear sidewalks and storm drains around your home or business in support of pedestrian safety and reducing flooding.
View Winter Tips
View this video to hear from city staff tips and preparations for winter weather.
The Future is Shaped by Volunteers
Volunteers play a crucial role throughout the city, including in shaping city plans, policies, and spending.
Antoinette “Anny” Smith began her volunteer role at the City of Redmond in 2016 when she joined the Human Services Commission after taking time off from her nursing career.
The Human Services Commission advises the Mayor and Council on issues related to food, shelter, employment, counseling, legal help, and medical care which the City helps support by funding local non-profit organizations.
During her time in the role, she’s found that the role of a commissioner is multifaceted. Commissioners must educate themselves on human services needs in general and the specific issues affecting Redmond residents. They must be familiar with the experience of nonprofit organizations, the gaps in services, changes in the community, and how these factors impact the ability to provide critical services. Commissioners use this knowledge to help staff develop funding recommendations for Council.
Smith’s favorite part of the role is being able to bring her unique perspective to the decision-making process. “Needs change and the City must be agile,” says Smith, “folks know what they need and we need to listen.”
“My advice to anyone considering a role like this,” says Anny, “is to leave your expectations at the door, be open to having your assumptions challenged, and roll up your sleeves for some of the most challenging important work you have ever done.”