The creation of a Rainbow Crosswalk in Redmond began with community members sharing their support of this project. At the Nov. 1, 2022, City Council meeting, community members explained the importance of a rainbow crosswalk to raise visibility and symbolize Redmond’s support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Considering these public requests, the Redmond Arts & Culture Commission approved adding Rainbow Crosswalks to the 2023 Cultural Arts work plan at their meeting on Feb. 9, 2023, and at the meeting on March 9, 2023, they approved an Artist Call.
Once that Artist is selected in May, they will work with the City to facilitate robust public outreach and community engagement during National Pride Month in June. This feedback will inform their decisions in creating a final design for a Rainbow Crosswalk. The design will be brought to the Arts & Culture Commission for approval and then painted and installed midblock on Cleveland Street by Redmond Public Works staff in August. The crosswalk will be ready for the second annual Redmond Pride Festival on Sept. 2 in Redmond Downtown Park.