TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Finance |
Kelley Cochran |
425-556-2748 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Finance |
Haritha Narra |
Deputy Finance Director |
|
Finance |
Hailey Zurcher |
Financial Planning Manager |
TITLE:
title
Budget Process Update: Long-Range Financial Strategy, Fiscal Policies, and Community Engagement
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
During the April 14, 2026, study session, Council was presented with the latest drafts of the updated Long-Range Financial Strategy and Fiscal Policies documents. Both documents are being refreshed as part of the 2027-2028 budget process, and the updated versions will be adopted with the 2027-2028 biennial budget in late 2026. Council is being provided a framework for reviewing these draft documents.
Additionally, Council requested an update regarding community engagement for the 2027-2028 budget.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
o City of Redmond Long-Range Financial Strategy
o City of Redmond Fiscal Policies
• Required:
o City policies require routine updates to the Long-Range Financial Strategy
o City and State policies require routine updates to Fiscal Policies
• Council Request:
o During the April 14, 2026, study session, Council discussed the need for a formal plan for reviewing the Long-Range Financial Strategy and the Fiscal Policies.
o During the April 14, 2026, FAC Committee of the Whole meeting, Council requested follow-up discussions regarding community outreach and engagement for the 2027-2028 biennial budget.
• Other Key Facts:
The review and update process for the Long-Range Financial Strategy and Fiscal Policies is included in the biennial budget process. The current update is significant, and it is important to review the recommended changes with City Council.
OUTCOMES:
Council’s review of the Long-Range Financial Strategy and Fiscal Policies documents will be conducted via the Council SharePoint site. Each Councilmember will have their own copy of each document where they can provide feedback and suggestions in track changes. Completing the review process in separate documents will ensure that a serial meeting will not occur. Council will be emailed when the documents and supporting materials have been posted for their review. Once Council’s review is complete, Council’s feedback regarding content edits will be compiled into a matrix that will be shared with Council.
For community engagement regarding the 2027-2028 budget, Finance staff met with Communications staff about opportunities for expanded engagement. A robust communications plan is being developed in partnership with Finance and Communications for major budget milestones and engagement opportunities. Highlights of this plan are noted below in the Community/Stakeholder Outreach and Involvement section.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
2027-2028 Budget Outreach and Engagement
Previous
o The City partnered with Fulcrum Strategy Group to hold two focus groups on March 31, 2026. Participants shared general community perspectives and then progressed to targeted feedback on budget priorities and outcomes.
Planned
o The May 21 Council Conversations is being promoted with budget-focused messaging as an opportunity to engage with the City regarding the budget.
o A Let’s Connect Redmond page dedicated to 2027-2028 budget engagement is being developed and is scheduled to go live by July 1.
§ The page will highlight all the outreach efforts and engagement opportunities, including public hearings, Items from the Audience, the budget@redmond.gov <mailto:budget@redmond.gov> email address for sending budget suggestions and feedback to the City, and other options currently being explored.
o The budget questionnaire is being developed and will also be launched by July 1, which is earlier than normal, and will be accessible via the Let’s Connect Redmond budget page.
o Engagement regarding the 2027-2028 budget will be highlighted in the summer Focus newsletter (anticipated to arrive in mailboxes July 6), and will include a link to the Let’s Connect Redmond budget engagement webpage.
o Communications staff is developing a specific plan to highlight the following:
§ Public Hearings
§ Preliminary Budget Presentation
§ Budget Adoption
§ Outreach and engagement opportunities
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Various communications channels will be utilized to communicate budget engagement opportunities and milestones. These channels will include:
o News releases on redmond.gov
o eNews
o Social Media
o Focus Newsletter
• Feedback Summary:
o The summary report from the March 31 focus groups will be shared with Council during the July 28, 2026, study session. (Please note this date change from May 12 to July 28.)
o Feedback from other outreach and engagement efforts will be shared as it is available.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$40,000 (Fulcrum Strategy Group focus groups)
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
297 (Fiscal Accountability)
Budget Priority:
Strategic & Responsive
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
11/12/2025 |
Study Session |
Receive Information |
|
4/14/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications |
Receive Information |
|
4/14/2026 |
Study Session |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
6/9/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications |
Receive Information |
Time Constraints:
The Long-Range Financial Strategy and the Fiscal Policies will be proposed for approval as part of the budget adoption packet in November. Council’s review and feedback is requested in mid-2026 so there is adequate time to incorporate edits.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
If updated versions of the Long-Range Financial Strategy and Fiscal Policies are not updated, the City will continue to utilize the existing strategies and policies.
ATTACHMENTS:
N/A