TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Malisa Files |
425-556-2166 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Executive |
Amy Tsai |
Chief Policy Advisor |
TITLE:
title
City of Redmond 2026 State Legislative Agenda
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
This is the second hearing and discussion on the 2026 state legislative agenda. The legislative agenda identifies the City’s top priority issues and other policy issues the City supports, and it guides City work during the state legislative session.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☒ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
RMC 2.80 Representation of City to Legislative Bodies
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
This is the second hearing on the City’s state legislative agenda for 2026 (Attachment 1). The Council is requested to review and provide direction. The 2026 Legislative Session will begin January 12, 2026. It is the second year of the biennium and the session is scheduled to last 60 days. The adopted 2025 state legislative agenda is included for reference (Attachment 2).
The state legislative agenda serves three main purposes: (1) it communicates the City’s top priorities and funding requests to the legislature, (2) it provides policy guidance for City positions on bills and informs allocation of staff resources during session, and (3) it tells a story to the state legislature about Redmond and why City issues deserve support.
The front page of the agenda gives a short paragraph about Redmond and highlights specific requests for state support derived from department feedback. The second page identifies regional issues where Redmond has interests in common with other jurisdictions. The third page contains support (or oppose) statements of specific interest to the City.
The state budget continues to experience significant revenue challenges. The state will also be weighing federal budget impacts. This will make the 2026 session a tough environment for city asks.
The draft legislative agenda incorporates changes based on feedback received at Committee of the Whole. On the front page, the description of Redmond is updated to note its majority multicultural composition. A paragraph is added that highlights areas of regional concern in light of recent federal actions. The Hartman Park Playground ask is increased to $500,000, and a drone docking station funding request is removed. Edits to the second and third pages are shown in track changes in the attached draft.
OUTCOMES:
The City’s legislative session advocacy potentially results in state funding for projects identified in the State Legislative Agenda. The State Legislative Agenda helps the City advance top priority requests, and it focuses attention on policy areas that may be considered by the state legislature and that could have a positive or negative impact on the City of Redmond and the Redmond community.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
N/A
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
Funding may be provided by the State for Redmond projects on the City’s State Legislative Agenda. The proposed 2026 State Legislative agenda includes a funding request of $500,000 for Hartman Park Playground. The City could well receive a reduced amount.
Funding source(s):
N/A
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
09/09/2025 |
Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
The 2026 Legislative Session begins on January 12, 2026. To effectively advocate for the City’s Legislative agenda, the agenda should be approved by Council preferably in the fall to support state lobbying efforts.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The City will not be effective in lobbying for the items on the City’s Legislative Agenda if the agenda is not approved in a timely manner.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: 2026 State Legislative Agenda revised draft
Attachment B: 2025 State Legislative Agenda