TO: Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Lisa Maher |
425-556-2427 |
|
Executive |
Zach Houvener |
425-556-2306 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Executive |
Kelly Schutz |
Communications Manager |
TITLE:
title
2026 City Council Communications Investment Update and Engagement
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Staff will present an update related to 2025-2026 Budget communications-related investments, as well as provide an overview of and seek feedback on current scheduled Council engagement opportunities and activities for 2026, which include:
• Council Conversations - March 19, May 21
• America 250 Day of Service - June 14
• Derby Days - July 25
• Downtown Redmond Art Walk (DRAW) - September 17
• Town Hall (taking place of fall Council Conversations event) - Fall TBD
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Community Strategic Plan, Redmond 2050
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
An update on 2025-2026 Budget Communications was requested by City Council
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Councilmembers will:
• Be informed on the status of 2025-2026 communications-related budget investments.
• Be informed on opportunities and currently scheduled Council engagement opportunities and provide feedback to staff.
• Commit to volunteer shifts at events and sign up via email with staff.
• Provide staff with clear direction on any additional desired engagement activities in 2026.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
March 19, 2026 - Council Conversations (Redmond Middle School)
April 14, 2026 - Discuss proposal and receive Council direction
May 21, 2026 - Council Conversations (Idylwood Park)
June 14, 2026 - America 250 Day of Service
July 25, 2026 - Derby Days
September 17, 2026 - Downtown Redmond Art Walk (DRAW)
Fall date TBD - Town Hall / Council Conversations
Additional events to be determined based on meeting discussion and direction.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
All listed events will be robustly promoted via the City’s various communication channels, guided by individual communications plans. Councilmembers are also encouraged to publicize events via personal networks.
• Feedback Summary:
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000298
Budget Priority:
Strategic and 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 |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
6/9/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications |
Receive Information |
Time Constraints:
As some of these events are approaching quickly, staff is requesting confirmation of Council participation, location, and timing prior to booking events and executing communications plans.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Communications Investment Summary
Attachment B: Communications Plan Sample