TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Planning and Community Development |
Carol Helland |
425-556-2107 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Planning and Community Development |
Seraphie Allen |
Deputy Director |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Philly Marsh |
Economic Development Manager |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Domonique Meeks |
Small Business Assistance Program Manager |
TITLE:
title
Acceptance of a Port of Seattle Economic Development Grant in the Amount of $120,000 for 2025 and 2026 Programming
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The City is eligible to receive $120,000 in Economic Development grant funding through the Port of Seattle for 2025 and 2026. Funds will support district development, World Cup activations, and Startup425 programming. Since 2016, the City of Redmond has received $60,000 annually from the Port of Seattle to assist with economic development programs.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan -Economic Vitality:
EV-9
Participate and coordinate with other government agencies, businesses, and non-profits in efforts to further the City’s economic vitality.
EV-18
Foster the creation of business districts that help small businesses thrive and that are centers of local commerce, community, and culture.
EV-19
Enhance local arts, culture, recreation, nightlife, and social amenities that promote Redmond as an attractive place to work and live.
EV-22
Support Redmond’s growth as a tourism destination and foster tourism-related initiatives that bring investment and economic benefit.
Economic Development Strategic Plan:
Strategy 2C. Foster entrepreneurship across industries and work with partners to ensure support for a diverse community of entrepreneurs.
- Action 2C.1. Invest in entrepreneurship programing to foster new business starts in Redmond.
- Action 2C.4. Work with partners to create a one-stop resource for entrepreneurs to learn about business assistance resources and programs including advising on access to financial support.
Strategy 6A. Foster the creation of district organizations that can convene, brand, program and promote Redmond’s unique business districts.
- Action 6A.1. Research models for successful business districts, including business improvement districts and provide recommendations on how to facilitate their successful creation and operation.
- Action 6A.2. Consider facilitation of business improvement districts to increase effectiveness and funding for district branding and improvements.
Strategy 6C. Leverage light rail and continue to prioritize planning and resources for key investments in growth centers to reinforce unique identities as vibrant cultural and commercial centers.
- Action 6C.5 Leverage large regional events, such as the World Cup to attract visitors to Redmond for economic impact
- Required:
Acceptance of a grant requires Council approval.
N/A
The partnership between the City of Redmond and the Port of Seattle began in 2016 with the inception of the Port’s Economic Development Partnership Program. Since that time, with the Port’s support, the City and our local partners have been able to enhance economic development and small business assistance programs.
OUTCOMES:
Outcomes of this grant are to advance the work outlined in the draft economic development strategic plan, including supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs through the Startup425 Program, World Cup activations, and Business Improvement Area (BIA) exploration to increase the success of small businesses in Redmond. Specific activities are included in the Scope of Work identified in Attachment A.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
- Timeline (previous or planned):
Economic Development Strategic Plan 2024 engagement
- Outreach Methods and Results:
Survey and focus groups
The City of Redmond’s Port of Seattle Economic Development Partnership Grant supports three strategic initiatives that align directly with Redmond’s Economic Development Strategic Plan that was developed with robust stakeholder involvement. Together, these projects reinforce Redmond’s long-term economic vision by supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening business districts, and positioning Redmond as a regional destination.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
The 2025 grant is for $120,000 and will be matched by the City through activities already funded and adopted within the biennial budget. No additional or new costs to the City will be incurred.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000304 – Community and Economic Development
Budget Priority:
Vibrant and Connected
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 |
|
9/2/2025 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
|
Nothing proposed at this time. |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Activities associated with this grant may not commence until the Agreement has been approved by City Council and, all activities must be completed by December 15, 2026.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
If the acceptance of this grant is not approved, services aimed at meeting service gaps identified by the Redmond business community would not be provided.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Port of Seattle Economic Development Grant Contract