TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Planning and Community Development |
Seraphie Allen |
425-556-2450 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Planning and Community Development |
Philly Marsh |
Interim Planning and Community Development Deputy Director |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Kim Dietz |
Interim Economic Development Manager |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Jackie Lalor |
Tourism Program Administrator |
TITLE:
title
2025 Annual Report and Tourism Strategic Plan Progress Report
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Redmond’s first tourism strategic plan was adopted by the City Council in June of 2024. This plan provides the roadmap necessary for Redmond’s tourism programming through outlining 64 specific initiatives within four outlined tourism goals:
1. Enhancing Visitor Experience
2. Building Collaborative Partnerships
3. Developing Support for the Tourism Industry
4. Building Destination Awareness
This staff report will provide an update on the 2025 tourism program and the first two-years of the strategic plan implementation.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan:
EV-22 Support Redmond’s growth as a tourism destination and foster tourism-related initiatives that bring investment and economic benefit.
2024 Adopted Tourism Strategic Plan - All Initiatives (Attachment A)
2024 Adopted Economic Development Strategic Plan
Action 3G.2. Support Redmond’s Tourism Program and the Tourism Strategic Plan to align the City’s tourism efforts for economic impact.
• Required:
Per the TPA interlocal agreement between the City of Redmond and the City of Bellevue, the 2025 TPA annual report prepared by OneRedmond and the City of Bellevue is attached.
• Council Request:
With the adoption of the Tourism Development Strategic and Economic Development and Plans, Council requested updates on program development and progress.
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Implementation of the goals and initiatives identified in the Tourism Strategic Plan supports the City of Redmond’s vision for a strong economy, high-quality parks and recreation opportunities, and meaningful regional partnerships. Tourism also advances the City’s goals of fostering a welcoming and inclusive intercultural city, maintaining vibrant and well-connected centers, and supporting a diverse, sustainable, and resilient economy.
Tourism contributes to Redmond’s economic vitality by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, generating overnight stays, and encouraging visitor spending throughout the community. According to Placer.ai data, Redmond recorded approximately $92.4 million in visitor spending in 2025, excluding international visitors. At the state level, tourism is Washington’s fourth-largest industry, generating approximately $24 billion in annual revenue and supporting more than 163,000 jobs.
Over the past two years, the City has initiated work on nearly all 64 initiatives outlined in the Tourism Strategic Plan. Progress includes strengthening tourism marketing and public relations, advancing regional and industry partnerships, supporting events and visitor attractions, improving visitor mobility through the RedLink shuttle and Light Rail connections, and positioning Redmond to capture new opportunities associated with sports tourism and regional events.
Continued implementation of the Tourism Strategic Plan will help strengthen Redmond’s visitor economy, encourage local economic activity, enhance the visitor experience, and build a more coordinated and sustainable approach to tourism development. The Two-Year Progress Report provides a detailed overview of accomplishments, ongoing work, and opportunities for continued advancement.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
The Tourism Strategic Plan conducted extensive stakeholder outreach and involvement in the development of the strategies adopted in 2023 and 2024.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Quantitative and qualitative methods including questionnaires, interviews and focus groups
• Feedback Summary:
Feedback was incorporated into the formation of the adopted strategies.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
000304 - 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):
Lodging Tax, Tourism Promotion Area (Redmond Zone), 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 |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Tourism Development Strategic Plan
Attachment B: Tourism Strategic Plan Progress Report
Attachment C: TPA Annual Report Attachment
Attachment D: Council Presentation