TO: Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Parks |
Loreen Hamilton |
425-556-2336 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Parks |
Laurel Williams |
Events Program Coordinator |
|
Parks |
Lindsey Tusing |
Marketing and Events Supervisor |
|
Parks |
Brittany Pratt |
Recreation Business Manager |
|
Parks |
Zach Houvener |
Deputy Director |
TITLE:
title
Redmond Lights Event Recap 2025
recommendation
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
Redmond Lights is an annual signature, month-long event celebrating art and light. This year’s festival showcased illuminated temporary public art and hundreds of holiday lights from December 6 to January 5. Historically held in one park, Redmond Lights expanded to include both Downtown Park and Esterra Park in 2025. The month-long celebration began with a Kick-Off Event on Saturday, December 6 at Downtown Park and Redmond Town Center.
body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
2023 PARCC Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Redmond Lights 2025 supported the following PARCC Plan priorities: “EXPAND ACCESS FOR ALL,” “BUILD STRONG COMMUNITIES,” and “PROTECT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.” By expanding to include a privately owned public space, Esterra Park, the event also contributed to goals around activating urban parks.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Outreach to local businesses and community organizations - Sept. 2025 to Nov. 2025
Outreach to prospective attendees - Oct. 2025 to Dec. 2025
• Outreach Methods and Results:
o Email outreach
o Dedicated website
o Social media campaign
o E-News
o Posters and banners
o News release
o Our Stories video
o Utility bill inserts
o Postcards
• Feedback Summary:
Of the event attendees who completed the Redmond Lights questionnaire:
• 89% said they are likely or very likely to attend Redmond Lights again in the future
Participating businesses and community organizations completed a separate feedback survey:
• 100% said they had a positive return on investment
• 100% would participate again
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$167,805.66
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000138 - Arts & Community Events
Budget Priority:
Vibrant & Connected
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
• Arts Activity Fund (011)
o Cultural Arts Activations LTAC Grant - $50,000
o Arts Activity Fund - $57
• Events Activity Fund (013)
o LTAC Grant - $50,000
o Sponsorships - $70,250
• Event Fees (013)
o Activity booth fees - $4,800
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
10/13/2025 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Receive Information |
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:
Councilmembers may not have sufficient information to accurately evaluate the event’s impacts or provide informed guidance for future planning and improvements.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Redmond Lights 2025 Recap