TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Finance |
Kelley Cochran |
425-556-2748 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Finance |
Haritha Narra |
Deputy Finance Director |
|
Finance |
Hailey Zurcher |
Financial Planning Manager |
TITLE:
title
2027-2028 Budget Process Update: Community Engagement
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Council will be updated on the City’s community engagement efforts to inform priorities and proposed outcomes for the 2027-2028 budget. Staff will outline the approach, focus areas, and next steps for incorporating community feedback into the budget development process. body
☐ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
N/A
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Supports the 2027-2028 budget development process by incorporating community input on priorities and outcomes.
OUTCOMES:
The City partnered with Fulcrum Strategy Group to conduct targeted focus groups with Redmond residents to gather qualitative feedback on priorities and proposed outcomes.
Two focus groups were held on March 31, 2026 (5:30-7 p.m. and 7:30-9 p.m.). Participants were recruited through a structured screening process to ensure a diverse mix of residents across age, gender, and perspectives. Each session included approximately 6-7 participants to support meaningful and balanced discussion.
The discussions followed a structured moderator guide and progressed from general community perspectives to targeted feedback on priorities and proposed outcomes, including how residents define success within each priority area. The moderator’s guide is attached for reference.
This effort will provide structured input from a diverse group of residents, along with targeted feedback on proposed outcomes and community perspectives on how success should be defined and measured. A summary report from Fulcrum Strategy Group will capture key themes and insights. The report will be shared at the upcoming Finance, Administration, and Communications (FAC) Committee of the Whole meeting on May 12, 2026.
This represents one phase of community engagement. Finance is partnering with Communications to expand outreach through budget questionnaires and promotion in Focus newsletters to encourage community participation. Additional opportunities for input will occur through Council study sessions, formal public hearings, and Items from the Audience prior to budget adoption.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
March 31, 2026
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Focus Groups
• Feedback Summary:
Will be provided for the May 12, 2026, FAC meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$40,000
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
297 Fiscal Accountability
Budget Priority:
Strategic & 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 |
|
5/12/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications |
Receive Information |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Moderator’s Guide