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
Award of a Business District Feasibility and Formation Contract to Uncommon Bridges in the Amount of $130,000
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The 2024 Economic Development Strategic Plan included a focus area for district development. This study will explore the feasibility in forming and sustaining business district organizations in Redmond’s centers.
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-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.
Redmond Economic Development Strategic Plan
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.
• Required:
Council approval is required for contracts over $50,000
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
Creation of sustainable business district organizations will provide partnership opportunities for the city to foster small business support, placemaking and shared program delivery.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
2024 Economic Development Plan Outreach provided direction for this study and extensive stakeholder outreach is part of this consultant scope
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Questionnaire, focus groups and interviews
• Feedback Summary:
Feedback is imbedded into the Comprehensive Plan Policies and Economic Development Strategic Plan
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$130,000
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000304 - Community & 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 and Port of Seattle Grant support
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
2/3/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
Implementation of recommendations from this study would be delayed and impact program delivery.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The City would continue to lack district level organizations to partner with on service delivery.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Contract with Uncommon Bridges
Attachment B: RFP Response