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 |
|
Finance |
Haritha Narra |
Deputy Director |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Philly Marsh |
Economic Development Manager |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Kim Dietz |
Principal Planner |
|
Finance |
Denise Shinoda |
Program Coordinator, Business Licensing |
TITLE:
title
Award of a Business License Process, Policy and Compliance Evaluation and Recommendation Contract to Strategica, Inc., in the Amount of $150,000
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
As part of the 2025-2026 budget, the City Council approved funding for a Business License Study. This study will research Redmond’s current business license landscape, conduct a comparative analysis and best practices of peer cities’ process and policies, an audit to understand gaps in compliance and revenue leakage, recommendations to obtain full business compliance, business license review process improvement policy changes, and reporting recommendations.
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-8: Monitor the performance of economic development policies and strategies in business diversity, middle-wage job creation, and reduction of displacement risks. Identify and track key economic and demographic metrics to help the city evaluate the effectiveness of local economic strategies and achievement of equitable outcomes.
Economic Development Strategic Plan
Action 1A.4. Encourage business licensing audit to ensure business license compliance for accurate data reporting and revenue generation.
• Required:
Council Approval is required for contracts over $50,000
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
N/A
OUTCOMES:
The contract to Strategica outlines an agreement to provide professional services to conduct a comprehensive business license study.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
2024 Economic Development Plan Outreach
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Questionnaire, focus groups and interviews
• Feedback Summary:
Feedback imbedded into the Comprehensive Plan Policies and Economic Development Strategic Plan
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$150,000
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000304
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 |
|
N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
|
11/3/2025 |
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 study would be delayed and impact business assistance.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The city would continue to struggle with accurate data representation of businesses in Redmond.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Contract with Strategica, Inc.
Attachment B: RFP Response