TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
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Executive |
Malisa Files |
425-556-2166 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
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Executive |
Amy Tsai |
Chief Policy Advisor |
TITLE:
title
2026 State Legislative Session Debrief
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
This presentation is an overview of the 2026 state legislative session, co-presented with Briahna Murray, the City’s state lobbyist. The overview will highlight session outcomes for the City’s top priorities and additional policy issues of interest.
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☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
2026 City of Redmond State Legislative Agenda
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
The City’s 2026 state legislative agenda is attached as Attachment A. The 2026 legislative session was the second session of the 2025-2027 biennium. It was a 60-day short session. It began on January 12 and adjourned on March 12. Governor actions on bills concluded 20 days later on April 1.
In a short session, the Legislature adopts supplemental operating, capital, and transportation budgets, and debates and advances legislation. Facing a multi-billion-dollar gap, the Legislature focused on budget balancing strategies. In a very tough budget climate, the City of Redmond was very fortunate to receive its priority request for Hartman Park Playground improvements in the amount of $515,000. We thank all of our legislators for this success and give special recognition to Senator Dhingra and Representative Springer for tireless advocacy to make it happen. The End of Session Report (Attachment B) highlights notable legislative outcomes from the 2026 session.
OUTCOMES:
The Council will be updated on how the City fared on its 2026 state legislative agenda. Staff will return for discussion on the draft 2027 legislative agenda in September.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
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• Outreach Methods and Results:
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• Feedback Summary:
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BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
N/A
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
N/A
Budget Priority:
N/A
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
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Funding source(s):
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Budget/Funding Constraints:
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☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
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Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
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N/A |
Item has not been presented to Council |
N/A |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
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Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
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9/8/2026 |
Study Session |
Receive Information |
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10/13/2026 |
Study Session |
Receive Information |
Time Constraints:
This debrief sets the stage for future discussion on the 2027 state legislative agenda.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: 2026 State Legislative Agenda
Attachment B: 2026 Redmond End of Session Report
Attachment C: 2026 End of Session Debrief Presentation