TO: Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Executive |
Malisa Files |
425-556-2166 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
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Executive |
Amy Tsai |
Chief Policy Advisor |
TITLE:
title
City of Redmond 2026 State Legislative Agenda
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
This is the first hearing and discussion on the 2026 state legislative agenda. The legislative agenda identifies the City’s top priority issues and other policy issues the City supports, and it guides City work during the state legislative session.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☒ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
RMC 2.80 Representation of City to Legislative Bodies
N/A
Enter the meeting and date when Council requested this information.
This is the first hearing on the City’s state legislative agenda for 2026 (Attachment 1). The Council is requested to review and provide input. The 2026 Legislative Session will begin January 12, 2026. It is the second year of the biennium and the session is scheduled to last 60 days. The adopted 2025 state legislative agenda is included for reference (Attachment 2).
The state legislative agenda serves three main purposes: (1) it communicates the City’s top priorities and funding requests to the legislature, (2) it provides policy guidance for City positions on bills and informs allocation of staff resources during session, and (3) it tells a story to the state legislature about Redmond and why City issues deserve support.
The front page of the agenda gives a short paragraph about Redmond and highlights specific requests for state support derived from department feedback. The second page identifies regional issues where Redmond has interests in common with other jurisdictions. The third page contains support (or oppose) statements of specific interest to the City.
The state budget continues to experience significant revenue challenges. The state will also be weighing federal budget impacts. This will make the 2026 session a tough environment for city asks.
OUTCOMES:
The City’s legislative session advocacy potentially results in state funding for projects identified in the State Legislative Agenda. The State Legislative Agenda helps the City advance top priority requests, and it focuses attention on policy areas that may be considered by the state legislature and that could have a positive or negative impact on the City of Redmond and the Redmond community.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
- Timeline (previous or planned):
N/A
- Outreach Methods and Results:
N/A
N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
Enter the total cost of the proposal.
Approved in current biennial budget: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
Enter the budget number from the adopted budget. If from a previous biennial budget, include the biennium too.
Budget Priority:
Enter the budget priority. An old budget priority may be listed if funding is from a previous biennial budget.
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
Funding may be provided by the State for Redmond projects on the City’s State Legislative Agenda. The proposed 2026 State Legislative agenda includes a funding request of $300,000 for Hartman Park Playground and $650,000 for drone docking stations. The City could well receive a reduced amount.
Funding source(s):
N/A
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
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Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
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Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
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Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
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10/14/2025 |
Study Session |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
The 2026 Legislative Session begins on January 12, 2026. To effectively advocate for the City’s Legislative agenda, the agenda should be approved by Council preferably in the fall to support state lobbying efforts.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
The City will not be effective in lobbying for the items on the City’s Legislative Agenda if the agenda is not approved in a timely manner.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: 2026 State Legislative Agenda FAC 9-9-25
Attachment B: 2025 State Legislative Agenda