Legislation Details

File #: CM 25-495   
Type: Committee Memo Status: Approved for Staff Report
File created: 9/2/2025 In control: Internal Committee - 3P
On agenda: 9/8/2025 Final action: 9/8/2025
Title: World Cup Planning Update

TO: Internal Committee - 3P

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

Kristen Raftis

World Cup Planning Program Manager

Executive

Kelly Schutz

Communications Manager

Parks

Zach Houvener

Deputy Director

Police

Brian Coats

Deputy Chief

Fire

Ameé Quiriconi

Deputy Chief

 

 

TITLE:

title

World Cup Planning Update

 

OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

recommendation

This staff report will provide an update on planning efforts in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

body

☐  Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached

 

 

REQUESTED ACTION:

 

☒  Receive Information                                          ☐  Provide Direction                                          ☐  Approve

 

 

REQUEST RATIONALE:

 

  • Relevant Plans/Policies:
  • Redmond 2050 Comprehensive Plan
  • 2024 Economic Development Strategic Plan
  • 2024 Tourism Development Strategic Plan
  • Required:

N/A

  • Council Request:

N/A

  • Other Key Facts:

Seattle was selected to host six matches from the FIFA World Cup 26, including USA's second group fixture and two knockout games. These matches take place from June 15-July 6. Hosting the event is anticipated to leverage more than $100 million in economic activity. A projected 750,000 visitors will be in the Seattle region to soak up the event atmosphere with the over 4 billion global viewers who watch the World Cup.  With a new transformational transportation system, Redmond should be ready to leverage this opportunity to welcome the World and highlight the City through visitation and global broadcast.

 

 

OUTCOMES:

The World Cup provides the opportunity for an unforgettable experience for visitors, athletes, and residents by showcasing Redmond’s connectivity to the region, celebrating our diverse culture, and fostering an atmosphere of excitement and hospitality. Objectives and outcomes include:

  • Brand and Promote Redmond as a Destination
  • Attract Visitation and Spending for Economic Impact
  • Legacy Coalition Building for District Development and Branding 
  • Foster Community Pride and Connection 
  • Safe and Enjoyable Experience for the Redmond Community

 

 

COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:

 

  • Timeline (previous or planned):

May 2025-July 2026

  • Outreach Methods and Results:

Meetings, questionnaire and individual stakeholder outreach

  • Feedback Summary:

Redmond residents and businesses who have completed the questionnaire are very excited for the World Cup and activities that will be planned in Redmond.

 

 

BUDGET IMPACT:

 

Total Cost:

N/A

 

Approved in current biennial budget:                                          ☒  Yes                                          ☐  No                                          ☐  N/A

 

Budget Offer Number:

0000311

 

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

Click and select a date, or click and press delete if none.

Item has not been presented to Council

N/A

 

Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)

Date

Meeting

Requested Action

10/7/2025

Business Meeting

Receive Information

 

Time Constraints:

N/A

 

 

ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:

N/A

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

(Presentation Pending)