TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
Planning and Community Development Jason Lynch (Interim Co-Director) 425-556-2483
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
Executive Malisa Files Chief Operating Officer Executive Lisa Maher
Asst. Chief Operating Officer Public Works Chris Stenger Interim Director Planning and Community Development Seraphie Allen Interim Co-Director Fire Adrian Sheppard
Chief
Finance Kelley Cochran Director
TITLE:
title
Creation of a New Department to Support Improved Development Service Functions
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Staff recommend that the Council provide direction on the creation of a new department to support development services functions. This memo provides background information and supporting materials requested at the Sept. 8, 2026, study session on this topic.
The City of Redmond’s development review system is currently fragmented across multiple departments, resulting in inconsistent processes, unclear accountability, and a customer experience that is often slow, complex, and difficult to navigate. These challenges hinder our ability to meet Counciladopted goals and state requirements for housing production, economic vitality, and predictable, efficient permitting.
Redmond faces significant pressures: housing affordability needs that far exceed current production levels, loss of key retail space affecting neighborhood completeness, and new state requirements mandating faster and more coordinated permitting. To respond effectively, the City must modernize its development services structure, processes, and technology to deliver timely, predictable, and customerfocused services.
A new department will consolidates development review services, bring permitting and public project design under unified leadership, and implement consistent standards, procedures, and customer service expectations. This structure positions Redmond to respond to community needs, meet statemandate...
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