UPDATED: Redmond's Evolving Economic Development Plan

Mayor John Marchione
Coordinating economic
development

UPDATED, July 12:  The City of Redmond's Centennial Celebration in 2012 is becoming the rallying point for jump-starting economic
development in the Greater Redmond Community.  Healthy, economic development is deemed critical to the future of the City for job growth, a robust business climate, and quality neighborhoods.   Four community organizations are being re-deployed to fund-raise and move economic and community development forward, as follows:

• "Redmond Economic Development Alliance"  (REDA)
• "Redmond Foundation", now known as "Realize Redmond" (RR).
• "Greater Redmond Chamber of Commerce" (CC)
• "Redmond Lodging Tax Advisory Committee"  (RLTAC)
• Mayor Marchione of the City of Redmond is taking a leadership role in the process.

On May 19, 2009 city council authorized $105,500 payment to Texas-based Angelou Economics "to develop a strategic plan for economic development."  In addition, Council approved $200,000 to create a public-private partnership between the City and REDA.  This "seed money" was intended to jump start REDA fund-raising activities.   During the May public meeting Councilmember Pat Vache' asked council to step off the Dias and extend a hand of partnership and welcome to attending Chamber members.   REDA member, Jim Stanton of Microsoft spent over 15 minutes talking with Chris Hoffmann, the Chamber CEO. The first $50,000 of $200,000 was spent funding the office of Larry Williams, Executive Director, REDA.

Who's in REDA?  Read More >>

REDA is an alliance of engaged, economic heavy-weights of  "Greater Redmond" -  Evergreen Healthcare, Puget Sound Energy, Microsoft, DavisWrightTremaine, Group Health,  Lake Washington School District, John Marchione, Nelson Legacy Group (real estate / large financial supporter of Marchione's campaign), Olympia Precast/SE Redmond industries, Councilmember Pat Vache', and Chamber CEO.  Despite, this impressive list of players no significant economic momentum was reported and Mr. Williams departed in April, 2011.   Redmond Chamber CEO Christine Hoffmann left in the Spring, as well.  

Realize Redmond:  Council (6-1, Cole) approved $50,000 seed money funding for the Redmond Foundation.  It was formed in May of 2010 as a public-private partnership to raise funds for the ambitious Downtown Park.  When Williams and Hoffman departed a year later, the Foundation was re-named and re-branded to "Realize Redmond" and was asked to cease fund-raising operations until after a feasibility study.

The problem?  Too many organizations were "asking" major donors for funds and each organization's membership overlapped with the other.  In March, 2011 a city document (AM No. 11-089) stated,

"Mayor Marchione convened representatives from REDA, the Chamber, Realize Redmond and the city to assess the ongoing funding situation... coordinate and define their roles and determine if they could work together to seek funding from the community."   

Council decided a "feasibility study" was required to see if the three organizations could work together.  Vice President Vache' persuaded the Council (6-0, Cole) to approve transfer of $50,000 from the REDA funds to hire the consultant.  Council President Cole, adament against private-public partnerships, excused himself from the vote.  Fund-raising ceased, pending outcome of the study. 

Future stories will explore the dynamics of Redmond economic fund-raising organizations and delve further into who they are and what they're doing.    Do you think the plan will raise enough money to fund a major portion of the Downtown Park by the 2012 Centenniel?  How much do you think they can raise?
 
Opinion & story by Bob Yoder