UPDATED: Budget By Priorities: "And the survey says!"

Updated:  OPINION:  The Mayor and his Deputy Administrator, Jane Christensen, held a Community "Budget By Priorities" Meeting March 1.   Judging by the sign-in sheets, citizen turn-out was low with only six citizens registering at the desk.  Surprisingly, only 5 of 7 city councilmembers were present; and they are the citizens who approve the Mayor's Budget.  I saw only two or three commissioners.   Having the meeting on a Monday night didn't help.

Council President Richard Cole addressed the audience stating "This process only works if the citizens who live in town and staff get involved."  Staff was definitely present in force.  I know many of them from my city volunteer and media work.  Many of these staff are residents of Redmond and may have been voting in the silent touch-pad survey.   Ms. Christensen said "staff are hear to listen" but based on the numbers voting, it appears that she was implying non-resident staff.  Unfortunately, they registered on the touch-pad and not at the front desk.

Jane Christensen made an startling statement about future growth in Redmond.  She said,

"Washington State requires all cities to accommodate their share of state's growth.  In the next 12 years the city expects to accommodate 20,000 more residents and 28,000 more jobs.  Most of the growth will be accommodated in the Downtown and Overlake to preserve existing single family neighborhoods."

WOW!  For real?  Survey questions probed how we think the city will to accommodate the expected population density, for example:

1. Question:  What is your overall experience with traffic in Redmond (not counting SR520)?   70% of the respondents were dissatisfied to very dissatisfied.
2. How satisfied are you with the city's plans to accommodate growth?  42% of those in a citizen's survey last year were neutral to very dissatisfied.  84% were neutral to satisfied in the staff-loaded survey.  Of course, city planners are paid to plan for growth! 

Do you think the city can comfortably handle 20,000 new residents in 12 years?   The city will have lots of new parklands but not for cars!  Where will the 40,000 additional cars park?  Can the administration build enough roadways to circulate the traffic?  Where will the roads go?  Will the administration have to zone for more and taller apartment and condo buildings?  Will the downtown start to sprawl?   How long can the neighborhoods remain untouched by density?  Will apartments and commercial villages take hold?

The Mayor concluded, by thanking "the 50-70% of the residents who have come out, who don't regularly engage in civic process."  Huh?  Marchione didn't give a head count.  Interestingly, one of the survey questions asked  "How engaged are you in city events and meetings?"  69% said they were not engaged to somewhat involved.  The next meeting is on another Monday, May 3, when according to the Mayor, "you give your ideas of what to do".

Contact:  bpquestions@redmond.gov OR please comment below this post for all to read.  What are your ideas??

Opinion By Bob Yoder
Updated:  3/18