"Council Notes", by Redmond Councilmember Tom Flynn

Tom Flynn

"Council Notes," By Redmond City Councilmember Tom Flynn, Spring, 2013

With Redmond's centennial celebrations now completed, the Council looks forward to a busy 2013.  We have our usual slate of business -- setting policy, approving budgets, and fulfilling our ombudsman duties.  At the same time, no shortage of opportunities for Councilmembers to represent the City's leadership in the region. 

Councilmembers, along with the Mayor, participate in key positions in the following organizations:  Sound Cities Association (SCA), Cascade Water Alliance, Eastside Human Services Forum, Eastside Transportation Partnership, and Water Resource Inventory Area 8 for Salmon Habitat Conservation.  The SCA represents 37 suburban cities in King County and we have a seat on the influential Public Issues Committee.  Your Councilmembers also represent Redmond's interests as SCA representatives in other regional organizations including Enterprise Seattle, King County Growth Management Planning Council, King County Regional Transit Committee, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) Economic Development District Board, PSRC Growth Management Policy Board, and the Regional Law, Safety and Justice Committee.  In early February of this year, Councilmembers also spent two days in Olympia meeting face to face with state legislators representing the city of Redmond; additional meetings are planned around Redmond's legislative agenda.

By participating in these regional and statewide activities, Councilmembers promote the city's vision for a sustainable and livable community.  We also contribute the City's perspectives on regional transportation law and justice and human services issues.  We collaborate with other jurisdictions and leaders in the region to work on regional and statewide challenges by leveraging resources and ideas.  This participation has helped Redmond to not only identify and compete for regional and statewide funding for various capital projects including the Redmond Central Connector, the 36th Street Bridge, the urban centers in Downtown and Overlake as well as to advocate for Eastlink Light Rail to downtown Redmond but it also positions Redmond as a standout City with unique ideas and perspectives.

We'll continue to represent Redmond across the region to lay the foundation for another great 100 years!

By Councilmember Tom Flynn