Councilmember Melissa Stuart's Halfway Term Report

From the desk of Redmond Councilmember Melissa Stuart...

Happy new year! 

This month officially marks the halfway point in my term on the Redmond City Council. I’m stopping by your inbox with a quick moment of gratitude for your trust and support.

 

My first two years on the Council were marked by a steep learning curve, tons of humbling moments, and many opportunities to create excellence in the details. I am so proud to serve in this role and often humbled to be at the table. Thank you for trusting me in this seat.

 

Three Great Moments on Council 2022-2023

·      Winning unanimous adoption of a comprehensive plan amendment to bring a more lively, sustainable, and transit-oriented neighborhood to the town center district

·      Co-authoring a successful budget amendment to bring executive staffing for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

·      Flipping pancakes at Derby Days with the fire department’s benevolent fund (twice!)

 

Coming up this year, Council will finalize a once-in-a-generation comprehensive plan, complete the local roads safety plan, and build the first biennial budget since the conclusion of COVID relief subsidies. There is a lot to do!

 

New in 2024

·      Finalizing building incentives that inform how Overlake’s urban center (my neighborhood!) will play a leading role in meeting our city’s housing, climate, and community goals.

·      I’ll chair the caucus for the Sound Cities Association’s delegation to the Growth Management Planning Board, at the Puget Sound Regional Council (yup, that’s SCA at PSRC’s GMPB, for short!)

·      You’ll see me at the grand opening of the new Redmond Senior & Community Center, the delivery of the state’s first electric fire engine, boarding the first light rail train from Overlake, and as always… my bi-weekly office hours. Please stop by!

 

I hope this mid-term note gives you a glimpse of how I’m working with my colleagues to address the real and present needs of the city, while also having a chance to enjoy this great place we call home.

 

What questions or feedback does this bring up for you? Let me know!

 

With gratitude,

 

Melissa

 

P.S. You might have noticed I don’t do social media. If you are interested in more frequent updates this year, please let me know and I’ll make a point to check-in again soon.

Melissa holds walk-in office hours at the Redmond library the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 3-5PM.  This is a terrific opportunity to be heard and build a relationship with Council.