UPDATED 11/15: Redmond Elected Officials Compensation, The Budget

 

Labor and benefits constitute ~ 75 - 80% of the general  budget.  Council's primary responsibly is budget policy so why don't they deliberate more fully on labor and benefit expenses?  Perhaps they don't want to "cut off the hands (staff) that feeds them."  by  Effective January 1, 2026: Council Member Monthly salary $2,352.90,  Annual $28,234.80. [$27,600 in 2025] Council President* Annual:  $28,234.80 [$27,600 in 2025] salary: *Council President receives an additional $200 premium per month.  (Premiums don't include health insurance, COLA (2%) travel, phone, educational conferences, community events.) Mayor Monthly Salary: $14,495.84   Annual Salary:  $173,914. (not including COLA, health insurance, retirement, phone, transportation, education conferences, community programs, and sundry perks.)  [$170,000 in 2005]  Source:  Altered from AM No. 25-1814 to AM No.25-188, 11/18/2025 Exhibit 14: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan.  (Staff broke this link on 11/19/25.) AM No. 25-188   Staff broke all these links on 11/19/25 Type: Staff Report Status: Agenda Ready File created: 10/29/2025 In control: City Council On agenda: 11/18/2025 Final action: Title: Proposed Updates to the 2026 Pay Plans Attachments: 1. Agenda Memo, 2. Attachment A: Presentation, 3. Attachment B: Ordinance - 2026 AFSCME Pay Plans, 4. Exhibit 1: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “A”, 5. Exhibit 2: 2026 AFSCME Pay Plan “AF-S”, 6. Attachment C: Ordinance - 2026 Executive Pay Plan, 7. Exhibit 1: 2026 Executive Pay Plan “E”, 8. Attachment D: Ordinance - 2026 Non-Represented Pay Plans, 9. Exhibit 1: 2026 Non-Represented Pay [broken]Plan "N", 10. Exhibit 2: 2026 Non-Represented Supplemental Pay Plan “N-S”, 11. Attachment E: Ordinance - 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan, 12. Exhibit 1: 2026 General Supplemental Pay Plan “G-S”, 13. Attachment F: Ordinance - 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan, 14. Exhibit 1: 2026 Elected Official Pay Plan[broken] , 15. Attachment G: Ordinance - 2026 Police Commissioned Pay Plan, 16. Exhibit 1: 2026 Police  Commissioned Pay Plan “P”

UPDATED 6/6: Redmond City Media

Photo on Redmond City TV (RCTV - Comcast 21)

Is the Mayor barricading Council from the public?   Council members' email addresses aren't hyperlinked, as well. 😖

 UPDATE:  Additional text was added on June 3 describing Redmond's form of government as being Strong Mayor with 7 elected councilmembers.  (Note the 7 pillars.) 

Yoder, 5/14/25, Updated, 5/27/25, 6/4/2025

Meadows, Pollinators, Trees, Seeds and Gardens!

Letter to Council and Office of the Mayor:  

I really liked​ Deputy Park Director Dave Tuchek's presentation last night:  ​His naturalized meadow growing ​efforts will develop this Priority habitat!   ​His short explanation and education of pollinators was really interesting and brought things into a worldly perspective.  Amazing in-house construction and design of the Anderson Community Gardens!  And, Redmond wild flower seed packets to boot. ☝

Am so ​happy you are on a Redmond 2050 mission towards 40%​ tree canopy​; and you are identifying planting locations towards that end.  ​How will you build your tree stock for these massive plantings? ​The development community will have to pitch in. 

​

Please write a modified tree regulation ordinance to balance our tree canopy ​with housing needs.  ​A modified tree ordinance will build replacement tree stock ​and give us a chance to reach 40% canopy by 2050.  

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2025/04/tree-code-needs-modification-to.html  

​

Though you may be targeting low canopy locations, the Heron Rookery has immense cultural, natural, environmental, and historical value.  This forest remnant is a city gem.  I did a planting there last year and the city knows there's root rot and stoney soils.  My wish is you commit to a major understory restoration effort there, and construct narrow pathways for nature walks. Thank you! 

-- Bob Yoder, 4/25/2025

Food Insecurity In Redmond

Volunteering at the Hopelink Food Bank 

Hopelink Food Program

NourishingNetworks

Open  Kitchen - Redmond United Methodist Church

   -- Wednesday 5-6 PM Dine-in or Take-out

Please click "comment" below to leave them.

Mayor and Council Approve Credit Card Service Fees

The City of Redmond will start charging service fees for credit and debit card payments made online, over the phone and at the counter beginning December 2, 2024.  

Debit and credit cards used by Seniors will be charged fees of  2.75% plus 30 cents.  

Debit and credit cards used for Parks and Recreation registrations will be charged the same.  

Utility bills paid online or by phone will be charged $5.00.

Customers who wish to avoid the fee may pay with check or cash by mail or in person.  

Sources:  Senior "Encore" Newsletter;  City Council meetings

CITY WATCH: 2025 Mayor And Council Salaries, Staff Pay Plans

13. Attachment E, Exhibit 1: EO Pay Plan Redline, *Councilmember salary $27,000, Council President $30,000, Full Healthcare benefit, COLA  effective 11/12/24),  ($37,500 Council baseline salary, $16,000 Neighborhood Events, $12,000 Council Travel and Training.)  TO BE UPDATED IN 1/5.  

12. Attachment E: Ordinance for 2025 Elected Official Pay Plan,  Mayor salary $170,000, stipend, 2-5% COLA, Family Healthcare, travel/phone perks. effective 1/1/25.  Increase from $153,700.  Council decision. 

3. Pay Plan B, Executive:  4.2% COLA:  COO $274,956;  Fire Chief $251,472;  Police Chief $246,588;  Deputy Fire and Police Chiefs, $237,756;   Planning Director $246,588;  Public Works Director, $246,588;  City Attorney $246,588;  DIRECTORS $237,756  (Finance, Parks, Planning, I.O. Human Resources);  Deputy Directors $206,184 (Executive, Parks, Public Works, Planning and Community Development (2), Deputy Attorney, (new);  Police Lieutenants $196,956 (Teamsters.) 

8. Attachment C, Exhibit 1: Non-Represented Pay Plan (N),  4.2% COLA; Chief Policy Advisor, Police Support Commander, Security Compliance Manager $195,552;  Police Captain $215,518;  Department Managers, $173,808. 

9. Attachment C, Exhibit 2: Non-Represented Supp (N-S), 11. Attachment D, Exhibit 1: 2025 - General Supp (G-S),  Supplemental is a scaled hourly rate.  

20. Attachment H Exhibit 1 2025 - Fire Support (FS)  COLA 3.6%

-- Source:   Redmond City Council, Committee of the Whole | November 12, 2024; Presided by Councilmember Steve Fields

** Council hasn't had a raise since 2019.  All salaries are upper band; bonuses may be given to Directors and Executives. It appears most staff salaries increased ~4% from the last biennium not counting COLAs and benefits. Quarterly overtime was $11.3M attributed to Fire and Police and Sound Transit.  

Posted by Yoder, 11/11/24, updated: 11/16/24

City Joins 350 Mayors On Commitment to Electrify Fleets

Commitment to bring electric vehicles to Redmond will help reduce pollution, improve public health, and boost the clean energy economy for Redmond residents

REDMOND, WA - Today, Redmond Mayor Angela Birney joined nearly 350 U.S. mayors on a new collaborative commitment to electrify at least 50% of municipal fleets by 2030 and increase electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 500% by 2035, with at least 40% of charging investments to benefit disadvantaged communities. As a member of Climate Mayors – the bipartisan network of mayors from across the United States committed to climate action – Mayor Birney is helping to deliver cleaner air, lower tax bills, and a more sustainable future for all Redmond residents.

Mayor Birney / Senior & Community Center

UPDATED 5/16/24: Council Review Of "The Homeless Hotel" And Plymouth Housing

Video of Council's "Safety & Human Services Committee Meeting." 8/16/2024 (Mayor Birney didn't participate.)

Notable viewing stops:  

Min 18:15 - Police Chief's Quarterly Activity Update (hyperlinked topics)

Min 40:00 - Start of the Permanent Supportive Housing Update (hyperlinked topics)

Min 45:35 - Emergency role of the HTH Overlake Homeless Hotel.

Min 47:50 - Community Advisory Group

Min 56:55 - Council Policy 

Min 1:14:10 - Councilmember Steve Fields' dialogue with Planning Director Carol Helland:  

Helland said, as the Administrator carrying out Council's policy, "there is no Hearing required" by State law.  Background information is included in the Plymouth Housing - Redmond FAQ's.

UPDATED: Redmond Locals Wary of Controversial Plymouth Housing Project

This video is eye opening.  

After the Special Meeting closed, Mayor Birney refused to respond to questioning from the media: though a 2/13 agenda memo stated:  "Council's approval gave the Mayor approval to pursue the project contingent on further discussion."    

The housing project is described here. 

-- Bob Yoder, 2/15/2024

Source:  Council's Special Meeting agenda of 2/13/2024

Mayor Birney Visits a Cool, New Plant Store

I stopped by Plantify about a half year ago and loved it! The owner was kind and very patient with me, answering all my questions about his exotic plants. The plants were gorgeous, but expensive for me. He wished for better parking, but once the nearby construction is finished in a few years, shoppers will be walking to the business! In the meantime, you may find some parking on the side street next to Anderson Park. I love this shop! Probably will gift. Definitely revisit!

-- Bob Yoder, 2/13/2024

Opening Day of the Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge

 City of Redmond and Sound Transit Celebrate Opening of Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge

From left to right: City Council Vice President Jessica Forsythe, Sound Transit Interim CEO Goran Sparrman, City Council President Vanessa Kritzer, King County Councilmember and Sound Transit Boardmember Claudia Balducci, Mayor Angela Birney, Councilmember Melissa Stuart, and Councilmember Angie Nuevacamina.

REDMOND, WA - The City of Redmond celebrated the opening of the Overlake Village Pedestrian Bridge with a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday. This vital link connects the light rail station at Overlake Village to the 520 Bike Trail across SR 520. The $10.4 million project enhances accessibility and fosters connectivity between key transit points in Redmond.

"The Overlake Pedestrian Bridge exemplifies the successful partnership between the City of Redmond and Sound Transit,” said Mayor Angela Birney. “This project creates an important connection for our community to access transit and demonstrate our commitment to sustainable and accessible transportation.”

Mayor Birney Proclaims October 28th "Green Redmond Day" at Heron Rookery

 

Mayor Birney with parks staff
She's giving her Green Redmond speech and proclamation in front of the Heron Rookery

For a must see video of the Rookery go HERE!

About forty of us  on October 28th planted ~ 400 trees to replace the secondary growth, Douglas Fir dying from root rot.  An earlier planting failed from drought.  The city will water this summer.  We planted shade tolerant, hemlock, cedar and pine. Pam and I are standing next to orange-tagged saplings yet to be planted. 

-- Bob Yoder, 11/5/2023

Redmond Mayoral Contenders, BIO and Priorities

 City of Redmond Mayoral contenders:

JERALEE ANDERSON

Priorities and BIO

ANGELA BIRNEY

Priorities and BIO

UPDATED: OneRedmond 2023 Mayoral Forum

This clip captures the introductory remarks of Mayor Angela Birney and Councilmember Jeralee Anderson at the "OneRedmond Mayoral Forum," sponsored by NELSON Legacy, Meta, and Microsoft.  The forum was held at the Hilton Garden Inn, 9/15.  

Series of forum pictures courtesy of OneRedmond.

Jeralee Anderson website

Angela Birney website

-- Video and post by Yoder, 9/16/2023

City MONSTER Truck

 

Pam is sitting in the truck very close to the street surface

On our way to Derby Days we saw this shiny new Redmond Public Works truck blocking and re-directing traffic on 95th.  Cool!  It's a monster truck!!

Just what does this truck do?   Do you see the yellow "buttons?"  

-- Bob Yoder, picture, 7/16/23

Mayor Birney Disbands Salary Commission

Mayor Angela Birney

A letter from Mayor Birney

"As Mayor, my job is to manage the City and the financial resources entrusted to me by the community and to ensure that your tax dollars are spent responsibly on services that best serve the priorities of Redmond. To maintain the City’s finances, I have no choice but to take action. As of today, Friday, May 26, 2023, I have notified and officially disbanded the Salary Commission, per my authority outlined in Ordinance No. 2111 and Revised Code of Washington 35.21.015(2)(c).

My decision is based on the Salary Commission members demonstrating their inability to follow the required guidelines and processes. The Salary Commission members have attempted to proceed via special meetings with short notice to staff and the community and without considering the following:

• Complete analysis of Council salaries in comparable cities
• Information concerning the fiscal impact of the proposed salary increases on the City’s adopted budget
• Information concerning whether and how many staff would be required to be laid off to pay for the extraordinary 600% increase in Councilmember compensation
• Allowing sufficient time to notify the community and receive your input

In March of this year, per Ordinance No. 2111, I appointed an independent Salary Commission to review the City Council’s annual salary. At a special meeting held on Thursday, May 18, 2023, the Salary Commission proposed to raise Councilmember’s annual salaries from $18,648 to $115,294 ($142,965 including benefits). The figure they proposed stemmed from individual commissioners' suggestions and was based on the average number of hours that some current members of the Council stated they work on a weekly basis.

 The commission had planned to vote on their recommendation at their next meeting, previously scheduled for next week. Per state law, with a majority vote, the Salary Commission decision would be final and go into effect 30 days from receipt by the City Clerk’s Office if no referendum is filed by the community.  

State statutes creating City Councils in cities like Redmond do not make Council positions full-time, and members can devote as many or few hours as they deem appropriate. Raising Council salaries to a full-time wage of $115,294, plus benefits, will require revenue increases or expenditure reductions of $870,216 annually.

To put this in perspective, the City of Redmond’s biennial budget totals approximately $1 billion for 2023-2024, of which 23% or $233 million consists of General Fund discretionary dollars (excluding reserves and fund balances). Annually the General Fund budget equals approximately $116 million. All other funds that comprise the City’s budget are earmarked by state statute or Council policy for specific uses. The General Fund, however, can be used for general city purposes.

The 2023-2024 budget creation relied on one-time money to restore a small portion of the 17.63 full-time equivalent employees laid off, and programs and services sharply reduced during the pandemic years. City revenues are slowly recovering, but are not up to pre-pandemic levels. In addition, all economic indicators point to a recession on the horizon.

Thank you to the community members who have shared their thoughts on this topic with me, Councilmembers, and the now-disbanded Salary Commission. Your feedback directly informed my decision, and your continued input will be equally important as I determine the next steps, of which I will keep you informed."

Sincerely,

Mayor Angela Birney
MayorCouncil@redmond.gov

Opinion:  The City rakes in millions of dollars from construction and development taxes.  B.Y.

UPDATED, 3/27: Green Rooftop Camouflages House, Contributes To Sustainability

 

This neighborhood home is tucked away from all the commotion.  Note how this living, green rooftop camouflages the house and contributes to sustainability.
(click picture to enlarge)

                                                                          

Walking around the Education Hill neighborhood this Spring day we noticed this house had a green and grey roof.  It seems to be holding up quite well. Council Member Jessica Forsythe and others constantly ask the Mayor for green rooftops on new buildings. A tiny green rooftop is planned for the Senior & Community Center.  The city compensates developers for Landmark Trees by "Exceptions."  The same should be done for green rooftops, perhaps as a small amenity.

-- B. Yoder, opinion, 3/25/2023 by

References: 

CITY OF REDMOND / SEATTLE COMMERCIAL

(Note, A City of Redmond is in Oregon)

• 
  

  Low-Impact Development (LID) | Redmond, WA

  https://www.redmond.gov › Low-Impact-Development

  Compost amended soil. - Green roof. - Tree preservation. 172nd Ave NE, Summer 2010, -The City's first rain garden in the 172nd Avenue right-of-way.

21.67.040 Techniques and Incentives for Development

municipal.codes

https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

Technique	Points Awarded – Residential Development	Points Awarde...
2. Drought‑tolerant landscaping	1	1
• 20 percent	1	1
• 30 percent	2	2

View 19 more rows

• 
  

  Definitions | Redmond Zoning Code

  https://redmond.municipal.codes › RZC

  A landscaped roof is distinguished from a green roof by not incorporating a bioretention facility as part of its structure. Effective on: 4/16/2011. Landslide .

City of Redmond – Grass Lawn Park Phase III Project

WA.gov

https://apps.ecology.wa.gov › documents

“Green roof” for new maintenance building. The roof is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil planted over a waterproof membrane. • Play areas ...

Mayor Birney Working to Identify Housing Solutions

 

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney/ Komo News

Angela Birney Joins the Housing Supply Accelerator Partnership

REDMOND, WA - Redmond Mayor Angela Birney is participating on the steering committee of the Housing Supply Accelerator, a partnership between the National League of Cities (NLC) and the American Planning Association (APA) to bring together local governments, community planners, builders, financial institutions, housing policy associations, and state and federal partners to develop, align, and advance solutions for housing supply challenges at the local level. 

There is simply not enough housing in our country, including in Redmond, the eastside, and our state,” said Mayor Birney. “I’m excited to work with others across the nation to help guide actions that will improve housing capacity, identify critical solutions, and accelerate our efforts to ensure quality housing for all.

This solutions-oriented campaign aims to develop model practices, ordinances, and resources to accelerate and incentivize local approaches to land use, housing development, and preservation.

REDMOND BLOG EDITORIAL: Carol Helland, Redmond's Urban Planner Extraordinaire

 

Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development 

The complexity and demands of  Director Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past. Should the Mayor hire a Deputy of Planning Services?

From observations, I believe Carol Helland, the city's Director of Planning & Community Development is the most influential government executive in Redmond. She oversees land use permitting, is Administrator of the Technical Committee, of Public Notice, Code Administrator, oversees the Design Review Board, and director of Human Services among other high level responsibilities. 

Mayor Birney and Council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding of Washington's Growth Management recommendations and requirements. Her flexible use of building codes shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake Urban Center and our gentrifying neighborhoods. Carol negotiates Development agreements with the Mayor and co-approves project permits with Public Works. (A 22-acre Development agreement for NELSON Legacy's downtown Village was inked; RTC is on deck with others to come.)  

Director Helland recently hired Seraphie Allen as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development.  Already, Deputy Allen's job responsibilities are to communicate with OneRedmond, work with Director Helland's Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, and guide the Mayor's Planning Commission volunteers.  These roles have the ring of a new title, perhaps "deputy director of community development."

The complexity and demands of Ms. Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past.  Though outside the HR box, the Mayor might possibly assign a second Deputy Director, one for "Planning services" the other for "Community development?"  Ms. Helland is Redmond's Urban Planner extraordinaire and needs all the help she can get. Once Mayor Birney actively teams up with Helland, fewer mistakes will be made and we'll have a more livable Redmond. 

For answers on how you can make Redmond a better community, email Heather at: info@redmond.gov. She's the city's Customer Experience Coordinator and an excellent resource.  Her phone is 425-556-2900.   

Let's make Redmond better together.

-- Bob Yoder

   Editor, Reporter and Scribbler, Redmond Neighborhood Blog    

   1/21/2023

For the Director Helland's job description....