End Of The Road

I've lived in Redmond  38 years and started writing "Redmond Neighborhood Blog" AKA Redmond Blog 20 years ago. I'm a community volunteer and publish without pay. My stories are researched, opinionated or sometimes sourced.  My first blogposts shed light on the contamination to salmon-bearing Evans Creek and to hold the city accountable.  I'm an activist and advocate.  

Redmond Blog's mission is to keep our community connected and responsive to each other and to make Redmond a better place to live.  Attention is paid to daylighting the local governments of the City of Redmond, Lake Washington School District and EvergreenHealth Public Hospital. To this end, some of my reporting focuses on government transparency, accountability and citizen participation.  

EvergreenHealth excels in many clinical areas winning national recognition and awards.  For years this community hospital never provided treatment for mental health other than in their Emergency Departments.  In 2025, the COO of trauma opened two outpatient behavioral health clinics, began psychiatric telehealth services in their Emergency Departments and hired a Behavioral Health Director to  oversee social workers stationed in clinics and high schools.  Under the tenure of 5 CEO's I made made many presentations to the Board of Commissioners. They honored me in 2024 with the annual "Community Service Award" for "open" governance education, advocating for out-patient behavioral health clinics and mitigating stigma.  

The Lake Washington School District once faced unprecedented growth equivalent to one new elementary school a year. It's now the 2nd largest school district in Washington State.   A $120M 6-year Capital Projects Levy on the 2019 ballot to bridge future capital bonds passed.  And, in February of 2022 a second 4-year renewal Capital Projects Levy passed. The District proposed a 3rd levy in 2024; it passed as well. In 2026, two, 4-year renewal levy lid lifts passed by 60%. I had a good working relationship with the superintendent and was a sole citizen to speak at a budget hearing, with results. Property taxes continually keep rising.

The City of Redmond's downtown and Overlake urban centers are full of apartment construction cranes and detours. Parking is is a serious issue. The roads are congested and in poor repair. Our well water is contaminated. The neighborhoods and fine parks and trails offer respite; though housing is seriously unaffordable.  It's expected a downtown "permanent supportive housing" building for 100 homeless individuals will open in 2027.  The public is vehemently protesting; others want it.  Parks, trails and salmon streams are the heart and soul of Redmond.

When I moved here in 1978, Redmond was a one stoplight town and trees abounded.   As of 2026, most all the  trees and small business malls are torn down, including the Old Fire House Teen.Center.  6-8 story mid-rises repllace small businesses. The city is populated with excellent multi-cultural restaurants but with little opportunity for evening entertainment. 12-15 story towers are planned for downtown Redmond Town Center and performance center in Overlake.  Light rail to Seattle was completed in 2026 in time for the World Cup.  It will transform our city. 

I no longer blog to campaign for council and mayoral candidates. Most members are Progressive and I don't like their partisonship. I've assiduously followed most of their meetings on TV or in-person.  Not now. 

I'm 75 years old and family is pulling me to Spokane. I've written the blog with history in mind. It's time to move down,the road, taking a few trailheads along the way. Thank you for your readership throughout the years!

Bob Yoder
Education Hill
Redmond, 98052
redmondblog@gmail.com

2/8/2025, updated 5/21/26

"Friends of Redmond Neighborhood Blog" - Private Facebook Group

Updated: United Healthcare And EvergreenHealh Reached An Insurance Agreement, Silver Tower Expansion

 

Silver Tower

Very good news!  

EvergreenHealthEvergreenHealth
2 days ago • Visible to anyone on or off LinkedIn

Following months of negotiations, EvergreenHealth and United Healthcare have reached an agreement on a new contract, allowing EvergreenHealth to remain a participating provider in United’s network.

Patient FAQ

And more good news!  At a Board meeting yesterday, I learned all our district levy money ($255,000,000) will over time pay for expanding the second floor of the Silver Tower and Plaza Building without need for a new levy or bond.  WE let Evergreen increase our property taxes for this to happen -- to build capacity and access for more doctors, more specialists, more beds, a cardiac-cath lab, instrumentation, woman's health services and more.  We'll soon be reaping the benefits!  Thank you Dr. Palazzo. Thank you Board of Directors.  

-- Bob Yoder, 3/6/2026, updated 3/8/2026, 3/9/2026

"Friends of Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Private Facebook Group

UPDATED: EvergreenHealth To Expand 2nd Floor Of Silver Tower, Insurance Issue Resolved.

EvergreenHealth community-owned hospital

ANNOUNCEMENT: 

EvergreenHealth will expand the 2nd floor of the Silver Tower with levy money for access to more providers, instrumentation and more.  A levy lid lift or bond won't be needed.  

EvergreenHealth reached and insurance agreement with United Healthcare, retroactive to March 1, 2026.

Details and FAQ  

EvergreenHealth is the largest public hospital in the State of Washington. It is community-owned and remains independent of the large hospital chains.  

Dr. Etorre Palazzo is Evergreen's CEO.  Here's a short clip of Etoree (1.5 min) explaining Evergreen's attributes and mission in our community. Dr. Palazzo has done much to enlarge capacity for services, including mental health treatment in primary care clinics and emergency departments.

My daughter was born at Evergreen General Hospital 33 years ago. Their maternity services are exemplary. 

-- Bob Yoder, 2/20/2026, updated: 3/34/2026, 3/9/2026, 3/13/2026

"Friends of Redmond Neighborhood Blog" --  Facebook Group

UPDATED 1/28/26: Redmond's Water Supply Wells Contaminated

Forty - five percent of our clean potable water is supplied by five water supply wells; and they are compromised.   Very recent sampling efforts have detected "PFAS" contaminating Anderson Park's two water supply wells (#1 and #2.)  PFAS - are found in paint, cleansers, fire extinguisher foam, other man-made chemicals and *historic spills.  Public Works Director Aaron Bert said in a staff report, "the City doesn't know the source."  

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalyl subs) are a group of soluble human-made chemicals that can adversely affect human health and the environment.   Higher cholesterol, blood pressure problems during pregnancy. lower birth weights and increased risk of some cancers may occur over an extended period of time.

The sooner the city reaches out to the community to reassure us the better. The estimated cost of mitigation is $25 - $30 million.  On February 3, 4:30 PM in City Hall, Council's consultant will explain how to remove and replace these "forever chemicals."  You are invited or LIVE stream on Comcast Channel 21.   

 HISTORY

2006 photo of the district's stormwater treatment pond
connected to Evans Creek / Bob Yoder

Southeast Redmond's industrial district was historically the city "dump site" with abused 50-foot creek buffers and untreated stormwater *spilling into nearby Evans Creek.  (It's been somewhat environmentally rehabilitated.) In 2013, a massive debris fire started in the district at All Wood Recycling - located in the infiltration zone where potable water is drawn from the aquifer.  It took days and volumes of water with *PFAS-laced fire foam to extinguish it. In my opinion, the industrial site is the source.  

Evans Creek runs through Redmond's Industrial District
 and over a shallow aquifer 

Special thanks to Dr. David Morton for his contributions and collaboration on this source-finding adventure.  

-- Bob Yoder, 1/26/2026, updated 1/28/2026

   Education Hill, Redmond

Medicaid Funding Cut In Every State

 

March, 2025 Medicaid presentation by EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo and Senator Maria Cantwell

"Friendly nurse reminder: in WA state, Medicaid is referred to as Apple Health. Medicaid funding is being cut. This could lead to up to ~14 rural hospitals shutting down in 2026 or 2027. The Washington State Hospital Association is advocating at the federal level to protect our rural hospitals from these cuts.

Neither EvergreenHealth or Overlake are on that list but there are layoffs reported at Overlake (possibly related to the cuts) per the Worker adjustment and retraining notification (WARN) layoff and closure database.

So far no layoffs at EvergreenHealth; and it appears no layoffs at Overlake are attributed to Medicaid cuts at this time.

But what does this list mean for you all? Be prepared for longer waits at urgent care and the ER as more patients need to be seen at fewer hospitals AND people start losing insurance and cannot afford to be seen at primary care/urgent care and thus cannot keep up with preventative care.

Try your best to practice preventative care and to treat minor injuries/illnesses promptly so they do not become "BIG" concerns that need the ER or hospitalization."

Source: Recent Kirkland FB group post.

Not every state is cutting Medicaid yet, but they eventually will. Most of the provisions in the 2025 budget reconciliation bill—HR 1—have yet to go into effect and these cuts will have a devastating impact on state budgets. Analysis shows that HR 1 will cut federal Medicaid spending by $1 trillion over ten years. 

-- Source: Internet, Oct 2. 2025

North Carolina and Idaho have already announced plans to cut Medicaid payments to health care providers, including hospitals, doctors, and caregivers.

In Michigan and Pennsylvania — where lawmakers have yet to pass budgets this year — spending on Medicaid is part of those debates. In Washington state, lawmakers approved cuts to the program that will not affect who is eligible, said Hayden Mackley, a spokesperson for the state’s Office of Financial Management.

Source:  Internet, 9/2025

Bob Yoder, updated 10/16/25

Discussing Mental Health with King County Executive Candidates

Please listen to the video for accuracy and completeness. The last half is most telling.  

The major theme was managing (Balducci) and coordinating (Zahilay) resources to achieve a continuum of care.  Implementation of voter-approved behavioral health resources is terribly slow (Balducci.) Zahilay listed his coalitions that will disrupt the cycle of addiction and improve behavioral health care.  Balducci insisted the revolving door should have only one entrance.  She stressed wider use of medical records towards this end.

Financial pressure:  Balducci has working experience with state officials on both sides of the aisle.  Prioritization and accountability of spending is needed for this and other levies.  Zahilay co-sponsored the new stabilization .1% sales tax -- 10 cents on a $100 purchase!)  This tax funds 1) fewer sheriff layoffs 2) gun and domestic violence advocacies, 3) courts / victim support, 4) behavioral health treatment.  Balducci said needs evolve and these funds need re-prioritization; accountability, with proactive audits and quarterly reports.     

Youth struggles:  Balducci has one child who did benefit from mental health support after COVID lockdowns. She supports providers (LWSD  councilors, Y.E.S. EvergreenHealth councilors, NAMI.)  Zahilay organized a stakeholder youth group to focus on solutions.  

Full Disclosure:  I lean towards Balducci because I know her better. I just like her.  I've chatted with her at Redmond City Hall meetings and a Hero House gala, I see her riding a bicycle everywhere; not just for transit awareness but demonstrating that exercise is awesome for mental health. She's the county's representative for EvergreenHealth community hospital, She participates with the community in social media, including my blog.  😊

- Bob Yoder, 10/12/2025

  Sources:  Seattle Times & Seattle/King County League of Women Voters forum, 10/9/25

EvergreenHealth Among Nation's Top 100 Community Hospitals

Becker's Hospital Review has named EvergreenHealth Medical Center in Kirkland among the nation's 100 great community hospitals for 2024. EvergreenHealth was selected for improving the health of their communities, staying focused on personalized care and clinical excellence. Our 354-bed hospital is only one part of our system, which is community-owned. As a public hospital district, EvergreenHealth also provides health outreach, community education and free services that benefit the community as a whole.

Becker's Hospital Review's list was based on nominations and several outside rankings and ratings organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, CMS, The Leapfrog Group, the National Rural Health Association and The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

OPINION: Council Should Stop Playing Games With Our Teens

Old Fire House Teen Center

OPINION:  On March 11, 2025 the City stated: "Teen programs currently housed at the Old Fire House Teen Center are proactively transitioning to the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village for safety reasons. The transition will begin later this month, and all programs are expected to be operational in their new locations by late April."  After two listening sessions the teens found Marymoor and the Senior & Community Center sterile and unwelcoming.      

More than four months later a bureaucracy of Council / staff / a subcommittee / an advisory committee/ a stakeholder group / focus groups/ and 2 listening sessions still hadn't decided what to do with the Center.  Total costs just for this  citizen engagement and outreach was $124,600 not counting staff  labor.  It appears Council and staff were trying to wear out the teens from protesting in City Hall while shoe-horning them into Marymoor and the Senior & Community Center.  These delays were pure nonsense ... at the expense to our youth's mental and academic health.   

Last night teen participation testimony winnowed down to only three teens.  All spoke against the closure.  One persistently requested accountability. 

In September and October 2025, a Stakeholder Group will meet six times to hear more information, including input from public focus groups.  According to staff's  FAQ, "City Council is expected to make a decision on whether to renovate the current structure or investigate rebuilding options by the end of 2025."   And THEN the city must renovate or rebuild!  This could take years.  

Council and staff must stop playing games with our most vulnerable teens.  The Mayor needs to move the process "fast forward."  

Renovation is not an option since Parks Director Loreen Hamilton invested deeply into taxpayer's pockets for safety and engineering inspections.  The building is 50-years old and renovation for safety would be expensive.  

The school district rebuilds all the time, when they tear down their existing buildings and build a new, larger schools on the same parcel. The teen center's basketball courts are mostly unused, as is the deck in the winter.  A rebuild could add 5-6 levels of affordable space, while allowing independent, sound-proofed teen activities in the first floor.  The City owns the land; a partnership with a developer would make it feasible. Please get on with it. 

-- Bob Yoder, 9/4/2025, Updated 9/9/2025

Balducci Issues Statement On Harborview Tax Vote

 

Balducci issues statement on tax vote for Harborview Medical Center

 

The King County Council on Tuesday approved the so-called “Sunshine Ordinance” which sets the type and rate of county taxes each year, which funds a broad spectrum of basic government services. To fund Harborview Medical Center operations, maintenance and capital expansion, this year’s ordinance includes a dedicated property tax increase of 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, costing the average King County homeowner about $7.30 per month.

After Tuesday’s vote, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, a member of the King County leadership group that led to the creation of the Harborview funding proposal, released the following statement:

“I am proud of the action we took today to ensure Harborview Medical Center continues serving the people of King County and our region. The public we serve – and the workers who make this hospital so critical to the health of our region – will benefit from the investments we are making. Harborview offers an essential lifeline by prioritizing those most in need of care and compassion with the fewest resources to access it: care for people without insurance, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, and people with mental illness or substance use issues.

COO Mark Wimley, EvergreenHealth Notable Executive

Mark Wimley, COO EvergreehHealth
Medical Group 

"Well Together Blog"

 2/26/2024

At EvergreenHealth, we provide clinically sophisticated diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for heart disease and heart attack – and we're recognized by Healthgrades as a national leader in heart care. I'm proud to work for an organization that provides this level of care. And, in fact, I'm here and healthy today as a result of it. 

I was 42 and fit in 2016 when I had a heart attack at a Totem Lake gym. For several years, I'd been leading an informal workout group with other EvergreenHealth staff members and physicians. While finishing a set of 15 reps of a burpee pull-up combo, I suddenly felt intense pain in my right chest. I thought maybe I'd torn my pectoral muscle or was experiencing gastroesophageal reflux. I wasn't thinking about my heart. 

I approached Dr. Jeff Tomlin and described my symptoms. When I mentioned a squeezing sensation, Dr. Tomlin quickly took me to his truck and drove me to our Kirkland Emergency Department (ED). An EKG confirmed that I was experiencing a heart attack. Two stents later, I was recovering in the ICU and feeling pretty good when I had a second heart attack.

EvergreenHealth - An Update

 EvergreenHealth - King County Public Hospital District No.2

 Our Community-Owned Hospital

This "Silver Tower" and a 2nd Emergency Department were funded by district
taxpayers of Redmond, Sammamish, Kirkland, Woodinville, Bothell, Mill Creek,
Kenmore, Shoreline, Duval, Carnation, and Snohomish County.

EvergreenHealth serves our community well!  They were the Nation's "first responders" during the pandemic onslaught and are deserving of every award earned.  Recently, they were awarded "Top 50 Best Hospitals' in America."  

Some good news ...  EvergreenHealth appears in the planning and budgeting stages of hiring psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and advanced social workers for  mental health treatment and therapy in their Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Centers. Time and community support will tell.  

WEBSITE - "About Us"

Executive & Medical Leadership Team

Mission, Vision, Values

The Monitor newsletter 

EvergreenHealth Public Community Hospital - Kirkland

EvergreenHealth Public Community Hospital - Monroe

Community Levy programs are funded by a ~2% King County property tax. 

###

Below is a library of posts, several outdated: 

EvergreenHealth history - then & now.  

UPDATED:  The Status Of Mental Health Care At EvergreenHealth (2022)

 

The History of EvergreenHealth CEOs

EvergreenHealth CEO Jeff Tomlin - The pandemic CEO.

Evergreen's seven Hospital Commissioners listen to their constituents and make decisions on Levy and Bond measures.  They take comments from the public and community during:  Business meetings, 3rd Tuesday, 6:30 pm, "Surgery & Physicians Pavilion," Tan Room 250 and during some Educational sessions, 1st Friday of the month, 7:00 am Tan Room 250.  Agendas & Minutes.  425-899-1000

 by Bob Yoder, Updated 4/26/2024

                        "Friends of Redmond Neighborhood Blog" Private Facebook Group 

UPDATED NOTES (Part 1): Silver Cloud Homeless Building - Community Meeting

Lobby of the Overlake Silver Cloud HTH homeless building

Housing for the Eastside's homeless is "desperately" needed owing to King County's decision to spread Seattle's homeless housing regionally.  In 2020, the county purchased the Redmond Silver Cloud Hotel for $28.25M.  The building is being renovated by "Health Through Housing"  into studios for "low barrier"  emergency and permanent supportive housing for 100 chronic, disabled homeless.  The forecast for completion is no sooner than late 2025.  

On July 30, I attended their first Community meeting.  My notes:  

• At least 11 signed-in, mostly nonprofit voluntary support services:  (2) KinderCare,  Bellevue School District, no businesses, Nourishing Networks, 4 Tomorrow, ACS Discovery Shop, Redmond Deputy Police Chief Coats, Community police officer Meora,  Redmond Human Services Manager-Brook Buckingham, Media-Redmond Neighborhood Blog, various community members, Plymouth Housing, and the KCRHA agency.  
• Salvation Army's operator, Matt Garrett presented, and introduced key staff.  Matt is friendly and open to questions.  HTH hotels are funded by a .1% property tax.  KCRHA triages referrals and coordinates their entry.  65% of the residents are targeted to come from Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland and United Methodist Church.  35% or more from the Seattle area.  
• Upon the "Community Advisor Group" recommendation monthly community meetings will be held (the last Tuesday of every month, 6pm.)  Matt emphasized the meetings are targeted for nearby neighborhoods and businesses but are open to all; staff will be present and possibly residents.  
• 10 chronic homeless are currently residing under emergency circumstances. 15 additional homeless will be housed no sooner than October, 2024. According to Ms. Cook, KCRHA manager, the 2-year occupancy delay is attributed to shortage of contractors and materials. 
• Renovation won't be complete until at least late 2025. In the meantime, it's used on an emergency basis and won't become Permanent Supportive Housing until all 100 rooms are completely renovated with studios.
• The address is 2122-152 Ave NE.  It's set-back and behind Goodwill.  Heading south on NE 24th Street take a left onto 152nd.  The Silver Cloud "Haven Heights" HTH building is immediately on the right.  A newer mixed-use apartment building fronts the building.   

PART 2  Services provided

Reported by Yoder, 9/2/2024 

Photo credit Yoder 

EvergreenHealth Named "Top 50 Best Hospitals" In America

EvergreenHealth Medical Center 
"Community-owned" 

KIRKLAND, Wash. – EvergreenHealth has been named among America's 50 Best Hospitals™ by Healthgrades for 2024. This is the fourth straight year the community-owned hospital system has earned the distinction and puts EvergreenHealth in the top 1% of hospitals nationwide for overall clinical performance.

UPDATED 4/16/2024: Plymouth Homeless Housing FAQ

  

Plymouth Homeless Housing in Redmond FAQ

The building will contain 100 units for homless residents with ground floor office space, commercial space, and amenity areas. 

History and Background

In alignment with Redmond’s Housing Action Plan, the transfer of publicly owned property to Plymouth Housing for development of a 100-unit Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) housing project in Downtown was approved by the Redmond City Council on Feb. 13, 2024. The City is committed to increasing the overall supply, variety, and affordability of housing to achieve desired livability and equity outcomes in Redmond.     

The building will be located at 16725 Cleveland Street. It will not be a safe injection site and will not be an overnight shelter, but will serve as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). It will provide homes to extremely low-income adults who are exiting homelessness and are eligible for PSH.

The building will contain 100 units total with ground floor office space, commercial space, and outdoor amenity areas. 

Redmond code requires a robust community engagement process for Permanent Supportive Housing projects. During the special meeting on Feb. 13, 2024, Plymouth representatives underscored that they are willing and able to comply with code requirements. 

View a video of the special meeting.

Plymouth Housing in Redmond FAQ

BUILDING INFORMATION AND BACKGROUND  

Where will the housing be located?
16725 Cleveland Street. This housing will be in Downtown Redmond, close to the light rail stop. 

Who will live there? 
Single adults exiting homelessness and living on extremely low incomes would be eligible for the proposed Plymouth PSH project. Many of these individuals are seniors, veterans, and/or people living with disabilities. The income criteria is set at 30% or below Area Median Income (AMI), which means an individual is earning less than $28,800/year. Lifetime registered sex offenders and individuals with certain past drug-related convictions will not be eligible for this housing. 

What services will be on-site?  
Permanent Supportive Housing means in addition to housing, residents have access to a range of onsite services designed to help them achieve stability in their new home, including personalized housing case management services, veterans counseling, health care, 24/7 staffing, and other critical services. The PSH model is unique because the 0 - 30% AMI housing is paired with services designed to support people living with complex and disabling health conditions. Proximity to the Downtown Redmond light rail station will also help residents with their transportation needs.

Is this a homeless shelter?  
No, this is Permanent Supportive Housing for single adults. There is an application process for prospective residents, which includes determination of eligibility for the project. After individuals are approved and move in, they will no longer be considered homeless. Residents are responsible for abiding by their lease agreement and building rules, while also having access to onsite support services.  

How big is the building?  
The building will contain 100 units total for residents with ground floor office space, commercial space, and amenity areas. 

What about parking?  
Parking is limited at this site. Most Plymouth residents do not own a vehicle. Proximity of this site to the Downtown Redmond light rail station will offer robust transit options to future residents and help the City achieve its Environmental Sustainability Action Plan goals for reduced vehicle emissions and vehicle miles traveled.

Who will operate the building? 
Plymouth Housing will provide property management and wraparound supportive services at the building. 

How many people will be housed at this location?  
Plymouth Housing projects primarily serve single adults. However, as a landlord, Plymouth is required to abide by occupancy standards and fair housing law, which in rare cases requires them to house couples if both individuals qualify for the building. The design in the current Plymouth proposal contains 85 studios and 15 one bedrooms. We expect that the new design will reflect a similar unit mix.

Will the building have 24/7 staffing? 
Yes, Plymouth Housing will provide 24/7 staffing and support for residents. 

When will the building open for occupancy? 
There is not a specific timeline for construction yet. However, the goal is to break ground in 2025. Typically, it takes about two years of construction prior to opening for operations. 

What is the City of Redmond's role in the building? 
The City of Redmond is the host city for the Plymouth PSH project. Plymouth will be required to apply for and obtain permits necessary to construct the project. In addition, the City will be coordinating with Plymouth to ensure that the necessary agreements and terms set forth in Redmond Zoning Code requirements applicable to PSH are met. Among other things, an operational agreement, program rules and/or code of conduct, safety and security plan, community relations plan, and parking management plan will all be required. The City will partner with Plymouth to develop necessary policies, procedures, and plans.

When did the City Council first learn about this project? 
The City Council first learned about this project in February 2023 when the funding recommendation from A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) was presented to them for approval. The Council unanimously approved the Redmond ARCH Housing Trust Fund contribution on March 21, 2023, for its original location in Kenmore.  Applications for Redmond Housing Trust Fund dollars are submitted to ARCH where they are vetted by a Community Advisory Board (CAB) that makes a recommendation to the ARCH Executive Board.  The ARCH Executive Board concurred in the CAB recommendation and transmitted the recommendation to ARCH member jurisdictions for City Council approval. 

In 2020, the City also completed a Housing Needs Assessment, which informed the Housing Action Plan, both of which were approved in early 2021. Different scenarios were considered, and at the time Council directed staff to pursue the “Housing Equity Scenario,” outlined on page 20 of the Housing Action Plan.

Why is this being built in Redmond?  
Washington state is experiencing a housing crisis. Cities across King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties are diversifying their housing inventory in accordance with Washington State Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1220. Redmond leaders, including the Mayor and City Council, have declared affordable housing a top priority and specifically included a prioritization for the development of affordable housing close to transit. King County Countywide Planning Policies have established housing targets for cities to accommodate anticipated future growth in the next 20 years. The housing needed for Redmond has been estimated across all income levels and includes anticipated demand for PSH. Every unit of added PSH helps to address the identified need and improve the lives of people who currently do not have access to safe and dignified places to live.

The City Council recognizes that Redmond lacks sufficient affordable housing, especially where the need is greatest in the 0-50% AMI range. 

New projections estimate by 2044, the City of Redmond needs nearly 24,000 units of affordable housing. Redmond is a high-cost area with an AMI of $137,000 per year.