Overlake Growth In Redmond

Photo/ Bob Yoder

There's lots of interest in our downtown growth but don't forget Overlake.  The population in Overlake will one day surpass our downtown. Here's an eastern view of the "Seritage" 14-acre construction project on 148 Ave. across from the mega Fred Meyer store. The Red Robin is no longer. 😒  That ridge of evergreens will soon "vanish.".  There's talk of 15-30-story towers in Overlake. Thank heavens for our neighborhood parks & trails! (

"Redmond is growing faster than many of us imagine, especially in the Overlake Urban Center.  A 14-acre Urban Village coined "Seritage"  will transform  Sears Plaza into office space, a hotel,  residential, commercial, retail and a large park.  High rise buildings are probable.  

·       The buildings could reach over 9 stories and will include both commercial space, hotel and residential units. 

·         When built, the project will generate over 13,000 vehicular trips a day. Currently planned, the developer-funded road improvements are minimal, in fact the traffic study states traffic will improve when the project is completed! The cities of Redmond and Bellevue will bear the burden of road improvements as part of their infrastructure plans.

·         There will be 2,300 parking stalls (vs. around 1,000 today). 

·         There is an already approved project next door (KCC Limited Edition) that will result in 885 homes, 173,000 square feet of office, 28,000 square feet of retail, an 80-room hotel. Adding this new, larger project to the area will certainly multiply the impacts of this development.

If any of the design assumptions on the project are not correct, the traffic gridlock in the area will intensify." 

-- Eugene Zakhareyev, 11/2017

   Redmond resident and property owner

   Past city council candidate 

   edited by Yoder, 1/12/26

As if Seritage is not enough, read about the Overlake East Master Plan: 

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-redevelopment-of-sears-plaza-is.html

-- Bob Yoder, 1/12/26

EvergreenHealth Executives Serve On Regional Advisory Boards

 

Four EvergreenHealth administrators served on health care and economic boards in 2025

 

Kirkland, Wash.—Last year, four of EvergreenHealth’s administration team were invited to serve on advisory boards throughout the region. These health system leaders give their time, skills and insight to organizations involved in health care and economic development across the state.

 

Ettore Palazzo, MD, FACP, EvergreenHealth CEO, was elected to the Washington State Hospital Association (WSHA) Board of Directors effective January 2025, having previously served as the Chair of the Clinical Excellence Committee from 2023 to 2024. He also sits on the board of the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and the Steering Committee for the Washington Department of Health Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Care.

 

Dr. Palazzo joined EvergreenHealth in 2003 as a hospitalist, and he held various roles before becoming CEO in December 2023. He is responsible for the leadership of all aspects of EvergreenHealth's purpose, mission and vision.

 

Christopher Bredeson, MBA, FACHE, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer, has been invited to sit on the boards of Washington Hospital Services (WHS), the Washington Health Alliance (WHA)—both statewide
de organizations focused on quality and value in health care delivery—and OneRedmond, a public-private economic development partnership.

 

Bredeson has held positions in health care leadership and community advocacy for more than three decades. In his role at EvergreenHealth, he supervises all facets of health system operations and planning.

 

Jessika Groce, MBA, PHR, SHRM-CP, Chief Human Resources Officer, was appointed to the Cascadia College Foundation Board effective July 1. The Cascadia College Foundation plays a crucial role in offering scholarships and grants to students needing financial support also backing key college initiatives. The board works to support the college’s mission of delivering accessible, equitable and superior educational experiences to inspire every person to achieve their educational and career goals.

Redmond Fire Department Recruitment Video 2021

Excellent video!  Even more so, is John Oftebro's article: "Fire! Fire! Fire! History and Evolution of the Redmond Fire Department.” (from which this video came.)  John is the President of the Redmond Historical Society and his article can be found in their recent newsletter.  

-- Yoder, 1/7/26

EvergreenHealth Teaching Physician Assistant Students

 

EvergreenHealth Partners with Northwest University To Help Teach Physician Assistant Students

Students receive hands-on experience while also supporting community’s need for more health care professionals

 

KIRKLAND, WA—EvergreenHealth and Northwest University’s School of PA Medicine have partnered to help students complete their degree and give them an opportunity to jumpstart their careers as physician assistants. This partnership is another example of how the two Kirkland-based organizations have collaborated to support health care professionals and the community’s health and wellness.

 

“EvergreenHealth has faithfully partnered with our health professions programs at Northwest University for two decades, first welcoming nursing students into their facilities to train, and now, our PA students,” said Northwest University School of PA Medicine Dean Heather Deibler, PA-C. “Many of our NU nurses went on to careers at EvergreenHealth, and we look forward to the day when our PA graduates serve there as clinicians. We sincerely appreciate EvergreenHealth’s commitment to help equip the next generation of health care professionals who will serve this community and Washington state for years to come.”

UPDATED OPINION: The Fabric Of Our City Is Tattered

Middle and low income residents, the fabric of our city, are getting priced out of the community.  We are losing our base of volunteers and nonprofit members.  8-years ago living in Redmond was affordable.  Not today.  In a large way, of course our problem is inflation,  Home values in Redmond approximate $1.4M, twice pre-pandemic levels. Rent is increasing every year.

But, it's not just a problem of affordable housing. We have to cope with expenses we've never had:    

State Retail Tax.  $10 tax/ on every $100 retail goods purchased

8% Utility price increase this year with no end in sight owing to AI data center power needs.

Hospital:  Historic Levy Lid-lift, 50 cents / $1000 value (~$440/year on my property)  

LWSD:  Two proposed Levy-lid lifts:  Feb. 19th.  Capital increase ($44) and Programs increase ($180) on a $1.5M property.

Other segments of King County property taxes are increasing.

Sound Transit ~ $1,000/year

Proposed C.O.R. Parks and Safety Lid-lifts in 2026 or 2027. 

City staff are allowed up to 2-3 remote work days per week. The Parks Director lives in Kenmore, a Deputy in Duval, and another Deputy in Mill Creek. The cost of living in all these cities is less than Redmond.  Please set a compensation policy for remote meetings that encourages living in Redmond.   

Council members are responsible for developing and overseeing the budget so in light of the financial pain we feel, they must keep the staff compensation at the forefront in their deliberations and throttle it's growth. 

Compensation constitutes the majority of city operations and pulling a lever to slow its growth has never been more crucial. So far, it doesn't look good:  

196 new hires in 2025

Proposed 2026 Executive Pay Plan  Council decision on January 6th.  

Proposed 2026 Non Union Pay Plan  Council decision on January 6th.  

2026 Executive Organizational Chart  (new) 

Examples of Executive and Non Union employee salaries and bonuses.

-- Bob Yoder, 1/3/2026

Puget Sound Journal Honors EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo

 

EvergreenHealth CEO Dr. Ettore Palazzo on right/ credit Anthony Bolante, PSBJ

Last night, Puget Sound Business Journal (PSB) hosted a private Power 100 reception to honor the Puget Sound's most influential people who are making news, getting things done behind the scenes, or using their wealth and power for the betterment of their communities. These honorees, including Dr. Palazzo, were brought together for a celebratory evening to applaud their accomplishments and connect with other impactful businesspeople in the region.

Thank you to our sponsors for helping us recognize incredible leaders:
• Founding Sponsor: Bank of America
• Presenting Sponsor: Arnold & Porter
• Platinum Sponsor: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
• Signature Sponsor: Alaska Airlines
• Cocktail Sponsor: Washington State University
• Bronze Sponsors: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound & Laird Norton Wetherby

-- December, 2025

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

 Pam's creation.  Merry Christmas from the Yoder's!

Pam, Zoey, Bob;  Redmond Town Center, 12/3/2023

Redmond Historical Society Newsletter, Quarterly Edition

 

 Board Member Volunteers --BIOS

REDMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER  

Quarter 1, Vol 28, No 1

Highlights:

President’s Notebook: "Fire! Fire! Fire! History and Evolution of the Redmond Fire Department” by John Oftebro

Society Honors Legacy of Chinese Americans in Redmond

"Mom Phones Doctor Way" by Tom Hansen, Lifetime Member

"Redmond Historical Society Ice Cream Social & Membership Meeting"

January 10, 2 PM Happy Valley Range

by V.P. Laura Lee Bennett

Willomoor Farm: Clise Period, 1908-1915

 by Tom Hitzroth

Pagliacci Pizza Opens New Redmond Store

 

SEATTLE – December 15, 2025 – Pagliacci Pizza has opened a new pizzeria in Old Town

Redmond, bringing new life to a familiar corner near the light rail station. The company’s

ninth Eastside location provides neighborhood residents with an inviting place for slices

and whole pies, easy takeout, and expanded delivery in Redmond and nearby

communities.

Pagliacci has transformed the former gas station at 16311 Redmond Way into a warm,

light-filled neighborhood pizzeria that preserves the original post-and-beam structure

and distinctive roofline. The design takes cues from the Pacific Northwest and

Redmond’s historic core, with white brick, striped wood cladding, and large windows

looking into the dining room and open kitchen. New landscaping, street trees, and

outdoor seating make the site more walkable and welcoming.

On Saturday, January 10, from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., Pagliacci will host a grand opening

party with a live DJ, swag, and free slices (while they last). Local muralist and pop-up

artist Dozfy will be on site creating custom live drawings on tote bags (provided by

Pagliacci) from guests’ pet photos.

“This new location is way overdue,” says co-owner Matt Galvin. “We have looked for

many years and finally were able to find the right location with the right landlord.”

As part of Pagliacci’s Envision Zero initiative, an effort to move toward carbon-neutral

operations with zero waste, the company has added an e-bike fleet to complement

deliveries from the Redmond store.

New School Board Reviews Electric Busses

 

Credit: Bob Yoder (click to enlarge)

(l-r) Superintendent Dr. Jon Holmen, President Lisa Guthrie, VP Eric Laliberte, Angela Meekhof, Aspen Richter, Lindsey Yocum (government affaires) and two student representatives, Hoe and Reddy.  

BIO's HERE.

My wife and I went to the swearing in ceremony for Aspen Richter and Angela and stayed for their business meeting.  Sustainability was their focus and priority.  There was much talk about electric buses; and including them as part of their 136 bus fleet.  Grant money for four e-buses was awarded to serve four schools with low-income students. They are operating.  Apparently, no further grant money for e-buses will be available for LWSD;  ~ $300,000- $400,000/ bus was quoted.  There was no discussion of funding e-busses with the Capital Technology levy.  Though, in 2001 LWSD passed a transportation levy.  

LEVY UPDATE:

Every four years the Educational and Operations (EP&O) and Capital Technology and Facilities levies are up for renewal.  The board took formal action to approve a Lid-lift of these 2026 levies at their meeting on October 6, 2025. These replacement levies will be placed on the February 10, 2026, ballot.

Currently, 16% of the Lake Washington School District budget is funded by these two "replacement" levies.  The school board is proposing a special "excess" increase (that will be baked in for years) in the 2026 levy ask owing to: 

• loss of federal funding 5%. (total funding is currently $1.3M)
• new sales tax on services
• salary step increase
• increased compensation
• 8% inflation growth 

EP&O tax increases of $180/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.97/$1,000 property value)   

Capital Technology and Facilities tax increase of $45/year on $1.5M assessed property value ($.44/$1,000 property value.)  

REF:  final pages of  the "Levy Renewals" slide deck

Redmond Celebrates World Cup Draw

Redmond FIFA World Cup Volunteers / Yoder

June 19, USA vs. Australia 12  noon

Redmond Celebrates the World Cup Draw

More than 120 people enjoyed their Friday morning at the Archer Hotel in Downtown Redmond to celebrate the World Cup Draw. The celebration, which was hosted by the City of Redmond in partnership with Amazon, featured Sounders legends James Riley and Brad Evans as emcees. They shared memories from their professional days, fun soccer facts both locally and globally, and even facilitated a juggling contest for attendees. Riley and Evans also provided commentary when the pots were drawn for each group and engaged with the audience to see who they were most excited to watch.

 

The City of Redmond is preparing to take full advantage of the generational opportunities coming to the region next summer by showcasing Redmond’s connectivity to the region, celebrating the City’s diverse culture, and fostering an atmosphere of excitement and hospitality. For more information about the City’s programming for the World Cup, visit redmond.gov/Soccer.

Local FIFA World Cup Art / photo Yoder
Do you see the ferry? Mt. Rainier?  The Seattle skyline? 

 

• June 19: USA vs. Australia, noon
• Seattle will also host a Round of 32 match that will feature the winner of Group G (Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand) vs. the third-place finisher from one of Groups A/E/H/I/J. That game will kick off at  July 1 at 1 PM.
• Seattle’s final match will be a Round of 16 match that features the winner of the Round of 32 match against the winner of the match between the winner of Group D (which includes the United States) and a third-place team from Group B/E/F/I/J. That game will be played on July 6 at 5 PM.

2025 Redmond Lights

 

2025 Redmond Lights

Dec. 6, 2025 - Jan. 5, 2026   |   5 - 11 p.m.

Downtown Park   |   Esterra Park

Enjoy glowing lights and illuminated art all month long.

Getting there / Parking

Live performances

Art 

Luminary walk from Downtown Park to Redmond Town Center

Redmond "Toys For Tots"

 

Toys for Tots is sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps. 

Looking for a festive holiday light display in Redmond (beyond "Redmond Lights"?)  Drive to the "Toys for Tots" drop-off station adjacent Costco-Redmond on 185th Ave NE and NE 76 Street and give a toy donation. 

Costco is a perfect place for buying affordable toys.  Pam and I found some good ones!  Drop-off times are Monday - Friday, 12/3 - 12/12 between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Their holiday light display is amazing.  It runs three blocks.     

-- Bob Yoder, 12/2025

City News Now | December 1, 2025

Homeless Outreach, Redmond Lights, New Garbage and Recycling contractor

Recology Waste Store Opening at Bella Bottega

 

Recology Store Opening in Downtown Redmond

REDMOND, WA – Recology is opening a new store in Downtown Redmond, where customers can drop off difficult-to-recycle items, find Waste Zero products, speak with sustainability experts, get help with account issues, and pay their garbage bill in person. The Recology Store opening in Downtown Redmond is part of Redmond’s transition to a new waste hauler for the first time in over three decades and will be marked by a ribbon-cutting event from 1 – 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12, at the new store located in the Bella Bottega Shopping Center, 8862 161st Ave NE, Ste. 104.

Osman Salahuddin Swear-in Ceremonies for 48th Legislative District

This week, I’ll be sworn in again to continue serving as your State Representative for the 48th Legislative District, and I’d love to have you there to celebrate with me!

We’ve got two events coming up: one official ceremony in Olympia, and one community swearing-in here at home. I’d be thrilled if you could make it to either (or both!). Details and RSVP links are below: 

 

Redmond City Council Elected Official Ceremony

December 2nd 2025 Redmond City Council ceremony and Business Meeting.  (Ceremony begins after 30 seconds.)

Former Governor Gary Locke read segments of the Declaration of Independence honoring our government and local Redmond councilmembers.  Retiring councilmember Jeralee Anderson described her accomplishments over 8 years of service and bid adieu.  Retiring Steve Fields was absent.  Councilmember Melissa Stuart was sworn in for a second term and Ms. Soni and Mr. Prakriya were sworn into their council positions. Many local dignitaries attended. It was a full house.  

The ceremony is 17 minutes long and I encourage you to listen. (The Business part of the meeting starts after the ceremony.)

King County Files Lawsuit Against Trump Over Housing

 

NEWS: King County files lawsuit against Trump administration over unlawful restrictions to housing and homelessness services

Summary A national coalition of local governments and nonprofit organizations filed a lawsuit on Monday, December 1 challenging the Trump administration’s unconstitutional action imposing unlawful conditions on the Continuum of Care grant program that seek to limit or dismiss proven housing solutions like permanent supportive housing. Story On Monday, a coalition of seven local governments and four nonprofit organizations, including King County, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for Rhode Island against the Trump administration’s Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The lawsuit challenges the Trump administration’s unlawful and unreasonable restrictions to the Continuum of Care (CoC) grant program in order to receive federal funding for permanent supportive housing and homelessness services. HUD’s current CoC investments in permanent supportive housing are at risk if renewal grants are not protected, impacting an estimated 4,500 households in King County. The HUD Notice of Funding Opportunity released last month dramatically lowers the cap on longstanding funding for permanent supportive housing, a proven housing model, and requires King County to prioritize outreach services, temporary transitional housing, abstinence from substances, and mandatory behavioral health treatment. In addition, new awards will not be executed until May 2026. With previous grants expiring in January, the lag in new funding will likely create a large funding gap before new awards are made which could lead to program closures or interruptions.

Redmond City Council Votes to Rebuild Teen Center

 

Redmond City Council Votes to Rebuild Teen Center

Community engagement will be conducted as the rebuilding project progresses to ensure that the community’s voice is heard and that the voices of teens guide the creation of a new teen center.

REDMOND, WA - At their regular business meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, Redmond City Council voted 6-0 to approve rebuilding a new teen center at the same location as the existing building, which closed in March. In their approval, Council included prioritizing expedience in construction, centering teen voices in the design process, and including music performance space and a dedicated recording studio to continue the Old Fire House Teen Center legacy. The decision was informed by the recommendation of the Old Fire House Teen Center Stakeholder Group.

The Council decision followed a robust, multi-round community engagement process that included online questionnaires, event tabling, listening sessions, workshops, and focus group meetings. Council also formed the Teen Services Subcommittee and joined six meetings with the Stakeholder Group to observe the process. The Stakeholder Group was facilitated by a communications and community engagement consultant contracted by the City and composed of members representing a range of backgrounds and perspectives, including teens, parents, service providers, commission representatives, and other community members.

City News Now | November 24, 2025

EvergreenHealth and Seattle Children's Enter Affiliation For Neonatal and Specialty Care

 

Chris Bredeson, EvergreenHealth chief operating and strategy officer, left, and Jamie Phillips, president and chief operating officer at Seattle Children's, are seen July 1 at the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the launch of Neonatal & Pediatric Specialty Care Services at EvergreenHealth Medical Center.

Kirkland-based EvergreenHealth and Seattle Children’s have entered into a strategic affiliation for neonatal and pediatric specialty care services that will allow Eastside families to get specialized inpatient care from Seattle Children’s doctors at Evergreen’s Kirkland hospital, the parties announced today.

The affiliation took effect July 1, 2025 starting with pediatric cardiologists, neurologists, and general surgeons from Seattle Children’s, according to Chris Bredeson, EvergreenHealth's chief operating and strategy officer. More pediatric specialty services will be added over time, he said in an interview.

“It means a lot for patients to be able to have care in their community — and so we have a big initiative around improving access for people on the Eastside; and in the pediatric area, that's something we've heard from people over and over again that they don't like driving across the bridge to Seattle for all the reasons you can imagine,” Bredeson said. “They want to stay in the community, and so we're going to do everything we can to have as many babies stay as possible ... if they come through the emergency department, go to our pediatric unit, or if they're born at Evergreen.”

425 Business, 7/7/25