Tuesday, June 10, 2025

Ukranian Resident Runs 100 Miles In One Day


Dima Voyt, a Redmond Ukranian resident ran 100 miles in one day!  Why??  He was raising awareness (and funds) for the challenges facing Ukranian amputees -- physical mobility, mental health, and financial needs.  It's estimated 80,000 amputees are war related. 

Dima beat the hot weather running mostly at night.  He left from his home in Marymoor at 12:01 a.m. and finished the next day in the Downtown park about 7:45 p.m.  Dima is an ultramarathoner;  he ran almost four marathons that day!

A few ran alongside him from time to time.  Some stops:   Lake Sammamish,  the Sammamish River Trail, Kenmore, Seward Park, Washington University, 3-legs in Bellevue, the SR520 bridge, Totem Lake, and HOME to fanatic Ukranians. and local cheerleaders.  I learned about the event from Steve Fields.  The iced drinks were cool 😅 

-- Bob Yoder, 6/10/2025   

Five Years of COVID-19: Caring For the Future of Our Community


Five years ago on February 28, 2020, EvergreenHealth's Kirkland campus became the first hospital in the U.S. to respond to the first known cases of community spread of COVID-19. 

"Since then, we've continued to expand and improve access to care, implementing what we learned as an organization and as an industry during the COVID-19 pandemic—which will undoubtedly benefit us in meeting the needs of our growing community," said EvergreenHealth CEO Ettore Palazzo, MD, who was the hospital system's chief medical and quality officer at the outset of the pandemic.

EvergreenHealth's experience as one of the first hospitals to navigate the pandemic was featured extensively by media, including coverage in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, 60 Minutes, PBS Frontline, CNN, NPR and dozens of other publications and outlets.

-- EvergreenHealth.com

Sound Transit To Run Service For World Cup

 

Luman Field, Seattle 

Sound Transit to run additional service for Club World Cup, in part, to stress-test light rail for FIFA 2026.

Link more frequent.  Six matches at Lumen Field in Seattle June 15 --25.  Sounder game trains available for five of six games.  150,000 people fans are expected.

Sound Transit is preparing to welcome FIFA Club World Cup 2025 soccer attendees by running additional service on Link light rail as well as special Sounder game trains.

Passengers taking transit during the 10-day, six-game span can find all the information they need in one place by visiting https://www.soundtransit.org/worldcup.

Additional security personnel and Sound Transit staff will be available at stations to help passengers during FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Even with extra service, trains will be crowded during peak times. In order for passengers to have the best riding experience, Sound Transit has tips to help riders during FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and throughout the busy summer season. These include:

  • Sign up for service alerts
  • Spread out on platforms. The first and last cars are frequently less crowded.
  • Get to your destination early and leave later.
  • Consider alternative routes or other ways of getting around.

Following are details about service during FIFA Club World Cup 2025:

Link light rail service

There will be increased service on the 1 Line, post-game on Sunday, June 15 and all-day on June 23, with 8-minute headways, to both serve game attendees and our regular riders. As is typical for previous large events at the stadiums, additional trains will be on standby to manage demand and fill any service gaps throughout the tournament.


Sunday, June 8, 2025

2 Line Shuttle Buses Are Replacing Some 2 Lines Due To Power Issues

2 Line Shuttle buses are replacing the 2 Line from BelRed Station to Downtown Redmond Station until further notice due to power issues.  Last updated: Jun 08, 2025 3:17 PM

OPINION: Rebuild And Enlarge the Old Firehouse Teen Center, Everyone Wins

After participating in the Marymoor "Listening Session" and talking to the Parks Director and historical society, I see little hope of saving the Old Fire House (OFH) for the teens. 

Affordable housing is desparately needed.  Rebuilding and enlarging the firehouse to 6-stories may be the best solutionl.  The two lower floors could be used for teen programs; the top four floors for work-force housing.  

 A resident gave testimony at the last council meeting, recommending re-opening the outside areas of the OFH center this summer until council takes action. The chairs, tables and 2 basketball courts could be put to good use for performing arts and social space.  

_ Bob Yoder, 6/8/2025, opinion

Feel free to post (and read) a comment...

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

School District To Host Inaugural Wellness Fair


Please join us! Lake Washington School District to host Inaugural Wellness Fair.

Saturday, June 14 community event will celebrate wellbeing
Redmond, Wash. – Lake Washington School District (LWSD) invites staff, families, and the broader community to its inaugural Wellness Fair on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the L.E. Scarr Resource Center (16250 NE 74th Street, Redmond, WA 98052).
This free, family-friendly event is hosted by the LWSD Workforce Mental Health Workgroup and celebrates wellness in all forms—mind, body, and spirit.
Attendees will enjoy a rich lineup of wellness experiences—like yoga, sound baths, Zumba, art therapy, and a build-your-own succulent bar. Interactive booths, a curated wellness book nook by Brick & Mortar Books, and expert-led panels round out the day’s offerings.
Families can enjoy face painting and interactive wellness games all set to the sounds of LWSD student ensembles performing live throughout the day. Meet adoptable dogs from The Haus of Dogs and discover the healing joy of pet companionship. There will also be a Q&A session with a professional dog trainer, Joshua from Heel and Heal K-9, offering insights on pet care, training tips, and the benefits of pet companionship.
Local food trucks, including Nacho Rio, will be on site serving up delicious bites.
“Our aim is to create a space that restores, uplifts, and connects,” said Dr. Joy Ross, Co-Chair of the Workforce Mental Health Workgroup. “Whether it’s mindfulness or movement, adoptable dogs or rich conversations that support our mental health journeys, this event is about embracing the fullness of wellbeing and reminding ourselves that joy, healing, and wholeness are within reach.”
We look forward to celebrating wellness with you!
####
About Lake Washington: Lake Washington School District  is a high-performing, fast-growing public school district serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish, Washington. It is the second largest district in the state of Washington, with over 30,500 students in 55 schools.

Redmond Resident Runs To Downtown Park For Ukranians

 


Dima is a Redmond resident!  

His ultramarathon is a one-day run on Sunday, June 8 to support Ukranians who have lost their limbs. The Last Leg:  Totem Lake to Redmond Downtown Park - SR 520 Trail and Cross Kirkland Corridor.  

7:35 PM finish time at the Downtown Park.  I hope some residents will come out to cheer and celebrate Dima as he crosses the finish line.  Bring some sliced oranges, hydration packets and a bucket of ice! And, don't forget your wallet!

Many thanks to Council member Steve Fields for the heads up!  Steve said he'd be there.  

Saturday, May 31, 2025

Downtown Station Light Rail Art

Downtown Station Light Rail Bicycle Mural Art

Julie Paschkis, J.PA, SCH
Glass mosaic / 2024

"Redmond is a good place for bicyclists.  It is sometimes called the Bicycle Capital of the Northwest.  On Derby Days there are bicycle races at the Velodrome."  

Julie Paschkis, J.PA, SCH
Glass mosaic / 2024

"During the days riders pedal along trails, meander through lanes, and commute on the streets of Redmond.  At night the bicycle constellation shines down on them." 

-- Sound Transit art mural installation, 166th Avenue NE / photos Yoder, 5/31/25

Friday, May 30, 2025

EvergreenHealth Seeks First-Ever Levy Lid Lift

Our Community-Owned Hospital

EvergreenHealth Seeks First-Ever Levy Lid Lift to Expand Access to Care and Plan for Future Needs

 

Kirkland, Wash. – This August, voters in King County Public Hospital District #2 will be asked to consider Proposition 1, EvergreenHealth’s first-ever Levy Lid Lift request since the hospital opened in 1972. If approved, the measure would support enhanced access to care, expand services and help the public hospital district prepare for the future health care needs of its growing Eastside community.

 

Currently, district residents pay $0.14 per $1,000 of assessed home value toward the EvergreenHealth levy. If approved, the Levy Lid Lift would add $0.36, bringing the total to $0.50 per $1,000 of assessed value.  That translates into ~ $500 on a $1,000,000 home.  

 

“As the Eastside grows, so do the health care needs of our community,” said Ettore Palazzo, MD, Chief Executive Officer. “Proposition 1 would allow EvergreenHealth to invest in primary, urgent and specialty care, advanced diagnostics and outpatient behavioral health—ensuring more people have timely access to the care they need, closer to home.”

 

Why now?

EvergreenHealth has never asked to increase its levy funding—until now. When EvergreenHealth opened in 1972, it had 76 beds and served 22,000 residents. Today, it serves a population of more than 330,000 and has grown into a comprehensive health system offering nearly 400 beds, two Emergency Departments, eight Urgent Cares, 12 Primary Care practices, over 40 Specialty Care practices, Home Health and Hospice services, and a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

 

What Would the Levy Lid Lift Fund?

If approved, Proposition 1 would:

  • Expand access to care by increasing capacity for primary, urgent, specialty, and outpatient behavioral health services
  • Recruit and retain providers to improve appointment availability
  • Invest in advanced diagnostic technology and infrastructure to meet current and future demand
  • Support programs for seniors and youth, including wellness classes and behavioral health

 

“These investments are about ensuring that our hospital district can continue to meet the needs of our growing community—not just today, but well into the future,” said Chris Bredeson, Chief Operating and Strategy Officer.

 

Learn More

To learn more about the proposed levy lid lift, explore frequently asked questions, and access educational resources, visit: www.evergreenhealth.com.

 

Election Day is August 5. Register to vote by July 27.

 

 

About EvergreenHealth  

 

EvergreenHealth is a community-owned hospital system serving more than one million residents in King and Snohomish counties. Since 1972, EvergreenHealth has evolved beyond the hospital into a network of primary care practices, urgent care centers, specialty clinics, extensive home care and hospice services and 24/7 emergency care in Kirkland, Monroe and Redmond. As a public hospital district, EvergreenHealth actively provides equal access to high-quality, high-value care, partnering with local organizations to perform outreach and offer health education to address our community’s needs. The hospital system is recognized as one of Healthgrades America’s 50 Best™ Hospitals in clinical excellence and holds a 5-Star Overall Rating from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS). Learn more at www.evergreenhealth.com.

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

UPDATED 6/2: Behavioral Health Treatment Expansion at EvergreenHealth

EvergreenHealth Public Hospital District No. 2 in Kirkland
- Our Community-Owned Hospital -

I have been following EvergreenHealth for years on behavioral health issues -- speaking at many of the Commissioner/CEO meetings urging outpatient treatment services. Years ago, my wife walked the NAMI parade with three Redmond councilmembers to advertise Evergreen's community support for an out-patient mental health clinic. 

EvergreenHealth treats at least one behavioral health patient per day in their Emergency Department. They remodeled the department with 2 rooms equiped with sound supressing materials dedicated to behavioral health patients.  

You may not have heard about CONNECTIONS in Kirkland.  They're a crisis center for behavioral health treatment. They have 32 beds, 18 observation chairs, psychiatrists, and case managers.  EvergreenHealth is partnering with CONNECTIONS to treat patients in crisis and those seeking out-patient care.    

Finally, EvergreenHealth is proposing a Levy Lid Lift in the August 5th, 2025 election. Some proceeds will fund outpatient telehealth and in-person mental health treatment in their twelve integrated primary care practices. They hired a Behavioral Health Director to run the program. ("Treatment" is:  medicine-management, with some therapy.)

Unlike Overlake Medical Center, EvergreenHealth is a Community-Owned Hospital, backed by our community.  I hope this update will help you in your levy vote! 

-- Bob Yoder, 5/29/2025, updated 6/2/25

Feel free to post (and read) a comment:

Friday, May 16, 2025

Light Rail Downtown Station Tributes

"Arnold / Redmond Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee"

Look around the Downtown Light Rail Station and you'll see plexi-glass panal tributes like this one of Arnold Tomac.  

There's a whole lot more to Arnie than his leading the "PED/BIKE Advisory Committee."  He was an early President of Redmond City Council, a Co-Founder of Redmond Town Center, to name a few.   

A kind and giving man ... 

-- Yoder, 5/16/25 

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

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

Saturday, May 10, 2025

New Light Rail Extension Opening in Redmond


Pre-launch interviews before the opening ceremony.  

It's anticipated the East Link and 2 Line will connect with 1 Line in Seattle early 2026 providing testing goes well.   

Friday, May 9, 2025

Downtown / Marymoor Village Light Rail Station Celebration

     Seattle Times article on the Opening 5/10 


Join the community, leaders, and contributors from across the region on May 10 to celebrate two new stations on the 2 Line. ... Downtown Station / Marymoor Village Station.  

At 10:30 a.m., a speaking program will kick off the day at Downtown Redmond Station (16620 NE 76th St. Redmond, WA 98052), followed by a ribbon cutting.

Light rail is coming to Downtown Redmond! Move Redmond is excited to host Trail 2 Transit presented by Sound Transit and in partnership with Eastrail Partners & Africans on the Eastside. Join us May 10th from 12:00pm-4pm along with Sound Transit, Eastrail Partners,  Africans on the Eastside, and others to celebrate the Downtown Redmond light rail opening, a new critical connection into Downtown Redmond! During the day’s festivities, walk, bike or roll between Redmond light rail station and Redmond Central Connector to celebrate the opening of light rail with vendors, live entertainment, delicious food, and family friendly activities.

Sound Transit, 5/9/2025 At Downtown Redmond Station, join Move Redmond for a stroll or roll along Redmond's Central Connector Trail from the train station to the park. All along the trail you’ll find local vendors, live music, tasty food, and family-friendly fun. 

How to get there

The following bus routes serve Downtown Redmond Station: King County Metro Route 250RapidRide B Line, and ST Express 545 (drops off one block away).

Microsoft will also provide shuttles and ADA minivans running every 15 minutes between Redmond Technology Station, Marymoor Parking Garage, and Downtown Redmond Station from 9 a.m. until service begins.

Downtown Redmond Station does not have a parking facility, and Redmond Town Center does not allow event parking. We encourage you to take public transit to the event, if you can. show hosted by Africans on the Eastside. Music, dancing and a fashion show hosted by Africans on the Eastside.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Cinco de Mayo Celebration In Redmond Downtown Park

 

Centro Cultural Mexicano welcomes community to Redmond for Cinco de Mayo event

Redmond Downtown Park will be filled with live music, dancing, art, and more on Sunday, May 4, for the annual Cinco de Mayo event.
7 hours on continual music and lots of food!  (darn, I can't make it.) 😞
King 5 Centro Cultural Mexicano interview

Statement from Governor Ferguson on 2025 Legislative Session

WA State Legislature passes $78 B budget; rent cap; gun permits 

Ferguson levy $9B new taxes to fund state budget

 Seattle Times, 5/21/2025 

Governor Bob Ferguson 
 photo Seattle Times

Statement from Governor Bob Ferguson on 2025 legislative session

Key priorities laid out by Governor Ferguson adopted in budget

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson offered the following statement on the conclusion of the 2025 legislative session:

“I want to thank our legislators, staff and my team, for all their hard work this session as we faced a $16 billion budget shortfall. I look forward to carefully reviewing the budgets line by line over the next few weeks. When that review is complete, I will share my thoughts with the public in greater detail.

“Beginning with my inaugural address, I’ve emphasized that we must use realistic revenue projections, preserve our Rainy Day Fund reserves, find billions of dollars in savings and efficiencies, include a $100 million grant program for more law enforcement officers, increase investment in affordable housing, and increase the percentage of our budget devoted to K-12 education. The budgets adopted by the Legislature accomplish those goals.


Saturday, April 26, 2025

Meadows, Pollinators, Trees, Seeds and Gardens!


Letter to Council and Office of the Mayor:  

I really likedDeputy 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.  
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

Friday, April 25, 2025

Updated: TEEN COMMUNITY BULLETIN


After attending the Marymoor "Listening Session" and talking to the Parks Director and historical society, I see little hope of saving the OFH just for the teens.  Affordable housing is desparately needed.  Rebuilding and enlarging the firehouse to 6-stories may be the best solution.  The ground story could be used for teen programs.  The top 5 floors for work force housing.  -  B. Yoder, 5/18/2025

NOTICE

Please join Redmond's teen community at City Hall this Tuesday, 4/29, 7PM to speak to the council and mayor about saving the Old Fire House (OFH) Teen Center.  This historic building is now shuttered and Mayor Birney and her staff say they haven't decided what to do with it.  Park Director Loreen Hamilton talks it up as a hazardous waste site. 

Teens are now forced into using the distant multi-use Marymoor Community Center.  While OFH is vacant, the city could be renovating and upgrading it for future use, not scrapping it for another cookie-cutter apartment building.   

I certainly agree with the teens (and a few councilmembers!) the OFH is symbolic and worthy of landmark status. Please bring your families and friends to City Hall Tuesday, 4/29 to show your support.  Plan to arrive early to sign-in if you plan to speak (up to three minutes.)   

-- B. Yoder, 4/25/2025 

Background information.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

EvergreenHealth Expands Behavioral Health Services

 

Such exciting news!

"Brianne Burnett, LICSW, MHP, CMHS, is EvergreenHealth's new Director of Behavioral Health! Brianne has been an impactful member of the EvergreenHealth team for years, most recently serving as the Ambulatory Behavioral Health Manager.

In her new role, she will oversee the strategic and operational direction of EvergreenHealth’s Behavioral Health program. Under the direction of Brianne, we look forward to expanding Behavioral Health services to our community."

-- EvergreenHealth, 4/25/2025

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Celebrating Earth Day At EvergreenHealth

 Earth Day has been celebrated April 22 every year since 1970



By Jeff Friedman, FACHE, Vice President Operations

"This year's Earth Day theme at EvergreenHealth is Our Power, Our Planet. We're encouraged to take action, protect and preserve our planet. Here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, our own efforts – in concert with others around the world – will help protect our shared island home.

One of the purposes of Earth Day is to celebrate our natural environment, so let me share some of my personal story.

Monday, April 21, 2025

UPDATED OPINION: Proposed Tree Code Update Needs Modification To Accomodate Housing Needs

Cottages in Kirkland / photo Master Builders
After removal, replacement trees must be planted on and *off-site.

The City of Redmond is refreshing their Environmental Sustainable Action Plan (ESAP) and wants Redmond 2050 input on trees, EVs, heat pumps and more.  Click ESAP to participate.  

OPINION:  The city has not updated their tree regulations in over 26 years.  They are procrastinating to accomodate  much-needed housing.  The removed trees are replaced with saplings but at numbers that can't reach Redmond's 40% canopy goal.  Off-site planting sites for replacement trees should be identified by Parks, Planning and Public Works to broaden canopy cover. The replacement trees are supplied by the developer and installations financed with one-time money and CIP funds.  

*Suggested off-site planting sites:  Parks, trails, Keller Farm (forested) wetland tree mitigation bank, streets, sidewalks and by-ways, urban growth easements, Light rail stations, M&O Center and other large city projects, the Heron Rookery and western open space,  schools, "plant a tree" neighbohood programs, Hartman forested wetlands, Green Redmond, RTC open space, mouth of Bear Creek, and more.    

According to the Master Builders Association  "A good tree code responsibly maintains or grows the level of tree coverage in a city while also allowing much-needed housing for current residents. newcomers and future generations."    

The city has a 40% canopy goal.  Canopy provides cooling, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, raises property values, improves mental health, lowers blood pressure and more. 
In my opinion, the following 2019 tree regulation modifications would improve code to accomodate need for balancing trees with much-needed housing.  It's a compromise:   
  • For every one Landmark tree (30 inches or more) removed, six "replacement saplings trees" (rather than three) must will be planted either on-site, off-site or fee in-lieu. ($2,000.) in that order.  
  • For every one "Significant" tree  (6 inches in diameter at breast height) removed three saplings (rather than one) must be planted either on-site, off-site, or fee in-lieu ($500) in that order.
  • For each tree removed illegally by topping the contractor's penalty will be tripled
  • On-site tree replacements  are aren't required for single family homes.  
Council, the Mayor and the Director of Planning & Community Development need to impliment suggested or similar abreviated code to maintain our quality of life while building much-needed housing. 

Bob Yoder, opinion, 4/21/2025

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

UPDATED: Redmond Seeks to Move Resources From Popular Old Fire House Teen Center

(click link)


The City may close down the Old Fire House Teen Center "for safety reasons" despite over 3,400 signatures to keep it open. Ironically, the Nelson Legacy Group (NLG) headquarters is directly adjacent to the Teen Center.  NLG the largest landowner and developer in Redmond.  

photo Bob Yoder

From the COR Marketing Department:  "Redmond is planning for the future of Redmond’s younger residents and wants to understand how to best serve the community of teens (approximately 13 to 19 years old), now and in the future.

Throughout spring 2025, the City will engage with the community to learn more about what Redmond teens need, how the City can best serve their interests, and where services are needed the most.

For more information on the project and the history of teen services in Redmond, visit redmond.gov/TeenServices(External link)."

-- redmond.gov  4/8/2025

###

On 04/15/25, twenty-two teens spoke pasionately to Council of the importance of the Redmond Fire House Teen Center, comparing it to how "sterile" and unwelcoming the Marymoor Community Center is.  Hear their passionate testimonies at this link:  

https://redmond.granicus.com/player/clip/3096?view_id=2&redirect=true

-- Bob Yoder, 4/18/25

"Hands Off" Demonstrators Rally At Downtown Park

 

"HAND OFF" DEMONSTRATION IN REDMOND DOWNTOWN PARK, photo Matt Loschen

In Redmond, attendees heard from City Councilmember and State Representative Osman Salahuddin and United States Representative Suzan DelBene. “This is the energy that’s going to send a clear message to House Republicans, Musk and Trump for tanking our economy, attacking Social Security and Medicaid,” DelBene said.

By Andrew Villenveuve, 4/5/2025

Friday, March 28, 2025

UPDATED OPINION: Tree Loss Is Severely Changing The Character Of Redmond

 I've lived in Redmond 44 years and have witnessed the severe tree loss. Fortunately, neighborhoods like Education Hill and Grasslawn have retained most of their character.  Loss in the urban centers and outlying developments is severe. - Yoder

OPINION:  When tree loss from city mitigation is combined with tree loss from  private development the impact to our environment and city character is severe.   A case in point is the Chelsea Square II project of two-eight story downtown buildings.  Its Tree Preservation Map shows all trees will be stripped including most lush street trees.  (NE 83rd Street, 164th Street.)  Especially damaging, Tree Regulations protecting our canopy haven't been upadated in over 
26 years.  Good for the developers, bad for our environment and city character. 
   
Canopy provides  cooling, carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, raises property values, improves mental health, lowers blood pressure and more.                

City Tree Mitigation Update, 2025:  

The City will remove, top or limb ~ 271 trees by late 2025 with more to come in 2026. 

BACKGROUND:  In 2023 the city assesseed 18,000 city-owned trees for health in parks, right of ways, open spaces, and street trees, to ensure public safety while preserving our urban forest. The assessment focused on trees that were 12” or greater in trunk diameter [significant and landmark trees] located within striking distance of a target, near streets, parking spaces, buildings, or structures. 

In 2024 the 35 the city's highest priority trees were mitigated for health risks.  Council Presisident Kritzer was unhappy when she heard of this and planned to look at them before they were cut.    

David Tuchek, a Deputy Parks Director said about a third of the trees would be removed, a third would be topped into snags for wildlife habitat, and a third would be limbed or pruned.  After hearing Tuchek's report, Council President Kritzer reneged stating the mitigation plan was a good for the city and wildlife habitat. 

In 2025, the city will focus on the next 50-60 highest priority trees with additional funding for mitigation in 2026.  That's a total of  ~ 271 trees that will be mitigated (removed, topped, limbed, pruned) by 2025 with more to come in 2026.  After a query by CM Fields the Parks Director listed several projects in place like Green Redmond for planting tree replacements. 

-- 3/25/25 Council Committee of the Whole, Parks & Human Services