Redmond to accept $2.8 million from Washington opioid settlement with Purdue and generic manufacturers; funds restricted to opioid-related work

City Chief Operating Officer Melissa Biles told the Committee of the Whole on Sept. 9 that Washington State has reached an opioid settlement involving Purdue Pharma and eight generic manufacturers, and Redmond’s share from this case would be about $2.8 million if the city participates. Biles said this is the fifth opioid settlement in which the city has participated; after this distribution the city’s cumulative opioid‑related funding would be just under $4.9 million.

Biles said the funds are restricted to opioid‑related activities and programs. The city must sign an allocation agreement and individual participation agreements (one per manufacturer plus Purdue) by the end of the month to participate. Biles provided Attachment C in the meeting packet showing prior uses of opioid settlement funds and asked the committee to place the participation agreements on the Sept. 16 consent agenda.

Several council members signaled support for advancing the participation to consent. Council member Stewart said the city has a history of funding qualifying opioid‑related work and expressed support for adopting the agreements next week; the committee advanced the item for consent by general assent.

If the council does not approve participation, staff noted the city could pursue other options independently but that joining the statewide agreements is the recommended path to receive allocated settlement funds.