Mayor Birney highlights housing, transit and sustainability in 2025 State of the City

Mayor Angela Birney delivered Redmond’s 2025 State of the City address onstage at Redmond City Council Chambers, outlining housing and transit priorities, sustainability initiatives and partnerships with local employers and small businesses. "The City of Redmond is a place where people can thrive," Birney said, framing the address around growth that preserves neighborhood character and environmental resources.

The mayor said the city is pursuing “middle housing” — duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, cottages and accessory dwelling units — as part of its comprehensive-plan vision to expand ownership and lower-price ownership options so residents can stay in Redmond as their housing needs change. She invited Ryan Gilles of Gilles Real Estate to describe middle-housing product and why the builder is investing in the city.

Birney emphasized transportation gains tied to Sound Transit and local planning. She announced the opening of Redmond’s newest light-rail stations downtown and at Marymoor Village, urging residents to mark May 10 for the downtown and Marymoor Village station openings. Birney also noted regional connections that will allow one-seat trips north and to Sea-Tac airport once additional segments open.

On sustainability, Birney outlined steps the city is taking to cut emissions and prepare infrastructure: adding public and city EV charging, commissioning 20 charging points for city vehicles in a parking garage, and a target to electrify half of Redmond’s light- and medium-duty city vehicles by 2030. She said Redmond recently became home to Washington’s first electric fire truck and credited the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan with advancing programs such as the Energy Smart Eastside heat-pump initiative and the all-electric Redmond Senior and Community Center.

Birney also announced that Recology will replace the current garbage hauler, collecting trash, recycling, compost and yard waste; Recology plans a local storefront this fall and will assume full service in 2026. The mayor described the change as part of broader solid-waste and recycling improvements.

The mayor used part of the program to highlight small-business leaders and neighborhood change. Chef and restaurateur Lisa Dupar — whose businesses include Pomegranate Bistro and Lisa Dupar Catering — joined Birney and described the rewards and challenges of operating in Redmond. "To me, today, it's a feeling," Dupar said about what success means after decades in the community. Birney also welcomed Whitney Ballen of Blazing Bagels and June Jaisada of SIPTIE, who said they expect increased visibility and customer traffic with Marymoor Village and downtown station openings.

Birney closed by noting Redmond’s regional role and partnerships, including her work on the Sound Transit board and participation in national housing efforts such as the National League of Cities’ advisory groups. She praised public–private partnerships that she credited with advancing projects ranging from light rail stations to housing initiatives.

Later in the program Mayor Birney presented a proclamation recognizing Microsoft’s 50th anniversary; Barb Wilson of Microsoft accepted, emphasizing the company’s long presence in Redmond and its local philanthropic contributions. "When we think of Redmond... that word, Redmond, is synonymous with home," Wilson said.

The address combined forward-looking policy goals — housing supply diversification, expanded transit access and municipal electrification — with the city’s continued emphasis on partnerships with major employers and local small businesses. Birney urged the community to participate in the transition as new stations open and projects move forward.