City to accept $975,000 WSDOT regional mobility grant for a on‑demand microtransit pilot and shared‑parking program

Francesca Liberty and Deputy Director Sarah Fee Allen told the committee that Redmond was awarded a Washington State Department of Transportation Regional Mobility Grant for $975,000 for the 2025–2027 biennium. The city will provide a $244,000 local match from a combination of lodging tax advisory committee funds, commuter assistance office funds and commute trip reduction program funds.

Staff said the grant will fund a two‑year pilot of an on‑demand microtransit shuttle serving Downtown Redmond and the Education Hill neighborhoods; the exact routes will be developed with the selected service provider. The award also funds a shared‑parking program to increase access to underused off‑street parking in downtown Redmond.

Liberty said an RFP for a vendor to manage the shuttle closed July 21 and staff were evaluating submittals; planning work was expected to begin in Q4 2025, with a soft opening and promotional push in 2026. Staff requested placement of the grant acceptance on the Sept. 2 consent agenda.

Council members expressed support and asked about communications and outreach to ensure residents learn about last‑mile transit options; Councilmember Nueva Camino said she was "very excited" and emphasized the importance of a communication plan. No committee member objected to placing the grant acceptance on the Sept. 2 consent agenda.

The pilot’s vendor selection and routing decisions will be made through the city’s procurement and contracting process; staff emphasized the pilot nature of the two‑year program.