Redmond mayor outlines how residents can join boards, run for council and what to expect

Redmond Mayor Angela Birney urged residents Wednesday to take part in city government by joining boards and commissions, serving on advisory committees or running for City Council, and she outlined eligibility, application timing and how commissions feed policy recommendations to the council.

Birney, speaking at Redmond City Council Chambers, said many advisory groups meet monthly or seasonally and that members advise staff and the council on topics ranging from parks and trails to human services and environmental sustainability. "By choosing to get involved with a board or commission or committee, community members have the opportunity to advise city staff on multiple topics," Birney said. She added that most commissions start new terms on April 1 and that term lengths typically run three to five years with a two-term limit.

The mayor emphasized practical steps for people who want to participate: apply online at redmond.gov/shareyourvoice, attend open meetings to learn the work of a commission, or contact listed staff liaisons for details. Birney said many commissions now offer hybrid attendance options to expand participation following lessons from the pandemic.

Birney also described requirements and timelines for running for elected office in Redmond. To be eligible to file for mayor or council, a candidate must be a registered voter residing within the city limits (the mayor noted some boards or positions require residence or work inside the 98052 ZIP code). Filing for city council occurs through King County Elections during filing week; candidates also must file required disclosure forms with the State Public Disclosure Commission. "To become a candidate for a position on city council, you need to complete and file a declaration of candidacy through King County elections during filing week," Birney said.

Council President Vanessa Crisser, who joined the meeting in person, clarified residency rules for council candidates: "You do have to live in the city of Redmond limits. You can't live in unincorporated Redmond, and you have to have lived there for at least a year before the date of the election," Crisser said.

Birney said one council seat may become vacant this calendar year after Council Member Osman Saladin was appointed to the state legislature; she said the council would decide how to fill any vacancy and noted there are statutory time limits on vacancy processes. She described the appointment process used previously—opening an application, interviewing candidates and appointing a community member—and said the city will publicize steps and timelines if a vacancy occurs.

The mayor provided several operational details commissioners and prospective candidates asked about: many commissions are hybrid; meetings are public and open for residents to observe; some commissions have specific eligibility requirements (for example, lodging tax advisory committee members who are hoteliers); and commissions generally do not have independent large budgets—major proposals are forwarded to the council for inclusion in the city’s biennial budget. Birney said staff liaisons can provide commission-specific information and that small expenses (retreats, outreach) are sometimes covered through limited staff-managed allocations.

Birney also summarized several city priorities that may affect commission work: the opening of two light rail stations on May 10 with associated "last-mile" sidewalk and street improvements; preparations for the next year's World Cup events, which she said will bring significant regional visitorship; implementation of the recently adopted comprehensive plan; and pursuit of federal and state funding for capital projects. She noted the city is rolling out new equipment, citing Redmond’s electric fire engine as an example of recent investments that required state and federal engagement.

Practical details and clarifications provided during the session included: council members are elected to four-year terms and are required to attend regular meetings; council compensation currently is $2,300 per month plus a $300 monthly stipend and access to the city health insurance plan; and commissions often gather community input informally at public events or through questionnaires and public hearings performed by commissions such as the Planning Commission.

Birney closed by encouraging residents to sign up for the city's e-news, attend meetings, and apply when openings arise. She said the city will follow up with online attendees and provide contact information for further questions.