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Redmond officials announce May 10 downtown light-rail opening; Eastrail segment and Cascade Water Alliance updates also highlighted
Summary
Council members and the mayor told residents the two remaining downtown Redmond light-rail stations will open May 10, 2025. Eastrail officials expect a city section to open by summer 2025, and Cascade Water Alliance reported progress on a long-term Tacoma water contract and a $1.2 million solar-lease payment expected next year.
City officials told the Redmond City Council on Feb. 4, 2025 that Sound Transit will open two remaining downtown Redmond light-rail stations on May 10, 2025 and that community celebrations and a ribbon-cutting are planned.
Council Vice President Forsyth, reporting an ombuds item for February, said a constituent had asked about the stations and that she was able to confirm the May 10 opening; she said the city would share details about festivities closer to the date. Councilmember Nueva Camino and other committee representatives also reported a planned Eastside Eastrail section expected to open by the end of summer 2025 and discussed accessibility features such as signage and possible QR codes for alternate languages.
Mayor Angela Birney and council members provided updates from the Cascade Water Alliance, which helps supply regional water. The mayor said the alliance is working on a long-term contract with Tacoma Water; alliance and city boards approved contract language and the mayor said the City of Tacoma’s council was expected to consider approval by late March. The mayor said the contract work is intended to help ensure long-term supply and could produce ratepayer savings over a multi-decade horizon.
Members also reported Cascade property discussions in which a lease for solar storage on alliance property will generate $1,200,000 in rental revenue next year, according to the mayor’s remarks. The mayor also noted the alliance obtained a short-term permit arrangement with Ecology — a three-year permit with a subsequent 10-year permit planned — to align with the Tacoma contract timeline.
Council members and the mayor encouraged residents to check city and partner websites for event details and educational resources, including Cascade Water Alliance’s student water-efficiency pledge and public gardening classes.
