Redmond to renew interlocal agreement with King County for for-hire licensing; county retains enforcement

A proposed amendment to the Redmond Municipal Code and a renewal of an interlocal agreement (ILA) with King County that continues county licensing and enforcement of for-hire services — taxi, rideshare and similar providers — will be placed on the Jan. 21 consent agenda, Chief Lowe said at the Committee for the Whole meeting on Jan. 7.

Chief Lowe told the council the ILA permits King County to handle licensing, complaint follow-up and enforcement for for-hire operators that serve Redmond. "Pretty straightforward," Chief Lowe said, describing the arrangement. He added that because licensing and enforcement are handled at the county level, Redmond’s role is limited to entering an ILA so providers may operate within city limits.

Council member Fields asked whether operators had expressed disputes or concerns about Redmond’s restrictions or accountabilities; Chief Lowe said the county handles licensing and operational enforcement and that the city’s involvement is limited to the ILA requirement. Council member Anderson asked whether the agreement could be amended in the future to add reporting — for example to track carbon footprint — and Chief Lowe said staff would follow up with the county.

Chief Lowe asked whether any council members objected to placing the item on the Jan. 21 consent agenda; the presiding officer said there were no objections and the item will appear on consent on Jan. 21.

The proposed package includes a Redmond Municipal Code amendment and an updated ILA with King County to continue county-managed licensing and enforcement for for-hire operators; staff said they will follow up with the county on reporting questions.