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Redmond to hire Uncommon Bridges for $130,000 to study business‑district formations
Summary
City staff recommended a two‑phase consultant contract with Uncommon Bridges to explore forming business improvement district organizations in downtown, Overlake and Marymoor; Phase 1 will research governance, stakeholder engagement and preliminary budgets and is supported partly by a Port of Seattle economic development grant.
At the Feb. 3 Planning & Public Works Committee meeting, staff presented a $130,000 consultant contract award to Uncommon Bridges to study the feasibility of forming business improvement district organizations in Redmond’s downtown, Overlake and Marymoor centers.
Philly Marsh, the city’s economic development manager, said the contract has two phases. Phase 1 will conduct research, internal staff education, stakeholder engagement and preliminary mission and budget analysis. If phase 1 recommends proceeding, phase 2 would develop formation materials for a business improvement district. Marsh said the consultant has experience across the Seattle region and nationally, and that part of the work is supported by a Port of Seattle economic development grant.
Council members asked about timing and benchmarks. Marsh said the contract extends through March 2027 for phase 2 if needed, and staff will reevaluate the schedule after phase 1 findings. Council member Kritzer requested the study clarify how proposed district services would complement existing organizations such as OneRedmond; staff said the consultant will coordinate with OneRedmond and include internal education about the roles and differences between a city‑supported business district and private or chamber organizations.
Staff indicated the item will move to the Feb. 17 consent agenda if the committee concurs.
