Volume 28 | July 13, 2021
Redmond Looks Back Over A Challenging Year And Forward to the Opportunities Ahead
Mayor Birney reviewed highlights of the past year in a virtual 2021 State of the City Summit address June 29. View the video from the event here.

Key accomplishments of the last year included:

  • 93% of Redmond residents have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Sustainability is being supported in Redmond with the arrival of light rail at Overlake in 2023 and in downtown Redmond and at Marymoor Village/SE Redmond in 2024.
  • The city in partnership with Experience Redmond and OneRedmond successfully supported the hospitality industry with promotions including Geek Out Gold.
City of Redmond Facilities Including City Hall Now Open to the Public

As of July 1, most City of Redmond facilities are now open to the public. Initially, facilities will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, including City Hall and the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village. City Council meetings will resume in person on July 6 as well as continue online, while boards and commission meetings will continue virtually for the time-being.
OneRedmond 2020 Recap
OneRedmond's 2020 Annual Report is now available online here.

Highlights include:

  • Over 5,000 businesses reached through the COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts, Business Walk Programs and PPE distribution.
  • Over 3,700 businesses walked through available financial resources.
  • Over $1.8 M in grant funds distributed to businesses, with over half being women-owned businesses, 35% minority-owned and 2% owned by a veteran.
Congresswoman DelBene Meets With Eastside Restaurant Owners
On Tuesday July 6, Congresswomen Suzan DelBene met with members of the Eastside restaurant community at Redmond's Pomegranate Bistro. The roundtable was hosted by OneRedmond and OneEastside SPARK, in partnership with the office of the Congresswoman. Restaurants owners from Bothell, Duvall, Redmond and Woodinville participated and shared their experience with Federal COVID relief support and their current challenges including staffing shortages.
Amazon Continues its Growth in Redmond
Amazon commits to locating 800 additional AWS jobs in Redmond
Amazon announced that in addition to 600 jobs in the Amazon Web Services (AWS) division facility being built at Redmond Town Center, the company will locate an additional 800 AWS jobs there. More about the announcement here.

Amazon will also be adding new lab space in Redmond for research and development to support Project Kuiper, an initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Kristina Hudson, CEO of OneRedmond says, “Redmond is home to innovative companies that have changed the world, and Amazon is a perfect addition to our community. Not only will our city gain a hub for our big data sector with AWS, but Project Kuiper's expansion further strengthens our space sector. These two investments into Redmond will have significant and positive impact to both our economy and our community.”
City Hires First Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager 
The City of Redmond has named Cecilia Martínez-Vásquez as its first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Manager. Martínez-Vásquez will be leading the new DEI program that will provide citywide leadership to advance Redmond’s diversity, equity, and inclusion goals of reflecting the community, engaging in purposeful and accessible community outreach, and providing equitable service delivery and policy-driven outcomes.

“We envision a community where all residents can fully and effectively access city services, influence city policy and direction, and feel a sense of belonging,” says Mayor Angela Birney. “Cecilia brings the experience, education, and vision to lead Redmond towards our vision of being a welcoming and inclusive community for all.” 
Eastside Juneteenth Celebration Hosted in Redmond Downtown Park
On June 19 the inaugural Juneteenth event for the Eastside was hosted at the Redmond Downtown Park commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and providing participants an opportunity to learn, listen and celebrate. The event, organized by Embrace Eastside and Eastside for All with co-sponsorship from the Eastside Race and Leadership Coalition, City of Redmond, and City of Kirkland was focused on providing the community an opportunity to participate and learn to further understand and support. This is the first year June 19 became the nation's newest Federally observed holiday.
This Month in Redmond

OneEastside SPARK Webinars:
How to Successfully Prepare For Future Funding: Managing Your Cash Flow
Thursday, July 15, 2021, 2:30 - 3:30PM, Cost - Free, Register here.

Small Business Flex Fund
Thursday, July 22, 2021, 3:00 - 4:00PM, Cost - Free, Register here.

Transportation Update: Rebuilding Confidence In the Commute
Thursday, July 29, 2021, 10:00 - 11:00AM, Cost - Free, Register here.

SAVE THE DATE
OneRedmond Spotlight, Sip and Socialize
Thursday, August 26, 2021, 5:30PM, Hilton Garden Inn Redmond Town Center
Arts Without Barriers July 15, 22 & 29, 5:00 - 7:00PM
Enjoy free live music performances at Redmond Town Center
Learn more here.
Redmond Saturday Market Saturdays 9:00AM - 2:00PM
9900 Willows Rd. NE, Redmond, WA. Redmond Saturday Market returns for its 46th season. Support local vendors.
OneRedmond is the City of Redmond, Washington's Economic Development Enterprise, Chamber of Commerce, and Public Foundation all in one. OneRedmond also houses the SBDC, SCORE & the Washington Interactive Network (WIN).
OneRedmond
8383 158th Ave. NE, Suite 225
Redmond, WA 98052
Phone: 425.885.4014
www.oneredmond.org