City Council Business Meeting | July 21, 2026

The City Council of Redmond held a regular business meeting on July 21, 2026, with significant focus on procurement and capital improvement projects related to regional water supply. Cascade Water Alliance presented a detailed overview of their Cascade Supply program, a long-term $1.1 to $1.3 billion infrastructure project to connect Tacoma's water supply to King County, enhancing regional water resilience. The presentation included financial strategies, rate impacts, and funding plans involving bond issuance and potential external funding sources like WIFIA. The council discussed rate increases, capital facility charges, and the project's phased timeline, with emphasis on balancing growth and environmental considerations. Additionally, the council approved ordinances related to budget amendments and police telecommunicator salaries, and adopted regulations concerning commercial drone land uses, including a moratorium on drone port construction. The meeting also covered updates on the tree code amendment project aimed at balancing tree protection with mandated urban growth, with plans for further community engagement and adoption in 2027. Other procurement-related discussions included the termination of the automated license plate reader contract with Flock, reflecting community concerns and financial considerations. The council received reports on economic development strategies for the Southeast Redmond Manufacturing and Industrial Center and discussed public safety, housing, and environmental initiatives. Several motions were passed, including budget adjustments and regulatory ordinances, reflecting ongoing efforts to manage infrastructure, growth, and technology integration in the city.