In January, the City began an effort to rewrite its zoning code (Redmond Community Development Guide). The rewrite will occur in two phases. The purpose of the first phase, running through the end of June, is to seek input from the community and City officials to define the scope of the rewrite and to adopt principles that will guide the rewrite effort. The second phase consists of the rewrite itself and is scheduled to begin in July 2009 with adoption by Council in spring 2011. For more information on the project, visit www.redmond.gov/rcdgrewrite.

With the assistance of a consulting team, Strategic Learning Resources, the City of Redmond Human Services Division has developed a Human Services Strategic Plan.  On April 7, 2009, the City Council adopted the plan, which will guide the work of the Human Services Division for the next several years.  The plan includes five strategic directions or broad, overarching goals that describe what the City of Redmond would like to achieve, change or create with respect to human services.  They are:

1. Support and strengthen families so they can thrive while living and working in Redmond. 
2. Engage families and other stakeholders in family-centered community building. 
3. Increase the impact of City resources through improved internal collaboration.
4. Develop a funding model for Redmond Human Services that supports long-term investment and emphasizes leverage. 
5. Advocate and provide leadership for improved efficiencies and effectiveness of the human services system both sub-regionally (across the Eastside) and regionally (county-wide). 

One specific recommendation (part of Strategic Direction #2 above) encourages the City to establish a Human Services Commission to serve as an advisory body to the Mayor and City Council on issues related to human services.  To that end, the Redmond City Council approved an ordinance to establish such a commission on Tuesday, June 2.

Residents interested in serving on this commission are encouraged to complete a Community Service Application form and turn it into the Mayor’s office by 5pm Friday, July 31st.  If you have questions about serving on the commission, please call the Human Services Manager, Colleen Kelly at 425-556-2423 for information.

You may follow this link to view or download the complete strategic plan document:
City of Redmond Human Services Strategic Plan.