Redmond in Review

A Redmond Shelter Expansion

In February, Shepherd’s House Ministries announced its Redmond location would open its doors as a permanent, low-barrier, year-round shelter. The shelter first began operating in November 2023 as an overnight shelter but expanded due to an increased need.

In November 2024, the shelter celebrated its one-year anniversary. Since opening, the shelter has had 14,500 overnight stays. “The need exists, and we let people stay here for as long as they want to,” Director John Lodise told the Source Weekly in November.

Redmond Recognizes Pride

In June, the City of Redmond made its first ever Pride Month Proclamation. While some community members were against the decision, many expressed their gratitude to the council. “We’re recognizing that they’re an important part of our community, as we would many others, so it’s a job well done,” Mayor Ed Fitch told the Source in June.

Safe Parking Efforts

In October, the Source Weekly wrote about Redmond’s creation and expansion of programs aimed at transitioning people out of homelessness. A Redmond nonprofit, Mountain View Community Development, significantly increased shelter operations in 2024, with nearly 40 safe parking spots today. In October, the same nonprofit announced plans to develop a 60-unit supportive housing project prioritizing those with disabilities or those part of an aging demographic.

Airport Expansion

In August, Redmond Airport Director Zachary Bass presented an update on the Redmond airport expansion, stating that the project was about 40% through its design phase and offering a series of renderings of the planned expansion. Most of the additions, meant to better serve the growing population, will occur on the second floor of the airport, connecting to a brand-new, nearly 60,000-square-foot concourse.

Election Results

In November, voters landed in favor of a measure allowing retail marijuana sales within city limits. Measure 9-177 was a non-binding recommendation to the Council, meant to gauge voters’ interest in amending City code. The measure will give the Redmond City Council the ability to allow for and regulate marijuana dispensaries and other types of marijuana businesses within the City. Voters also approved a $97.7 million bond to fund critical repairs in Redmond schools. The bond will help with renovations, repairs, upgrades and expansions in the district.

A New Library

In December, Redmond closed its temporary library in preparation for the opening of its nearly complete Redmond Library, opening in January. The 40,000 – square – foot library will offer a variety of new amenities, including more public meeting rooms, creative spaces and co-working areas.

This article appears in The Source Weekly January 2, 2025.