Moving Redmond forward means creating a dynamic, vibrant community. Redmond is no longer a bedroom community. It will continue to grow. We must shape the growth around us instead of allowing the growth to shape us. A proactive vision of the city and services we want will help ensure we enhance our quality of life.

We need to create a downtown with an identity. I envision a downtown people will go to, not just go through. Redmond has the opportunity to create two different destinations, Downtown and Overlake, by creating pedestrian-friendly centers with shopping on the ground floor and office and housing above. This means more housing in the downtown and Overlake area and mass transit to support the increased density. Imagine asking your friend to meet you in downtown Redmond. You can park in a centralized garage or lot, then walk down Cleveland Street where the cars flow in both directions. Maybe you will meet at a favorite bakery or coffee shop. Perhaps there is an open-air concert going on. Downtown becomes a place you and your friend want to be. You can quickly and easily take a bus or light rail between downtown and Overlake to shop, work, play or return home.

Why make downtown more dense at all? The State Growth Management Act requires Redmond to accept a certain amount of growth. Instead of spreading it evenly throughout our city, I would focus growth in the downtown and Overlake areas. This strategy preserves our single family neighborhoods, and offers affordable housing options and urban-style living opportunities in a way that effectively manages the growth we are required to accept.

Moving Redmond forward means exploring ways to become more dynamic and vibrant. It means making Redmond a place where we choose to live, shop, recreate and work. In the end, I want Redmond to be a place where my children choose to live.