[The Redmond City Council held a regular business meeting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, commencing at 7:01 PM. The meeting included a proclamation for Black History Month, a presentation from Cascadia College, public testimony on multiple topics, adoption of the consent agenda (including the Final Transportation Master Plan and affordable housing resolutions), and reports from council members.]
Good evening. I'm calling this meeting to order. This is a regular business meeting of the Redmond City Council held on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, commencing at 7.01 p.m. I will be chairing this meeting as Mayor Pro Tem. I will start by calling role with Council Vice President Nueva Kamina. Councilmember Forsyth here. Councilmember Prakria. Here. Councilmember Sony. Excuse me, Councilmember Parsi. Here. Councilmember Kritzer. Here. All council members are in attendance. Thank you so much, everyone. The first item on the agenda is a proclamation for Black History Month. Council Council Vice President Nueva Kamina will read the proclamation. Take it away. Oops, Angie, we don't have your mic. Hi. Is there a button near you? I am so sorry. That is my fault. No worries. Sounded like we were alive. Wonderful. Thank you, Chris. Whereas February is nationally recognized as Black History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the history, culture, and enduring legacy of African Americans whose courage, innovation, and leadership have profoundly influenced the development of the United States. And whereas the study and public recognition of Black history were advanced by historian Carter G. Woodson, who in 1926 launched Negro History Week that ensure that the stories, scholarship, and lived experiences of Black Americans were acknowledged, preserved, and taught as an essential part of our shared national narrative. And whereas 50 years later, in 1976, Black History Month was formally recognized at national level when President Gerald R. Ford called upon Americans to give due attention to the many achievements of Black Americans that had too often been overlooked or excluded from historical record. And whereas in 2026, Black History Month theme, a century of black history commemorations reflects on 100 years of organized efforts to uplift Black history, recognize excellence, and expand public understanding of the Black experience through education, culture, advocacy, and community celebration. And whereas African Americans have made lasting contributions in every sector of society, including education, labor, science, technology, the arts, public service, business, medicine, and civic leadership, and their ongoing pursuit of equity and justice continues to strengthen communities such as Redmond. Now, therefore, I, Angela Nueva Kamina, on behalf of Angela Burney, Mayor of the City of Redmond, Washington, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month, and call upon the residents of Redmond to observe this month by learning, reflecting, and engaging in activities that honor Black history, celebrate Black voices, and reaffirm our community's commitment to inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity for all. Now, just a few words. In Redmond and across the East Side, Black-led efforts like Community of African American Families East Side, otherwise known as CAFE, Africans on the East Side, and other community and cultural networks are doing the essential work of connection, advocacy, and belonging, often quietly and always with care. According to the most recent census, just over 2% of Redmond's population identifies as black. But that number needs context. Taken together, it's reasonable to say that the black community in Redmond is larger than the reported 2%, or roughly 1700 residents. To the 1700 plus residents in my community, I want to take a moment to speak directly to you here in Redmond. You are a part of the fabric of this city. Our schools, our neighborhoods, our businesses, our civic life. Your contributions, leadership, creativity, and resilience matter. And they make Redmond stronger. Now, at the same time, I also want to acknowledge a truth that we hold together. Belonging doesn't happen automatically. It is built through trust, through listening, and through sustained action. And that's why I'm especially grateful for community-led efforts like CAFE within the Lake Washington School District. CAFE creates space for black families to connect, to be seen, and to advocate for equity and excellence in education.