The Redmond City Council held a regular business meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM at City Hall. The meeting included three proclamations (Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; National Police Week; Older Americans Month), public comments from ten in-person speakers and one remote speaker, unanimous approval of the consent agenda (seven items), ombudsperson and committee reports, and two executive sessions. The council authorized the mayor to execute a purchase and sale agreement for real property for a new maintenance and operations center.
I'm calling this meeting to order. This is a regular business meeting of the Redmond City Council held on Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, commencing at 7 o'clock PM. I will call roll, starting with Council President Stewart. Here. Council Vice President Nueva Kamina. Here. Councilmember Forsyth. Councilmember Kritzer. Here. Councilmember Parsi. Here. Councilmember Pakrea. Here. Councilmember Sony. The first item on the agenda is a proclamation for the Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Whereas the City of Redmond is proud to recognize May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander, or AANHPI Heritage Month, celebrating the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of people of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander descent. And whereas AANHPI communities represent a vibrant and diverse array of cultures, languages, and traditions that have shaped the social, economic and cultural fabric of Redmond and the United States. And whereas the observance of AA and HPI Heritage Month originated from the efforts of efforts to commemorate the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to the United States in May 1843 and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in May 1869, which was built in large part by Chinese immigrant laborers. And whereas AA and HPI individuals have made and continue to make significant contributions in infrastructure and labor, technology and innovation, economic impact, academic scientific leadership, legal and social justice, arts and labor movements, and whereas the 2026 national theme for AA and HPI Heritage Month is power in unity, strengthening communities together. This theme emphasizes leveraging collective strength, storytelling, and building bridges across diverse populations to foster resilience and connection. And whereas this month provides an opportunity for all residents to learn about, reflect upon, and celebrate the cultural heritage, resilience, and ongoing contributions of AA and HPI communities. Now, therefore, I Angela Burney, mayor of the City of Redmond, Washington to hereby proclaim May 2026 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in Redmond, and encourage all residents to participate in activities and celebrations that honor the history, culture, and contributions of AA and HPI communities. And with that, I'm really excited this year to have two of our council members accept this proclamation for the city. We have Council Member Sony and Council Member Prakria both to accept this, and both after we take a picture, we'll uh say a few words. So let's get a picture. And celebrate the cultural heritage resilience and thank you, Mayor and fellow council members. Uh, for the proclamation recognizing Asian American Ditian Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It is truly an honor to receive this, not just as an Asian American, but also as the first naturalized citizen to serve on the Redmond City Council. AENHBI communities represent our incredible diversity. Over 24 million people in the United States speaking hundreds of languages with stories that span generations, cultures, and journeys. Yet behind these numbers are individuals who have contributed quality and power, who have uh contributed quietly and powerfully to building our nation and our city. Redmond is a reflection of that story with over 45% of foreign born population. Our community is enriched by immigrants, first generation families and those who have chosen this city as home, bringing innovation, culture, entrepreneurship, and resilience. From small businesses to technology, from arts to education, AA and HPI communities are deeply woven into the fabric of Redmond. But this month is not just about celebration, it is about recognition and responsibility. Recognition of the contributions that are often unseen and a responsibility to building a community where everyone feels where they belong. As someone who chose this country as my home, I deeply value what it means to be included, to have a voice and to serve. Let this month be a reminder that our diversity is not just something we celebrate, it is our strength. Thank you so much. This is a time to recognize the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities that have helped shape both our city and the world. With more than 40% of our city comprising of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities. And as an Indian American myself, I'm part of this community. They fell in love with the greenery. They fell in love with the biking trails. And I love this community so much that I decided to run for a spot on my local city council. I also just want to take a moment to recognize that diversity that exists within all of the AA and HPI communities. And when we lift up everyone, our community grows as a whole. So thank you. And once again, it's an honor to give and accept this proclamation. Thank you both so much.