Councilmember

As a resident of the City of Redmond, you know our City is a thriving, culturally diverse community and home to over 80,000 residents. Redmond has three urban centers and is the hub of an array of commerce and industry ranging from technology, aerospace, and gaming to biomedical and innovation start-ups.

Councilmembers are responsible for actively participating in the governance and strategic direction of the City through regular Council meetings, committee involvement, and community engagement.

The role requires reviewing and analyzing a wide range of complex materials to make informed decisions that impact residents and City operations. Councilmembers serve as the legislative branch of the City of Redmond’s government, providing direction to the Mayor on policy goals and objectives for long-term vision based on community values and needs. Council is responsible for adopting the City’s budget, setting fees, accepting grants, and overseeing financial and performance measures; adopting codes, zoning, and standards in city law and regulations; approving contracts, real estate transactions, claim settlements, and interlocal agreements; approving pay ranges and union contracts; advising the Mayor to support staff implementation of policies; and representing the majority position of the Council to the public.

For additional information regarding City Council, please see the Council Rules of Procedure.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application Period – November 19, 2025, to January 2, 2026, at 12:00 pm: The City is accepting applications, which must include a resume and cover letter.

Initial Interview* – January 13, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.: Selected candidates will interview in person by the City Council.

Final Interview* – January 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.: Top candidates will interview in person by the City Council.

• Any absence from in-person interviews will result in immediate disqualification.
  
  

Swear In – January 20 – January 31, 2026: The new Councilmember must be sworn in between January 20 – January 31, 2026.

• Attend regular City Council meetings every Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., excluding the fifth Tuesdays of the month.
• Serve on and actively participate in regional committees as assigned.
• Represent the City at public events, community celebrations, and other civic activities.
• Participate in scheduled “Council Conversations” and related engagement sessions.
• Complete required public records and Open Public Meetings Act training in accordance with state regulations.
• Prepare and submit annual financial disclosure statements as required by state financial reporting laws.
• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the City’s budget and budget process, Community Strategic Plan, Redmond 2050, and policies adopted by prior councils.
• Review and analyze a wide range of materials on diverse topics impacting the City.
• Evaluate information presented by staff and other sources to make informed, strategic decisions that benefit the community.
• Maintain an understanding of the position’s compensation structure and available benefits.
  
  

Applicants must be a Redmond, Washington resident for a minimum of the last 365 days (as of date of application), must have qualified voter status, and be at least 18 years of age. All these requirements will be verified by City of Redmond staff.

Note: All applications must include a resume and cover letter. Deadline to submit your application is January 2nd, 2026, by 12:00 pm. Late applications will not be accepted.

Our Councilmembers Enjoy An Exceptional Benefits Package That Includes

• MEDICAL INSURANCE - Choice of two plans for Councilmembers and their eligible dependents: Premera or Kaiser Permanente. All Councilmember healthcare premiums paid for by the City of Redmond and partial City contributions for dependent coverage.
• PRESCRIPTION DRUG INSURANCE - Included with each medical plan
• DENTAL INSURANCE - Councilmembers and their eligible dependents
• VISION INSURANCE - Councilmembers and their eligible dependents
• OTHER INSURANCE – Survivor Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
• FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - For tax savings on healthcare and dependent care expenses
• EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)
• RETIREMENT PLANS – Choice of three retirement options: Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (Social Security replacement plan) and MetLife 457 Plan, if none are chosen Councilmembers participate in Social Security.
  
  

To learn about benefits at the City of Redmond, please click here: Council Benefits