If you take a look at the big picture, there is a lot going right in Redmond. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the recognition we have received for outstanding achievements in our vibrant and growing community. These accolades do much to enhance Redmond’s ability to attract and maintain innovative businesses and the talent that fuels them.

NerdWallet, the San Francisco-based company that evaluates financial information, rates Redmond the best city in Washington to start a small business, and the second best city in the country to do so, calling Redmond a “thriving, active, and well-educated city.” Both NerdWallet and Forbes recognize Redmond as an attractive place for young job seekers. But, Redmond isn’t just for the young. NerdWallet and Bloomberg call Redmond one of the top places in Washington to raise kids, noting the beautiful parks and trails and excellent schools.

The Governor’s Smart Communities Program recognizes outstanding efforts of local communities and their partners in achieving the goals of the Growth Management Act. Redmond has received five Smart Communities Awards in the last three years.

Even the Planning Association of Washington recognized Redmond for our implementation of the Downtown Redmond 2020 plan. They honor outstanding contributions to the field of planning and bring public attention and deserved recognition to public and private sector planning efforts.

I am proud to live and work in Redmond. I am proud to have my daughter attend Redmond schools. I am proud of our community. And, I am proud to support John Marchione in his efforts to continue making Redmond, a city that now garners national attention and recognition, a place to call home.

Linda Gresky

Redmond