The Redmond Reporter profiles of City Council candidates Kim Allen and John Stilin published in your Oct. 18 issue point up an area deserving of continued emphasis in our community.

Citing his involvement in the selection process of the new chief communications officer, Stilin noted that “the city still has a long way to go when it comes to community engagement.”

Council member Allen, with extensive experience in community development processes, also stated that “there needs to be better communications among the city, residents, developers and council” about upcoming projects. She highlighted redevelopment of the former Group Health hospital site in Overlake as an example from which much could be learned about process improvements that engage various community stakeholders.

As one of the stakeholders contesting the Group Health redevelopment in 2011, Sustainable Redmond proposed several amendments to city regulations in April, 2012. A proposal that continues to receive attention in City Hall deals with public notice signage, and, by extension, better community meeting processes with more accessible information about land use development actions on the Redmond.gov website.

We also suggested that development project updates and overall city outreach channels be more closely coordinated. A recent Redmond Planning Commission study session on Oct. 9 (video available On Demand) was devoted to public notice requirements, how innovation might enhance information flow, and how a variety of strategies might be applied to improve communications processes. This is a heartening development and we thank the Planning Commission and city staff for their efforts in defining areas for additional attention. We also look forward to seeing the results of this initiative take shape soon.

Katherine Low and Robert Berg, co-chairs, Citizens and Neighbors for a Sustainable Redmond