Redmond to hire Strategica Inc. for business‑license compliance review; $150,000 consultant contract proposed

Staff asked council to approve a consultant contract with Strategica Inc. for $150,000 to conduct a business license process policy and compliance evaluation. Phyllis Marsh, economic development staff, said the scope includes a review of Redmond's business license baseline, a peer‑city comparative analysis, a compliance audit and recommendations to improve compliance, reporting and monitoring.

Marsh said the work responds to questions that arose during the city's economic development strategic plan where staff observed potential gaps in business‑license coverage. The first phase is primarily quantitative, focused on data analysis and secondary sources to identify a delta between Redmond's license records and other sources; potential revenue leakage estimates will follow from that analysis.

Council members asked whether fee levels, short‑term rental licensing and broader stakeholder engagement would be included. Marsh replied that fee setting and broad engagement are expected in a second phase led by finance after the compliance and data analysis are complete. She also told council the study would help staff connect more effectively with businesses so they can access business assistance resources.

Staff requested placing the item on the Nov. 18 consent agenda; council raised no objection.