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Redmond Success Highlighted in Annual Speech

REDMOND, OR -- Redmond Mayor George Endicott discussed growth within the airport, police department, and overall livability, during his eighth annual State of the City address, Tuesday, at Juniper Golf Course.  He presented a number of positive stats, including the city’s doubling of business licenses in the past year, growth at the airport, a 21.3% increase in transient room tax revenue and a decline in violent crimes, with the hiring of several new police officers. Although, he admitted property crimes are up from last year. He also touted the work of road crews and the city’s lack of potholes. “Miles of street improved: we have 154 miles of streets. We were able to improve, that’s chip seal and so forth, 10 miles over 5 1/2 [miles] the year before. Our pavement index is 82, which, if you drive around town, we do pretty good.”

 

And, he looked ahead, discussing several infrastructure projects he says will help the city accommodate anticipated growth over the next five years, including the eastside sewer interceptor, runway reconstruction at Roberts Field, and a new transit center: “We’re seeking state funds to be able to build a transit hub. Right near Fred Meyer, there’s a piece of vacant property that looks like we’re going to be able to build that on. And, of course, we are the hub, right? We’re right in the center and we’ve been providing that service already in Redmond, but in a temporary facility near the library. We want to build a permanent facility with restrooms and be able to buy tickets at a kiosk and all that kind of stuff. So, hopefully a year from now, you’ll see that in place.” The city is working with COIC, managers of Cascades East Transit, on that project.
 
Endicott was elected Mayor in 2008 and announced at the end of his presentation that he plans to run for another two-year term in November.
 
After his speech, Mayor Endicott told KBND News Redmond plays a big part in the region’s success. “The whole state, as a whole, I think the economy has been improving. We’ve come out of the recession in pretty good shape. The areas that are really booming right now, that seem to be carrying the day, are up in the metro areas - in particular Washington County, with Intel and Nike and those guys - and then Central Oregon.” And, he anticipates more growth over the next five years. “I think we’re going to continue to see downtown and around town continue to develop. I’m really excited about it. We do everything we can at the government level to make that happen.”

 

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