Vijay Beniwal is a business leader, longtime resident, and engaged community member who brings a thoughtful, pragmatic approach to Redmond’s most pressing challenges.
With more than two decades at Microsoft, ownership of five small businesses, and deep involvement in over a dozen nonprofits, Vijay has built a career rooted in innovation, service, and results. He understands the mechanics of job creation, the demands on local infrastructure, and the importance of long-term planning. His founding of the Seattle Thunderbolts minor league franchise and his support for diverse community causes reflect a commitment to Redmond’s quality of life and future potential.
Vijay recognizes that Redmond is at a turning point. With 20,000 new residents expected over the next decade, he is focused on smart, equitable growth. He supports high-density housing near transit, creative land-use strategies, and walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that preserve green space while improving access and affordability. He sees housing as a tool for stability and economic mobility and wants residents, especially younger and historically underrepresented voices, to have a seat at the table in shaping that future.
On transportation, Vijay favors solutions that reduce congestion and dependence on roads by investing in public transit, clean energy infrastructure, and neighborhood connectivity. He believes in building the transit lifestyle of tomorrow, not replicating the mistakes of the past.
His vision for public safety is grounded in realism and compassion. He supports broadening response teams to include mental health professionals and addiction specialists, reducing the burden on police while improving outcomes. He backs crisis response clinics and community-level engagement to address root causes, not just symptoms.
On homelessness and addiction, Vijay emphasizes wraparound services and a focus on stability, while also recognizing the need for accountability in how public resources and space are used. He is clear-eyed about the complexity of the issue and committed to evidence-based approaches.
Vijay is also a fiscal realist. He supports the current property tax cap and believes local government must earn the public’s trust through budget discipline, transparency, and a willingness to prioritize core services. His approach to governance is collaborative, non-partisan, and centered on community dialogue. He is not interested in ideological fights. He is focused on practical outcomes.
Vijay Beniwal offers Redmond the perspective of a seasoned business professional and the heart of a public servant. His leadership would bring steady hands and a forward-looking voice to the City Council.
