Conversations with Council
A Meaningful Way to Engage with Your City
Kirkland offers many ways for residents to take part in their city—depending on how much time, interest, or leadership they want to bring. From attending meetings and serving on boards and commissions to participating in community events and sharing feedback, civic engagement looks different for everyone.
Kirkland is committed to being a welcoming, connected community where every resident has the opportunity to be informed, to be heard, and to help shape our shared future. Civic engagement isn’t just encouraged—it’s how we build a city that reflects the values and voices of the people who live in it.
Conversations with Council is one more way the City is expanding access to City Council and creating real, approachable opportunities for residents to connect, share perspectives, and be part of the civic life of Kirkland.
Upcoming Events
The City hosts three Conversations with Council gatherings per quarter (one per month) in locations around Kirkland. Events are announced quarterly via press release and shared across the City's communications channels (newsletters, podcast, social media channels, flyers etc.) This webpage will also be updated accordingly.
NEW! Q2 2026 event line-up:
Completed Q1 2026 events:
- Monday, January 26 | 9:00–11:00 a.m. at Peter Kirk Community Center
- Saturday, February 21 | 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at Kingsgate Library
- Thursday, March 19 | 4:00–6:00 p.m. at North Kirkland Community Center
Conversations with Council is a City of Kirkland pilot program, which is designed to create more informal, accessible opportunities for community members to connect directly with City Councilmembers outside of formal meetings. Since its launch in January 2026, nearly 50 community members have participated in the program. These casual, drop-in gatherings invite community members to B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Topic)™—whether sharing ideas, asking questions, or simply getting to know their elected officials through small group or one-on-one conversations. There is no agenda, presentation, or prepared remarks, just conversation. Community members are invited to join at any point during the scheduled event window.
Strong communities are built through connection. Conversations with Council is intended to:
- Expand access to City Council beyond traditional meetings
- Meet community members where they are
- Create space for listening, relationship-building, and shared understanding
- Reach residents who may not typically participate in formal civic processes
Topics to date have ranged from transportation to immigration and neighborhood livability. Feedback from participants will help shape and evolve the program over time.
Locations
Events are hosted at rotating locations across Kirkland to ensure geographic diversity and accessibility. Locations may include:
- Community centers
- Libraries
- Parks
- City facilities
- Local commercial and community spaces
What to Expect
- A casual, welcoming environment
- Opportunities to speak directly with Councilmembers - there will be at least 2 Councilmembers at each session, on a rotating basis
- No speeches or formal presentations
- Light refreshments are provided
- No registration required
Other Ways to Engage
Conversations with Council is one of many ways to get involved in Kirkland’s civic life. Residents can choose how—and how deeply—they want to engage.
Some other opportunities to engage with Council and the City include:
- Attending City Council meetings or watching meetings online
- Serving on a City board or commission
- Participating in City-hosted events and workshops
- Providing feedback through surveys, open houses, OurKirkland, Council email and public comment
- Signing up for City newsletters and alerts
Connect with Council