DEIB-Related City Legislation and Policies

• R-5686 (2025) Declaring Kirkland as a Welcoming, Inclusive, and Safe City for Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual , Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual Plus (2SLGBTQIA+) People and Recognizing Their Human Rights and Well-Being
• APM 1-03 (2024) Flag Policy: The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance on the display of the United States, State of Washington flags, and other flags (such as the Pride flag) at City of Kirkland (“City”) facilities.
• APM 2-05 (2024) City Sponsorship of Events Organized by External Organizations: The purpose of this policy and procedure is to provide criteria and a process by which the City may choose to sponsor events organized by external organizations that further the City’s mission.
• APM 2-06 (2024) Scheduling of City Community Events: The purpose of this policy and procedure is to articulate a standardized process for staff to follow when scheduling City-hosted events intended for attendance by members of the public.
• R-5612 (2023) Changing Planning Document Nomenclature to Intentionally and Consistently Practice Actions that Demonstrate Values of Being Inclusive and Welcoming
• R-5550 (2022) Affirming Its Support of Comprehensive Reproductive Healthcare, Including Abortion; and Its Support of Marriage Equality; and Its Support of Protections Through Washington State and Federal Legislative Action.
• R-5548 (2022) Adopting the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Roadmap.
• R-5491 (2021) Establishing an Equity Contracting Policy Directive to Increase Opportunities Between the City and Women and Minority Business Enterprises (OWMBE).
• R-5434 (2020) Affirming that Black Lives Matter and Approving the Framework for Kirkland to Become a Safe, Inclusive, and Welcoming Community Through Actions to Improve the Safety and Respect of Black People in Kirkland and End Structural Racism by Partnering with Those Most Affected
• R-5432 (2020) Ratifying City Manager Extended Emergency Directive Related to Moratorium on Small Business Tenant Evictions and the COVID-19 Virus.
• R-5265 (2017) Declaring Community Building as a Public Purpose and Authorizing Creation and Administration of a Community Building Program Enhancing Kirkland as a Safe, Inclusive, and Welcoming City.
• O-4558 (2017) Relating to Sustaining a Safe, Inclusive, and Welcoming City and Adding a New Chapter 3.18 to the Kirkland Municipal Code
• R-5240 (2017) Declaring Kirkland as a Safe, Inclusive, and Welcoming City for All People.
• APM 3-04 (2003) Grant Funding: Grant funding can significantly leverage City resources to provide services, equipment and projects that would otherwise be unaffordable. The purpose of grants policy is to provide guidance to staff when seeking and accepting grant funding. The policy is intended to ensure compliance with grant requirements and to reduce the risk of non-compliance. The policy also seeks to clarify roles and responsibilities.
• O-3800 (2001) Relating to Personnel, Amending Section 3.80.020 of Kirkland Municipal Code, which includes sexual orientation in the Affirmative Action Policy.

• R-5631 (2024) Declaring the City’s Commitment to Addressing Homelessness through an Person-Centered Approach and Authorizing the City Manager to Develop a Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan for New Policies, Programs, and Services that Prevent and Respond to the Unsheltered Homelessness in Kirkland
• APM 5-01 through 5-13 (2024) Chapter 5 of the Administrative Policy Manual describes “Homelessness Assistance and Response,” including:

1. Encampment Clean Up
2. Homeless Outreach Coverage & Responding to Reports of Unhoused Individuals
3. Homeless Outreach Flexible Fund
4. Coordinating Property Safekeeping
5. Coordinating with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
6. Coordinating with King County Metro and/or King County Sheriff’s Office for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
7. Boat Residency on City Property
8. Severe Weather Hotel Voucher Program
9. Homeless Mail Service
10. Homeless Outreach Transportation
11. Homeless Services Hotel Set Aside Program
12. Mobile Residency on City Property
13. Homelessness Standard Operating Procedure Creation Process

• R-5295 (2018) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Real Property Purchase and Sale Agreement for Acquisition of a Portion of the Salt House Church Property to Provide a Site for the Construction of a Shelter for Homeless Women and Families
• R-5235 (2017) Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Holy Spirit Lutheran Church and Salt House to Work Together with Other Non-Profit Entities to Secure a Site for Permanent Shelter for Homeless Women and Families in Kirkland
• O-4617 (2017) Relating to the Waiver of Utility Connection Fees for Low-Income Housing and Shelters for People Experiencing Homelessness in Kirkland
• Endorsing the Goals of “A Roof Over Every Bed in King County: Our Community’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness” and Stating the Intent of the City of Kirkland to Work with Other Organizations and Governmental Entities in the Implementation of this Plan.
  • R-4552 (2006)
  • R-4532 (2005)
• O-4005 (2005) Relating to the First Renewal of Interim Regulations for Homeless Encampments as Established by Ordinance 3989.
• O-3989 (2005) Relating to the Temporary Use Permits and the Frequency and Duration of Homeless Encampments under Kirkland Zoning Code Section 127.30

• O-4907 (2025) Relating to Subdivisions Title 22 of Kirkland Municipal Code (KMC), Amending Chapters 22.08, 22.12, 22.16, 22.29, 22.28, and New Chapter 22.22 Specifically to Enable Unit Lot Subdivisions, and Approving a Summary Ordinance for Publication File No. CAM25-00299
• O-4905 (2025) Relating to Zoning and Land Use and Amending the City of Kirkland Zoning Code, Ordinance O-3719 as Amended, Including Chapters 5, 15, 20, 25, 95, 105, 110, 112, 113, 115, 162, and 180; File No. CAM2400561
• R-5671 (2025) Approving the 2025-2026 Administrative Budget and Work Program for a Regional Coalition for Housing
• Authorizing the Duly-Appointed Administering Agency for a Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) to Executive All Documents Necessary to Enter into an Agreement for the Funding of Affordable Housing Projects, as Recommended by the ARCH Executive Board, Utilizing Funds from the City’s Housing Trust Fund
  • R-5672 (2025)
  • R-5620 (2024)
  • R-5574 (2023)
  • R-5463 (2021)
  • R-5410 (2020)
  • R-5302 (2018)
  • R-5243 (2017)
  • R-5181 (2016)
  • R-5104 (2015)
  • R-5060 (2014)
  • R-5039 (2014)
  • R-4958 (2013)
  • R-4906 (2012)
  • R-4819 (2010)
• O-4810 (2022) Creating a New Chapter 7.75 of the Kirkland Municipal Code to Adopt Tenant Protections, Increasing Notice for Rent Increases, Capping Move-In Fees and Deposits, and Authorizing Tenant Payment Plans; Providing for Severability; Establishing an Effective Date, and Approving a Summary Ordinance for Publication
• R-5509 (2022) Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement Related to Property Located at 11825 100th Avenue NE in Kirkland and Previously Known as the Village Plaza to the Housing Authority of King County for Affordable Housing Public Purposes and Repaying an Interfund Loan from the Water Sewer Capital Fund in Connection Therewith
• R-5493 (2021) Adopt Interim Affordable Housing Targets
• R-5485 (2021) Related to an Interlocal Agreement with the City of Seattle, Finding that the Development of Affordable and Workforce Multifamily Housing is a Government Purpose, and Authorizing Community Roots Housing to Develop Affordable and Workforce Multifamily Housing in Kirkland
• R-5484 (2021) Authorizing the City Manager to Undertake Negotiations Related to the Potential Acquisition of Real Property for Affordable Housing Purposes
• O-4727 (2020) Adopting Legislation to Authorize a Sales and Use Tax for Affordable Housing and Facilities Providing Supportive Services in Accordance with Substitute House Bill 1406 (Chapter 338, Laws of 2019), and Adopting Kirkland Municipal Code Chapter 5.28
• R-5385 (2018) Declaring an Intent to Adopt Legislation to Authorize a Sales and Use Tax for Affordable Housing and Facilities Providing Supportive Services Pursuant to Substitute House Bill 1406 (Chapter 338, Laws of 2019), and Other Matters Related Thereto
• R-5325 (2018) Approving Objectives for the Development of Transit-Oriented Development Affordable Housing and Expanded Park and Ride Facilities at the Kingsgate Park and Ride Sites
• R-5319 (2018) Related to Integrating Affordable Housing, Mixed-Use, and Transit-Oriented Development Opportunities into Neighborhood Plan Updates
• R-4384 (2013) Relating to Planning Department Fees and Amending KMC 5.74.070 by Correcting Format/Typographical Errors, Adding Clarifications, Adding an Affordable Housing Incentive Fee, Homeless Encampment with Modification Fee and Adding Fees for Integrated Development Plan Modifications
• O-4346 (2012) Amending the Kirkland Municipal Code to Enact a New Chapter 7.74 Fair Housing Regulations; Prohibiting the Refusal to Rent a Dwelling Unit Solely on the Basis of a Section 8 Voucher or Certificate Rental Request; and Providing for the Enforcement Thereof by Amending Kirkland Municipal Code Section 1.12.020
• O-4222 (2009) Relating to Zoning, Planning, and Land Use, Revising the City’s Regulations Regarding Affordable Housing and Development Incentives, Amending Ordinance 3719 as Amended, the Kirkland Zoning Ordinance and Approving a Summary Ordinance for Publication, File No. ZON09-00005.
• R-4469 (2004) Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation for Rick Whitney for his Assistance in Preserving the Plum Court Apartments in Kirkland for Permanent Affordable Housing.
• O-3938 (2004) Relating to Zoning, Planning, and Land Use and Adding Chapter 112 (Affordable Housing Incentives – Multifamily) and Amending Chapters 5, 90, 125, ,and 180 of Ordinance 3719 as Amended, the Kirkland Zoning Code (Title 23 of the Kirkland Municipal Code) (File No. IV-00-13).
• O-3939 (2004) Relating to Fee Waivers for Certain Permit Fees Related to the Provision of Affordable Housing through Chapter 112 of Ordinance 3719 as Amended, the Kirkland Zoning Code (Title 23 of Kirkland Municipal Code), Adding Section 21.08.039 to the Kirkland Municipal Code and Amending Sections 5.74.070, 16.12.063, 21.08.035, 21.20.039, and 21.24.020 of the Kirkland Municipal Code.
• R-3830 (1993) Authorizing Conveyance of Surplus Land to Habitat for Humanity of East King County for Development of an Affordable House.
• R-3721 (1992) Setting Forth the Conclusions of the City Council with Regard to the Recommendations of the Affordable Housing Task Force
• R-3634 (1990) Setting Forth the Mission and Scope of the Affordable Housing Task Force and Confirming the Appointment of the Affordable Housing Task Force.
• O-2350 (1977) Relating to Certain Discriminatory Practices in the Sale and Offering for Sale and in the Rental and Offer-In for Rent of Housing Accommodations and Amending Section 11.72.030 of the Kirkland Municipal Code.

• R-5654 (2024) Approving the City of Kirkland’s Vehicle Donation to the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR).
• R-5652 (2024) Approving the City of Kirkland’s 2025-2026 Allocation for the Regional Crisis Response Agency (RCR) Budget.
• R-5530 (2022) Authorizing the City Manger to Negotiate the Terms of an Interlocal Agreement with the Radar Navigator Cities to Create an Entity that Would Merge the Radar Navigator Program and Kirkland’s Community Responder Program into a Regional Mobile Crisis Response Program.
• R-5562 (2022) Authorizing the Execution and Delivery of the Regional Crisis Response Agency Interlocal Agreement; Approving the Incorporation of the Agency as a Nonprofit Corporation under Chapter 24.06 RCW; and Approving Other Related Thereto.

2044 Comprehensive Plan SCE Element 

• SCE-1.5 Future programs that provide financial assistance for electrification and energy efficiency should ensure equitable access so all community members can participate in reducing pollution and GHG emissions.
• SCE-2.1 Urban forest goals should prioritize underserved communities and areas with low canopy cover to address environmental justice concerns.
• SCE-2.2 Support for low-income residents via tree planting and maintenance incentive programs.
• SCE-4.8 Prevent and remediate environmental pollutants where they have contributed to racialized health or environmental disparities, and increase environmental resiliency in underserved communities.
• SCE-4.12 Promote equitable access to tools and reused materials to foster a reuse community and reduce embodied carbon.
• SCE-5.7 Ensure that incentive programs are established to help underserved community members transition to zero-emission transportation.
• SCE-5.11 Reduce energy demand and decarbonize the community equitably, especially as the City transitions to renewable electricity.
• SCE-7.2 Prioritize support and financial assistance for underserved populations and provide education so they can participate in clean energy and electrification.
• SCE-7.5 Ensure the Water Plan provides equitable access to safe, clean drinking water during drought or emergencies.
• SCE-8.2 Promote land use that ensures equitable access to healthy food and prioritize community gardens where underserved community members live.

• Policy LU-1.4: Encourage site and building design that promotes valued community characteristics such as pedestrian activation, high quality materials, publicly accessible and welcoming spaces, and transition strategies that bridge scales between areas with varying land use intensities.
• Policy LU-2.4: Support development patterns that promote public health and address racially and environmentally disparate health outcomes and provide access to opportunities. Focus on residents with the highest needs in providing and enhancing opportunities for employment, safe and convenient daily physical activity, social connectivity, protection from exposure to harmful substances and environments, and housing in high opportunity areas.
• Policy ED-1.2: Encourage a broad range of businesses and public spaces that support the needs of historically underrepresented groups in the community such as Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC), older adults, youth, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual (LGBTQIA+).
• Goal ED-3: Strengthen commercial areas to provide local goods, services, and vibrant community gathering places to live, work, shop, and play.
• Policy PR-1.10: Further activate City parks, spur economic development, and foster ten-minute neighborhoods by exploring opportunities for new uses, recreation options, and businesses in and adjacent to City parks and recreation spaces as appropriate.
• Policy PR-2.2: Maintain and enhance Kirkland’s community centers to provide recreational opportunities, community services and opportunities for community members to connect, learn, and play.
• Policy PR-2.6: Establish and operate specialized recreational facilities (e.g., action sports facilities, off-leash dog areas, skateparks, community gardens, musical play features, splash pads water play elements) to respond to identified public needs, as appropriate.
• Policy HS-3.2: Provide a safe place for youth at the Kirkland Teen Union Building and provide recreational/educational activities, community services, and social programming.

The City of Kirkland has written Resolution R-5693 in alignment with sections of the U.S. Constitution and is firmly committed to complying with and supporting the Washington State Constitution and Washington State's civil rights protections through the States Laws Revised Code of Washington (RCW), such as:

• U.S. Constitution: Preamble - Recognition of Human and Civil Rights - foundational commitments
  • Washington State Constitution Article I - The Declaration of Rights in with enumerated rights such as speech, religion, equal protection, due process etc., reflect the state’s recognition of civil and human rights.
  • Washington RCWs related items: RCW 49.60 Purpose (RCW 49.60.010) The purpose clause of WA’s Law Against Discrimination states that the chapter is meant to protect public welfare, health, peace, etc., and to fulfill the state constitutional provisions concerning civil rights. It affirms the legislature’s express recognition that discrimination harms not just individuals but the institutions of a free democracy.
• U.S. Constitution: 14th Amendment, Section 1 – Equal Protection Under the Law and similar Supremacy Clause (Article VI, Clause 2) - Non-Establishment of Discriminatory Laws (Supremacy and Federal / State alignment)
  • Washington State Constitution Article I, Section 12: “Special Privileges and Immunities Prohibited.”
  • Washington RCWs related items: RCW 49.60 “Discrimination — Human Rights Commission”, RCW 49.60.030 declares that the right to be free from discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, etc. is a civil right, and RCW 49.60.400 prohibits discrimination or preferential treatment by state or political subdivisions on basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, etc., in public employment, public education, or public contracting.
• U.S. Constitution: 5th and 14th Amendments - Due Process of Law
  • Washington State Constitution Article I, Section 3: “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.”
  • Washington RCWs related items: RCW 10.79 – Searches and Seizures (Criminal Procedure) Includes statutes that protect individuals from unlawful searches: RCW 10.79.040 prohibits peace officers from entering and searching a private dwelling without a warrant, RCW 10.79 also has provisions allowing civil damages or injunctive relief for violations of rights around strip and body cavity searches, etc.
• U.S. Constitution: 1st Amendment - Freedom of Speech, Religion, and Assembly
  • Washington State Constitution Article I, § 5: Freedom of speech, Article I, § 11: Religious freedom, and Article I, § 4: Right of petition and assemblage.
  • Washington RCWs related items: RCW 28A.600.025 “Students' rights of religious expression—Duty of superintendent …” This statute declares that students retain their free speech and free exercise of religion rights even while attending public school.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. Language access falls under “national origin” protections, ensuring Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individuals can access federally funded services.

Washington State has several language access laws, regulations, and practices:

• RCW 2.42 – Interpreters—Persons with Hearing or Speech Impairment
• RCW 2.43 – Interpreters—Persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
• RCW 28A.183 – Language Access Program (in Public K-12 Education)
• RCW 38.52.070 – Emergency Management & Communication Plans
• RCW 74.04.025 – Bilingual Services Summary