The Kirkland Initiative

Objective 14.2 of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Roadmap(PDF, 365KB)  calls for the creation of a City Leadership Program to cultivate civic engagement for the purpose of diversifying public participation in various governmental processes and neighborhood organizations.

The goal of The Kirkland Initiative is to make City Hall accessible by pulling back the layers of local government, so, people from all walks of life will be encouraged to participate in the civic process. Also, participants will be encouraged to bring the knowledge and understanding gained to other community members.

The program includes an 8-week, 3-hour course that runs every Thursday evening from 6 - 9 p.m. The class size is typically up to 20 participants. Course topics range from learning more about City Council to Public Works to Community Responders and more. Certificates are awarded to all participants completing the course.

The registration is closed for 2025, and will open up again in Summer 2025 for the following Spring 2026 cohort.

Watch the promotional video below that launched this program in 2023.