City Manager's Office

Kirkland City Hall.jpg

The City Manager's Office (CMO) is available to assist you in:

  • Connecting you with the Kirkland City Council
  • Building stronger, active neighborhoods
  • Assisting your new or existing business to be successful
  • Finding volunteer opportunities that meet your needs
  • Keeping you informed and involved with the City
  • Helping you get connected to the right department for customer service

The department is involved in various local regional initiatives:

Additionally, the City Manager’s Office coordinates with and supports several advisory boards and community-based networking groups:

The City of Kirkland operates as a council-manager form of government. The City Manager serves as the professional administrator of the City and is responsible for coordinating all day-to-day operations. Implementation of the policies established by the City Council requires a close working relationship with community organizations, the private sector, and other governmental agencies. View the City of Kirkland profile for more information.

To stay informed:

 

kurt-triplett.jpgKurt Triplett was hired in June of 2010 as Kirkland's fourth City Manager. As City Manager, Mr. Triplett administers and manages the City according to the mission, policies and budget adopted by the City Council. Mr. Triplett oversees the operation of 12 departments, over 600 employees, and over a $1 billion biennial budget.

Mr. Triplett is committed to keeping Kirkland exceptional and maintaining the quality of life residents enjoy. His top priorities are outlined in the City Work Program, which is adopted by the City Council every two years. The Council has charged Mr. Triplett to have a strong focus on jobs and economic development and keeping Kirkland safe, green, livable and walkable.  He spearheaded the purchase of the Cross Kirkland Corridor and champions developing the Corridor into an economic engine and a national example of multi-modal transportation and sustainability.

Mr. Triplett is executive board chair of A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH). He is also currently chair of the Eastside Public Safety Communications Agency (EPSCA) as well as a joint board member for the Puget Sound Emergency Radio Network (PSERN). Both agencies provide emergency radio support for Police and Fire Services. Mr. Triplett was awarded the 2016 "Award for Excellence" by the Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA).

Prior to Kirkland, Mr. Triplett worked for King County for 17 years, including serving as the Interim County Executive in 2009, Chief of Staff to Executive Ron Sims, Deputy Director of Natural Resources and Parks, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Executive Sims and former Executive Gary Locke.

Mr. Triplett has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government (2003) and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stanford University (1989). 

To reach Kurt:
425-587-3020
ktriplett@kirklandwa.gov

Executive Assistant Amy Bolen
425-587-3007
abolen@kirklandwa.gov

Meet the rest of the City Leadership Team

Julie Underwood Image Julie Underwood is the Deputy City Manager of Operations and functions as the chief operating officer. Julie has 25 years of local government management experience, serving previously as City Manager for the City of Mercer Island, Assistant City Manager of Daly City, California, and City Manager for the City of Shoreline. Prior to becoming Deputy City Manager for the City of Kirkland, Julie served Kirkland as Director of Public Works. Julie holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government and Politics from George Mason University.

Jim-Lopez.jpgJames Lopez is the Deputy City Manager for External Affairs at the City of Kirkland. As part of his duties with the City, Mr. Lopez is responsible for the administration of the City’s economic development, civic engagement, communications, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging programs. Prior to becoming the Deputy City Manager for External Affairs, Mr. Lopez served as Assistant City Manager and Director of Human Resources and Performance Management for the City of Kirkland. Mr. Lopez has also served as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Performance Management for King County, and as Deputy Chief of Staff to King County Executive Ron Sims. Mr. Lopez holds an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a JD from Case Western Reserve University.

Mr. Lopez was awarded the Washington City/County Management Association Outstanding Assistant Award in 2022.

 

City Manager's Office 425-587-3001
City Manager's Fax 425-587-3019
Switchboard 425-587-3000

City Manager
Kurt Triplett
425-587-3001 

Deputy City Manager for Operations
Julie Underwood
425-587-3243

Deputy City Manager for External Affairs
James Lopez
425-587-3212

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Manager
Erika Mascorro
425-587-3108

Government Affairs Manager
Diana Hart
425-587-3009

Communications Program Manager
David Wolbrecht
425-587-3021

Senior Community Engagement Coordinator
Daniel Lazo
425-587-3011

Special Projects Coordinator 
Christian Switzer
425-587-3266

Special Projects Coordinator
Andreana Campbell
425-587-3013

Senior Management Analyst
Carly Joerger
425-587-3204

Communications Program Coordinator - Public Safety
Sue Romero
425-587-3017

Communications Program Specialist
Kate Ryan
425-587-3004

Web and Multimedia Content Specialist
Chris Peterson

Executive Assistant
Amy Bolen
425-587-3007

Administrative Assistant
Carmine Anderson
425-587-3016 

The role of the City's Ombud Program is to review the decisions and actions of City personnel in any department. When a community member makes a complaint about a City staff person, the Ombud has the authority to evaluate the situation, document what occurred, and describe whether the situation fits into City policies, other applicable regulations, or expectations for constituent service. The Ombud has access to the City Attorney as well as any outside legal resources or other professional services required to fully investigate and evaluate the complaint.

Go to the Ombud Program Page