Sustainable Governance

Why is having sustainable governance important for sustainability?

The City seeks to provide effective, efficient, and responsive governance and a sustainable level of core services for our community. Trust in governance underpins the City’s ability to support the community. Engaging all members of the community — especially those who have traditionally not been represented in public processes — ensures that the voices of all can be heard and incorporated into decision-making, and creates more equitable solutions.

How was Kirkland doing before adopting the Sustainability Master Plan?

The City has successfully employed various techniques of public participation, ranging from town halls, community meetings, discussion forums, and online surveys. Need remains to engage more underrepresented members of the community, and serve residents who speak languages besides English.

What key sustainable governance goals are included in the Sustainability Master Plan?

Key sustainable governance goals include:

• Integrate sustainability into every major decision the City makes
• Coordinate sustainability programs and policies across all City departments
• Examine and refresh City’s purchasing policies to focus on environmentally preferable and socially equitable purchasing
• Ensure processes for public participation are fair, accessible, and inclusive
• Cultivate community members’ knowledge of, participation in, and leadership for civic processes
• Improve community resiliency
• Maintain the City’s responsible fiscal practices while enabling progress on sustainability goals

How can the community help meet these goals?

• Respond to City surveys and attend community meetings to inform environmental decision-making and shape project design
• Participate in racial equity workshops and initiatives
• Advocate for making progress towards identified goals to elected and appointed bodies, including Boards & Commissions and City Council
• Serve on a Commission or Board