City Council Recap May 16, 2023

Published on May 19, 2023

Council Meeting May 16, 2023

The Kirkland City Council met on May 16, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting: 

Community Feedback Report on Houghton Village Shopping Center – Council received a report on the Houghton Village Shopping Center community engagement process.  Based on Council direction during the meeting, City staff will be continuing community engagement over the next few months and will be returning to Council with an update in the fall. 

Juanita Drive Safety Project – Council authorized a scope modification request for a new and separate intersection improvement project at NE 112th St and 80th Ave NE and Juanita Dr NE.   

Kirkland Ave and Lake St Intersection Improvements – Council received an update and agreed with the staff recommendation to delay the project until spring of 2024. Doing so allows the City to leverage a recently secured grant while also being responsive to concerns expressed by the downtown business community.  

Tax Increment Area – Council authorized the creation of a tax increment area in Kirkland to provide funding for infrastructure improvements in the area of the NE 85th St Station Area.   

King County Metro Update – Council received a presentation from King County Metro on future changes to service in Kirkland including Metro Flex as well as some suspended service beginning later in 2023.  

Proclamations Issued May 16, 2023  The Mayor proclaimed May 2023 as Jewish American Heritage Month, May 2023 as National Foster Care Month, May 20 – 26 as Safe Boating and Paddling Week, and May 20 as Kids in Parks Day in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.   


Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed: 

Parks Ballot Measure Items - Council discussed the Parks Ballot Measure recommendations, including community survey results, Park Board feedback, additional Facility Feasibility Study options, additional Parks Funding Exploratory Committee recommendations, and staff recommendations. Council also discussed facility options, elements to include, and funding mechanisms for the potential ballot measure.  The Council will consider its discussions and considerations of a potential ballot measure at its next meeting. 


How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website.  Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.     

To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.

The next City Council meeting is on June 6, 2023. 

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