Public Hearing on Council Assuming Authority of Kirkland TBD

Published on February 02, 2022

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Media Contact:
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov
(425) 587-3021

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City Council will hold a public hearing on February 15, 2022, to consider assuming the powers and functions of the Kirkland Transportation Benefit District.  This is the next step in the Council’s ongoing consideration of how to fund safer routes to school and other pedestrian and bicycle safety projects. 

Under state law, the District is a separate legal entity for which the Council serves as the governing board.  Transportation Benefit Districts can raise revenue for specific transportation projects, usually through vehicle license fees (car tabs) or sales taxes.

The public hearing on February 15 is related to the Council assuming the powers and functions of the Kirkland Transportation Benefit District, not whether to enact any changes to fees or taxes.  If the Council proceeds with assuming the District’s powers and functions, the City would undertake a significant public engagement process prior to increasing any fees or taxes.  The plan for the community engagement process will be included in the materials provided to the Council and community as part of the public hearing.

At its February 1, 2022, meeting the Council approved Resolution R-5511 to authorize the public hearing, which is required prior to making a decision about the District assumption process. At the end of the hearing on February 15, the Council could formally close the hearing and take action to assume the District powers, close the hearing and defer action, or continue the hearing to a future meeting within a total of 60 days.

Information on joining the public hearing as part of the February 15 City Council meeting will be posted to the City’s website: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Council#anchor_CouncilVirtualMtg