Kirkland Announces Next Three Conversations with Council Dates

Published on June 26, 2026

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Media Contact: 
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
dwolbrecht@kirklandwa.gov 

The City of Kirkland invites community members to join three upcoming Conversations with Council events this summer and fall. Launched in January 2026, the program provides informal opportunities for residents to connect directly with City Councilmembers, share ideas, ask questions, and discuss topics important to them and their neighborhoods. More than 75 residents have participated in Conversations with Council events to date.

“Conversations with Council is built around a simple idea: Residents bring the topics that matter most to them,” said Kirkland Councilmember Shilpa Prem. “These conversations help us better understand community priorities, elevate local concerns, and inform future Council discussions. It’s one more way we’re making ourselves available to listen, learn, and connect.”

The program’s B.Y.O.T.™ (Bring Your Own Topic) approach encourages participants to help shape the conversation. There is no agenda, no presentation, and no specific topic. Whether residents want to discuss a neighborhood concern, share an idea for a City improvement, ask a question about a local issue, or simply get to know their elected officials, all topics are welcome.

The City is committed to hosting three Conversations with Council events per quarter and 12 annually. This quarter’s schedule includes two park locations in the summer and the program’s first business-hosted session in the fall. City Council is on recess in August.

Q3 Conversations with Council events:

  • Thursday, July 16, 4-6 p.m.: Rotary Central Station Picnic Area (1 Railroad Ave., along the Cross Kirkland Corridor)
  • Thursday, July 30, 4-6 p.m.: O.O. Denny Park Picnic Shelter 2 (12032 Holmes Point Dr. NE)
  • Tuesday, September 29, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Kitchen & Market Café (10426 Northup Wy.)

Conversations with Council events complement traditional public meetings and hearings by offering a casual setting where community members can connect directly with Councilmembers outside of City Hall. The City continues to rotate Conversations with Council throughout Kirkland to provide geographically diverse opportunities for participation and meet residents where they are. Community members are invited to attend any Conversations with Council event. No registration is required, and participants are welcome to drop in at any time during the event.

The September session at Kitchen & Market Café will mark the program’s first business-hosted event. Local businesses interested in hosting a future Conversations with Council session can learn more about hosting requirements and apply through the City’s program website.

In addition to Conversations with Council, residents can connect with Councilmembers throughout the summer at a variety of community events, including Celebrate Kirkland, the Junior League Softball World Series Welcome Rally, Pride Across the Bridge, See Spot Splash, City Hall for All, and Umbrella Fringe.

For more information about Conversations with Council, including upcoming events, hosting opportunities, program guidelines, and other ways to engage with Council, visit the Conversations with Council webpage.

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