City Work Program
The City Work Program initiatives are above and beyond the daily operations of City departments. They are intended both to improve the performance of the organization and keep Kirkland one of the best places in the country to live, work and play.
The City Council began formally adopting a City Work Program to guide major policy and financial initiatives starting in 2011. The 2023-2024 City Work Program was adopted through Resolution 5578(PDF, 765KB) on March 7, 2023.
2023-2024 City Work Program
Complete priority tasks of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Five Year Roadmap and update the Roadmap with new tasks identified by the community, the Council and the staff.
City Council Goals: Inclusive and Equitable Community
Implement the Regional Crisis Response Agency and establish a North End Behavioral Health Crisis Clinic with the cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline in partnership with King County and the State of Washington.
City Council Goals: Community Safety, Inclusive & Equitable Community, and Supportive Human Services
Complete construction and open new Fire Station 27 in Totem Lake and renovated Fire Station 22 in Central Houghton. Complete design for renovation of Fire Station 26 in Rose Hill and Fire Station 21 at Forbes Creek. Complete hiring of additional Firefighter/EMTs and implement enhanced levels of emergency medical and fire response services included in 2020 Fire Proposition 1 ballot measure.
City Council Goals: Community Safety
Prioritize the retention and construction of attainable and diverse housing throughout the City. Partner with King County to implement the Health Through Housing permanent supportive housing project in Lakeview. Partner with ARCH, developers, and non-profit agencies to implement the affordable housing projects Polaris and Ardea in Totem Lake, and the Kirkland Heights renovation and expansion in Evergreen Hill. Complete affordable housing requirements and incentive zoning for the NE 85th Street Station Area Plan. Monitor implementation through Kirkland’s Housing Dashboard.
City Council Goals: Attainable Housing and Vibrant Neighborhoods
Complete design and initiate construction of the Juanita Drive and 100th Avenue NE multi-modal transportation projects to implement the Transportation Master Plan.
City Council Goals: Balanced Transportation and Dependable Infrastructure
Continue partnerships with Sound Transit, the State Department of Transportation and King County Metro Transit to advance the NE 85th Street/I-405 Bus Rapid Transit Station, the K Line RapidRide design and implementation, and related regional and local transit service and facilities to serve Kirkland’s mobility needs to implement the Transportation Master Plan and the Transit Implementation Plan.
City Council Goals: Balanced Transportation and Thriving Economy
Issue bonds and initiate design and construction of Safer Routes to School Action Plan priority projects, Active Transportation Plan priority projects, and Vision Zero priority projects funded by the Transportation Benefit District vehicle license fee and related revenues.
City Council Goals: Community Safety, Vibrant Neighborhoods, Inclusive and Equitable Community, Balanced Transportation, and Dependable Infrastructure
Review and update Kirkland’s personnel codes, policies, programs, and practices to ensure that Kirkland is a preferred employer that attracts and retains talented and diverse employees.
City Council Goals: Community Safety, Supportive Human Services, Vibrant Neighborhoods, Dependable Infrastructure and Financial Stability
Implement priority Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan recommendations and continue development of park assets such as Forbes Lake Park. Receive recommendations of the Parks Funding Exploratory Committee and place a comprehensive Park ballot measure or measures on the ballot to enhance aquatic and recreation opportunities, improve existing parks facilities and amenities, and maintain and expand natural areas and open space.
City Council Goal: Abundant Parks, Open Spaces, and Recreational Service
Complete Kirkland 2044 city-wide outreach and planning actions to maintain a sustainable, connected, and welcoming community where everyone belongs. Update the Comprehensive Plan and related documents such as the Transportation Master Plan, Sustainability Master Plan, Housing Strategy Plan and Missing Middle Housing codes. Update policies to attract and retain local businesses that support economic development and family wage jobs.
City Council Goals: All
Prioritize and continue to fund Sustainability Master Plan actions to further equity, energy efficiency, public health, and a clean energy economy that promotes a sustainable and resilient environment.
City Council Goals: Sustainable Environment
Develop an equitable, sustainable, 2025-2026 budget that maintains the City’s financial stability while investing in community priorities and retaining Kirkland’s AAA credit rating.
City Council Goals: Balanced Transportation and Thriving Economy