City Council Recap April 4, 2023

The Kirkland City Council met on April 4, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:  

Electric Leaf Blower Initiative - Council discussed the goals and process of the Electric Leaf Blower Initiative, a multi-year phased approach to switch gas-powered blowers to electric.  

2023 State Legislative Update - Council received a sixth update on the City’s 2023 State Legislative Priorities.     

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Workplan - Council received an update on the progress of the DEIB team’s workplan.  

NE 85th St Station Area Plan - Council received options for the naming of the future station area and requested further community outreach on a narrowed list of names as well as a name option recommended by local tribal representatives. Council also received an update on potential Tax Increment Financing for infrastructure improvements in the district.  

Proclaiming April 2023 Autism and Other Neurodivergence Acceptance and Appreciation Month in Kirkland - The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, proclaimed April 2023 as Autism and Other Neurodivergence Acceptance and Appreciation Month in Kirkland. All community members are encouraged to recognize and appreciate the valuable contributions of our autistic and other neurodivergent family members, friends, classmates, co-workers, and neighbors in our community. To read more, visit the City’s website.   

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

Park Board Joint Meeting - Council held a joint meeting with the Park Board to discuss the board’s priorities and interests. Discussion items included the 2023 Parks Ballot Measure Initiative and Parks level of service. 

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 April 18, 2023.