Liveable Kirkland Newsletter 04/26/26

Planning Work Program Adopted!

At last, the City Council voted unanimously to adopt the planning work program. The adopted work program includes both of the projects that Liveable Kirkland members asked for. Thank you to everyone who wrote an email to the City - we made a difference! The plan now has a Middle Housing Optimization project in 2026, rather than waiting until 2028 for any changes. This was also a key ask from builders. The plan also calls for starting on SB 6026 compliance this year, which will lead to multifamily homes being allowed in previously commercial-only areas (such as in Totem Lake west of 405).

Councilmember Tymczyszyn moved to add a footnote to the work program clarifying that the description of each project is not a final decision of scope. This is already current practice - the exact scope is set when work starts. The amendment passed unanimously.

Delay of 85th St Code Amendments

In a surprise decision, the City Council voted to postpone adopting these code amendments until the next City Council meeting to allow staff to present some alternatives.

Chair Rozmyn of the Planning Commission attended the meeting along with Staff. While describing the Commission’s deliberation on the topic, Chair Rozmyn stated that the Commission was more interested in providing incentives than prohibiting certain uses. However, it seemed clear that the City was asking for a ban on townhomes, so the Commission went along with it. Chair Rozmyn also noted that there are some parcels in the Station Area which are likely too small for mixed use buildings (meaning townhomes would make sense).

During discussion, Councilmember Pascal stated his preference for incentives and that he would vote no on the code changes, though he didn’t expect others to agree. But as discussion continued, more Councilmembers expressed concerns about the mixed messaging that a ban would provide, that it could restrict properties where townhomes were actually desirable, and wanting to look at alternative approaches. Councilmember Pascal moved to remove the townhome ban from the Ordinance by striking sections 2, 3 and 4, with Councilmember Falcone seconding the motion.

There was more discussion, and it was clear that the Council was split. Councilmember Tymczyszyn moved to postpone consideration of the Ordinance to the next meeting (May 5th). He was particularly motivated by wanting the amendments to be written down ahead of time, rather than done on the dais. Tymczyszyn, Prem, Falcone and Pascal voted to postpone, while Arnold, Black and Curtis did not.

Implementing a Minimum Density Requirement was a formal agenda item in October of 2025, and it was discussed further at the Council Retreat in February of 2026. A townhome ban was mentioned even before these meetings, so this topic has been in progress for quite a while, despite being a small change.

Possible Property Acquisition in Kingsgate

The City Council voted unanimously to have the City Manager send in an offer on the church property located at 13220 NE 132nd St, with the intent to use it as indoor community center space. The City Council will still have to take final action to acquire the property (and determine funding sources) if the bid is successful.

During the Study Session, staff presented the case for how this property would serve the city’s recreation/community services needs. The existing building would be suitable for all of the indoor programs with the longest wait lists, and the property has room for a separate gym or pool in the future. Additionally, Kingsgate is identified as a medium/high priority area for additional recreation resources in the city’s PROS plan.

Kirkland is already planning to spend a lot for parks land acquisition this year, and for outfitting the community center at the Kraken Iceplex next year, so some funding compromises will be needed. We listed several options in the previous newsletter. Staff also discussed potentially canceling an expansion of the replacement gym at Kamiakin Middle School (which LWSD is planning to rebuild) since this property is nearby and could serve some similar purposes.

Update to Council Policies and Procedures

The City Council voted to select Option A for rotating Council positions through the Interview Selection Committee, meaning that each council seat will serve with each other seat on the ISC at some point in the 7 year cycle. Because the ISC is now a fixed rotation and no longer picked at random, we know that the 2027 Interview Selection Committee will be Mayor Curtis, Councilmember Tymczyszyn and Councilmember Falcone.

Councilmember Pascal noted that the updated policies schedule interviews to take place in two sessions of five hours each, up from just one session. While the Council had discussed wanting more time with candidates, this is a large increase. The City Clerk highlighted that there are 11 vacancies to be filled, with a goal of 3 applicants per seat. It’s a tight schedule even with the current target of 10 minute interviews. She recommended that the ISC discuss this and present a process suggestion when they send the list of interview candidates. The City Council agreed with the Clerk’s suggestion.

There were no amendments requested to the changes about Boards and Commissions or the new “rules of decorum”. Staff intends to bring the final draft to the May 5th meeting where it will be approved on the consent agenda.

Federal Immigration Response Resolution

The City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution R-5729 as presented in the meeting packet. The resolution enumerates actions that the City will take in order to be prepared for the possibility of federal civil immigration enforcement actions (from ICE or similar) in Kirkland.

Downtown Valet LRM

Staff presented options for how to proceed with Councilmember Tymczyszyn’s request to look into a downtown car valet service. After some discussion, the City Council voted to proceed with both Option 3 and 4 of what Staff presented. Option 3 is to have the city allow use of curb space, but leave contracting an operator up to downtown businesses. Option 4 is to enhance marketing of current parking programs, such as the Wester lot and the live downtown parking map. Staff will return with implementation and cost details for these options at a future meeting, where the City Council will decide if they want to proceed.

Minimum Wage LRM

Councilmember Falcone proposed an LRM regarding Kirkland establishing a minimum wage. Currently, State minimum wage applies but there is no city minimum wage. Many cities in King County have their own minimum wage regulation, and the County recently created its own for unincorporated areas. The LRM was approved 6 to 1, with Councilmember Pascal voting no based on business impact concerns. Staff will come back with options at a future meeting.

85th St Economic Development

The City’s first Economic Development Manager presented her current and future work about encouraging development in the Station Area. Her role is primarily outreach and networking, though she also intends to collect feedback on regulations from developers for Planning staff to consider.

Commissioners asked questions about her work (in the Station Area and elsewhere) and what developers have been saying, but the Commission did not make any decisions during the meeting.

Reminder that the City is looking for community members to serve on several boards and commissions! This is a great opportunity to bring your unique perspective and guide City policies.

Applications are due on April 29th!

Click for details about each commission and how to apply

ToDo’s Bike Garage, in partnership with Foster Love and Beacon Hill Bike Garage, is coming together to build and donate 20 brand-new bikes to foster youth. There are local bike builders ready to donate their labor, but they need your help to raise funds for the parts!

All donations will be matched, so every $125 on the GoFundMe will result in a foster youth receiving a new bike, helmet, and lock.

“When I was 5 years old, I moved to a new city and didn’t know anyone. Riding around the neighborhood, I found my friends, people who are still like family to me today. That bike gave me freedom, confidence, and a way to belong. Now, we want to give that same gift to foster youth in our community.” - Chuck

You can donate to the project here!

ToDos Bike Garage is open most Sundays - see the Events section below for details, and say hello!

Join Liveable Kirkland in a conversation about our city’s present and future! We have an active community on Discord and Facebook and we’d love it if you joined in too : )

(And if you add a picture you took to #photos on Discord it might get featured in next week’s issue!)