The City Council discussed a number of important issues during its October 6 meeting. You can watch the meeting in its entirety on the City website. A few highlights from the meeting can be found here:

Affordable Housing Week Proclamation

The Mayor proclaimed the week of October 12 – October 16, 2020 as Affordable Housing Week in Kirkland. Affordable Housing Week is an annual initiative sponsored by the Housing Development Consortium to highlight the need for affordable housing in King County. Through education and advocacy, the Housing Development Consortium works collaboratively with public and private organizations to meet the housing needs of limited-income people throughout the region. The Consortium comprises over 160 member organizations. Affordable Housing Week is usually held in the spring and is marked by a series of live events throughout the County to heighten awareness of the need for more affordable housing. Due to COVID-19, Affordable Housing Week was moved to the fall and will be celebrated through a variety of virtual events focused on learning about housing policies under the theme “Know Your Zone.”

Shop Local Kirkland

The Council received an update on the Shop Local Kirkland initiative, a multifaceted effort meant to champion the Kirkland business community and help it adapt to the changed economic landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Shop Local Kirkland focuses on long term recovery by providing a platform that connects businesses with critical ecommerce and delivery service providers to enable digital transformation, while also connecting Kirkland businesses to consumers. The Shop Local Kirkland website (www.ShopLocalKirkland.com) is a local, digital “Main Street” which serves as a gateway to lead consumers to the various ecommerce platforms of Kirkland businesses. 

Currently, Shop Local Kirkland is in its soft launch phase, and is expected to fully launch in November. All Kirkland businesses with Kirkland business license endorsements are eligible for inclusion in Shop Local Kirkland. 

Statement from the Council on political harassment

In any year, politics can be divisive. This year’s election comes with the backdrop of a pandemic, economic recession, and a fresh spotlight focused on the existing, long-standing racial injustice in our society. Many of us are feeling increased frustration, anger, and fear. Emotions are running high.

It is normal and constructive to debate critical political issues that affect our lives. What makes America special is that our core values include respectfully listening to opposing points of view. Through civil discourse, we identify common ground, recognize differences, highlight community interests and develop a path forward together. Through honest engagement, listening to each other, and seeking common ground, we construct our shared future.

However, in these challenging times where so much is at stake, we must prevent allowing civil discourse to devolve into intimidation and disrespect. Values and beliefs are most effective when shared through respectful dialogue, and not violence or destruction. Actions such as stealing signs, harassing neighbors or damaging their property or intimidating peaceful protesters have no place in our city. They are illegal and unacceptable. As a City Council, we have sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and with that oath comes the duty to protect the right of free speech and assembly.

No matter what your political ideology, the best way to stand for your ideas and values is to vote. Make sure you are registered and turn in your ballot before election day, the earlier the better. We have ballot boxes located at City Hall and the Kingsgate Library. It is through our democratic system that all voices are heard, and collectively we shape the direction of this city, our state, and our country.

Three years ago, we passed Resolution 5240 which states that “Kirkland believes in the dignity, equality and constitutional and civil rights of all people, and will not tolerate hate, intolerance, discrimination, harassment or any behavior that creates fear, isolation or intimidation.”

We stand by that resolution and have expanded upon it. Kirkland is stronger because of our differences, not despite them. In a time of uncertainty and struggle, it is more critical than ever that we honor every person’s humanity, respect diverse views, and give each other grace.

Here is some great information on voting from King County Elections.

1) When do I get my ballot?

King County ballots are mailed on 10/14. You should have it in hand by the 10/19 mail delivery. If you don’t, give us a call at 206-296-VOTE(8683) or you can go online to the King County Elections webpage to print one at home. Once you have it, vote it, sign it, and turn it right back into us. Voting early means you get to rest easy knowing you did your part and all of those early ballots will be included in Election Night results, giving all of us a more meaningful picture of results in that first initial count.

2) Where can I go vote in person?

We will have Vote Center locations in Renton, Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Kenmore, and Federal Way where voters who still need to register, those who need a replacement ballot and cannot print one from home, and voters with disabilities can come to use assistive devices to cast their ballot.

If you do not need assistance, given the pandemic we ask that you plan to vote from home. We want to keep lines and crowds down in all locations to make sure that voters who need to come in person and our staff are able to stay safe and healthy. Drop boxes are a great option for those who want to get their ballot directly back to us and each Vote Center will have a drop box so you can drop off your ballot there without waiting in line.
That said, the decision to come in person is up to you. We’ll be there. If you come in person, plan to wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. Exact locations and hours will be updated on our website in the coming week. 

3) What else is on the ballot other than the Presidential race?
Lots of stuff! There are statewide ballot measures and candidates, there are state legislative races, and ballot measures from the county, cities, and special purpose districts. Read up on what’s going to on your ballot here.

Voters’ pamphlets should arrive in your mailbox just ahead of your ballot.

4) How can I update my party preference?

You don’t need to do that! Here in Washington, the only time we declare a preference as voters is in a Presidential Primary (ours happened back in March). That information is kept on your file for 60 days and then wiped – so it’s already out of the system. We do not need to know which party you prefer, it has no impact on the ballot you receive or how your vote gets counted.

We don’t care how you vote. We just care that you do.

Email: elections@kingcounty.gov with questions!