The Kirkland City Council met onMarch 3, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on theBusiness Agenda, which started at 7:30 p.m.:
- The City Council received a report on the state of Kirkland’s urban forest and urban forestry programs and provided direction to staff on a scope for the forthcoming update to the Urban Forest Management Plan.
- The Council approved $20,000 of lodging tax funds which have been recommended for investment by the Tourism Development Committee to amplify key tourism-driving events like the Junior Softball World Series, the Umbrella Fringe Festival, World Cup Business Education, and potentially others.
- The Council adjusted the compensation paid to judges pro tem, which are temporary judges who serve in the absence, disability, or disqualification of Presiding Municipal Court Judge John Olson or when additional judge capacity is needed. This compensation adjustment brings the rate of pay up to market value and would allow for easier cost-of-living adjustments to be made in the future.
- The Council adjusted vacation and management leave for non-represented staff to help support the City’s goals of attracting and retaining highly qualified staff.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held aStudy Session, where they discussed:
- An update to the 2026-2028 Planning Work Program.
- An overview of probation services offered by the Kirkland Municipal Court.
How to watch:Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City’s:
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 theCity’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on theCity’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on March 17, 2026.
