After several discussions about the priority projects for the City of Kirkland, the City Council adopted its 2013-2014 City Work Program on Feb. 5.
The 12 initiatives include the following and are intended to spur job growth and economic development, retain a high quality of life in Kirkland and provide efficient and cost-effective city services:
• Revitalize the Totem Lake Business District through continued implementation of the Totem Lake Action Plan.
• Partner with the private sector to attract tenants to Kirkland’s major business districts.
• Reenergize neighborhoods through partnerships on capital project implementation and plan updates while clarifying neighborhood roles in future planning and transportation effort.
• Complete the Comprehensive Plan update and incorporate new neighborhoods into all planning documents.
• Implement the Development Services Organizational Review recommendations and simplify the zoning code.
• Develop a city-wide Multimodal Transportation Master Plan.
• Achieve Kirkland’s adopted legislative agenda, with emphasis on securing transportation revenues and funding for the Northeast 132nd Street ramps to I-405.
• Complete the Cross Kirkland Corridor Master Plan and construction of the interim trail.
• Develop a cost effective 2015-2016 budget that maintains Kirkland’s AAA credit rating and implements an improved performance management system that delivers desired outcomes.
• Continue partnership initiatives with employees to achieve sustainability of wages and benefits.
• Complete construction and occupy the Public Safety Building where police and court services will be co-located.
• Continue implementation of the Fire Strategic Plan recommendations, including evaluation of a Regional Fire Authority and resolution of a consolidated Finn Hill Fire Station.
“Adopting the Work Program tells the community the major initiatives that we hope will further the great quality of life for citizens and businesses,” noted Mayor Joan McBride. “The council placed high priority on several of its adopted goals including economic development, neighborhoods, parks, dependable infrastructure, balanced transportation, financial stability and public safety.”
Community, neighborhood and business organizations seeking a presentation on the 2013-2014 City Work program can contact the city manager’s office at 425-587-3001.
