Houghton Community Council has an empty seat. Interested candidates have until Jan. 14 to apply to fill the vacancy.

The Houghton Community Council consists of seven members elected every four years from the former Town of Houghton, which joined Kirkland in August 1968.

City of Kirkland communications manager Kellie Stickney said the Houghton Community Council exercises both advisory and approval authority over most matters related to zoning regulations and land use within the Houghton area.

Houghton residents interested in serving on the Houghton Community Council have until 4 p.m. Jan. 14 to apply to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councilmember Neal Black.

Members must reside within the territorial boundaries of the former Town of Houghton as of the date of its consolidation with the city of Kirkland. Members must also be a registered voter and are required to file an elected officeholders’ annual public disclosure form with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission.

In order to considered, candidates must have been a resident of Houghton for at least one year as of Nov. 3, 2020. Appointments are made by the Houghton Community Council and will expire upon certification of the 2021 General Election.

The Houghton Community Council currently meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of every month at the Kirkland City Council chambers.

Applications are available at www.kirklandwa.gov. Any individual appointed may also file to retain the seat in that election.

Interviews will be conducted at a special meeting prior to the regular Houghton Community Council meeting on Jan. 27. The candidate that is selected will be seated at the council’s February meeting.

Stickney said serving on Houghton Community Council is a great way for people to get involved.

“It’s a great way to get involved with the city and have an influence city decisions,” she said.

To learn more, contact city clerk Kathi Anderson at 425-587-3197.