The Kirkland City Council has selected Kelli Curtis to fill the council vacancy created by the retirement of former Mayor Amy Walen.

Curtis was one of five finalists who was interviewed by the entire council during a special meeting on Feb. 19. The city received 27 applications in total for the position, according to a city press release. Curtis will serve on the City Council until the November election results are certified. She has the option to file in May to run as a candidate in that election.

“I am honored to have been chosen by the City Council to serve the Kirkland community,” Curtis said in the release. “I look forward to joining my new colleagues in continuing to make this community a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Curtis’ first meeting as the newly appointed councilmember will be at the March 1 council retreat, though she will be officially sworn in as a councilmember prior to the retreat, there will also be a ceremonial swearing-in during the council meeting on March 5, according to the release.

Curtis has been a Kirkland resident for more than 25 years and currently serves on the Houghton Community Council and the city park board.