Kirkland Announces 3 More Conversations with Council Dates in 2026

Kirkland Announces 3 More Conversations with Council Dates in 2026

Published on September 29, 2026

Media Contact:
David Wolbrecht
Communications Program Manager
[email protected]

Community members will have three more opportunities this year to connect informally with the Kirkland City Council through Conversations with Council, the City's pilot program launched in January 2026 to make it easier for people to speak directly with Councilmembers in casual, accessible settings.

Q4 Conversations with Council sessions include:

• Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Fire Station 26's Community Room (9930 124th Ave. NE)
• Monday, Nov. 9, 5-7 p.m. at Northwest University Caf (10930 NE 58th Wy.)
• Monday, Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Lobby at Kirkland Urban, Building E (400 Urban Plz.)

Conversations with Council is designed to be simple: no agenda, presentation, or prepared remarks. With the program's B.Y.O.T.™ (Bring Your Own Topic) approach, community members can drop in, bring a topic or question, and have an open conversation with Councilmembers. Sessions are typically held in small-group or one-on-one settings, with Councilmembers and City staff available to listen and help connect people with the right resources.

"Conversations with Council provides an easy, relaxed setting for community members and Councilmembers to connect," said Deputy Mayor Neal Black. "You don't need to wait for a City Council meeting or have a big issue to bring forward. Conversations can start simply, with a question you want to ask or an idea you want to share. These conversations provide another opportunity for Councilmembers to hear from the community and learn what is on the minds of people across Kirkland."

Your Voice Matters

Through the first three quarters of the pilot, more than 100 community members have brought a wide range of questions, ideas, and concerns to Conversations with Council, from transit and development to community-building initiatives and public safety. No question or topic is too small. Q4 also provides a timely opportunity to discuss the upcoming 2027-2028 budget with Councilmembers.

Following each session, key themes and community feedback are shared with the full City Council. When a conversation identifies a question, service need, or request for follow-up, staff route it to the appropriate City team or process, helping connect community feedback with action when appropriate.

Other Ways to Connect

As the one-year Conversations with Council pilot continues, the City is exploring ways to build on what it has learned about making access to Council more convenient, inclusive, and responsive to community needs while ensuring a sustainable program model. Conversations with Council is one of several ways community members can connect with the City and City Council. You can:

• Contact the City Council by email at [email protected].
• Submit a question or service request through Our Kirkland at kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Finance-and-Administration/Our-Kirkland.
• Attend a City Council meeting to provide public comment or observe Council discussion. Learn more at kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Council.
• Connect with City staff, and often Councilmembers, at community events, including Harvest Festival, Winterfest, and Google Lights. Visit kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening.

For more information about Conversations with Council, including upcoming sessions, business hosting opportunities, and program updates, visit kirklandwa.gov/CouncilConversations.

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