Mayor Kelli Curtis addressed the Kirkland community during the combined State of the City and Community Appreciation Night, laying out the city's recent achievements and its vision for the future. As the City of Kirkland's Official website reported, with a focus on community contribution and collaboration, Curtis acknowledged the efforts of the City Council members, noting, "Each of them is far too accomplished for me to cover in one short speech."
In her address, Curtis celebrated the one hundred and twentieth Anniversary of the incorporation of Kirkland in 1905. He noted past achievements like the Ross Kirkland Corridor and the Village at Totem Lake. She commended the city for its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and strides in racial justice, and she also highlight, the ongoing growth of the city, from infrastructure improvements like the opening of new parks and fire stations to corporate partnerships and expansions with companies like Google and Amazon.
The mayor pointed out that despite these accomplishments, the city faces challenges with housing affordability and homelessness. Yet, she remained optimistic, citing the city's sound financial planning and disciplined budgets, which have led to healthy reserves and a triple-A credit rating. Under her leadership, Kirkland has seen the addition of hundreds of new businesses, the expansion of respected local institutions, and thousands of housing units in the pipeline, emphasizing affordable options.
Looking to the future, Curtis announced various community-building initiatives from the 2025-2026 City Work Program. This includes the redevelopment of the Rose Hill Station Area, partnership with the Seattle Kraken for an iceplex, plans for year-round swim programs, and a Homelessness Response Action Plan. Kirkland also recently achieved Welcoming Cities Certification, reflecting its commitment to equity and inclusion. Curtis urged residents to work towards a city where everyone, regardless of background, can thrive, affirming her commitment to building a welcoming and caring community.
