Kirkland residents have a new way to stay connected with their city government, thanks to the introduction of a video platform called Rep'd. This fresh pilot program simplifies the process for the community to inquire about city matters and receive straightforward, video responses. Mayor Kelli Curtis emphasized the platform's efficiency, and how it "provides a seamless way for community members to submit questions and for City staff to record answers all within the same interface," according to a statement obtained by the City of Kirkland's news release.
This development is not just about embracing technology, but advancing transparency and engagement in local government. The platform stands out for its integrated functionality, where the act of questioning and answering is a concurrent, symbiotic process. The administration believes that this, combined with the program's ability to address urgent and persistent issues, will heighten community involvement. "The City is always seeking out new and better ways to keep our community informed and engaged, and Rep’d is another tool in the City’s ever-expanding toolbox to do just that," Curtis noted as per the City of Kirkland release.
Rep'd is the latest addition to Kirkland's communication efforts, which include multiple platforms designed to reach residents where they are. The biannual "The Kirklander" newsletter, the AI-driven "Ask Kirkland" website chatbot, and dedicated social media accounts for Fire and Police Departments, all contribute to a robust outreach system. Furthermore, the city has maintained "This Week in Kirkland," a weekly podcast, for over two years, demonstrating a commitment to consistent communication channels.
For those interested in learning more about Rep'd and the city's various communication methods, more information is readily available on the Kirkland's official website.
