Citizens for One Kirkland

Kirkland City Council Tables Vote on Annexation Until Budget is Released

On the May 20th Kirkland City Council meeting, the council decided to table proceeding forward to Phase 3 of the Annexation Plan.  This was in light of the straw poll that was taken in a council study session last month indicating a 4/3 vote against moving forward with annexation.  The Citizens for One Kirkland will continue to work with the State of Washington and King County to get our chance to vote for annexation. 

Please get the word out and send the Kirkland City Council your emails in support of annexation.

Some critical issues have come to light

• King County will continue to cuts services and raise taxes on residents of the unincorporated area.  One hundred Sheriff's Deputies will be laid off shortly!
• Kirkland is facing a budget shortfall without annexation.  Annexation gives the City the opportunity to spread that shortfall out among more people.  Click here for more information
• Kirkland is also losing tax base including businesses moving across city limits boundaries into the PAA
• King County supports annexation.  Click here to read a letter sent to the Kirkland City Council by County Executive Ron Sims
• Annexation would reduce the assessments of existing Kirkland property owners for current and future bonded debt by one third

In short, the City is facing a bleak financial future, the PAA will have their services cut and taxes increased.  Together we can make a difference!

The Truth is, Annexation is the Right Thing to do for Kirkland

The annexation discussion has been full of misinformation and confusion, primarily from a single special-interest group. The truth is, annexation is the best move for good government, for the community and for the region

• The City, not the County, should control development in its planning area—development that impacts traffic and other of quality of life issues for all residents.
• Annexation will spread current City debt over the entire Kirkland community, a big plus with the forecasted economic downturn.
• $40 million for annexation from the State and County is available now, but not later.
• After annexation, Kirkland will have a stronger voice in regional issues.
•  Annexation will formally recognize neighbors who are already a part of the business and social community of Kirkland.

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Citizens for One Kirkland

The Citizens for One Kirkland is a grassroots organization dedicated to the support of uniting the neighborhoods of Kirkland into one city. 

Many are surprised to learn that a large segment of the Kirkland community is not within the corporate boundaries of Kirkland.  The neighborhoods Finn Hill, Upper Juanita, and Kingsgate comprise one of the last remaining islands of unincorporated King County in an urban area. 

Residents in these neighborhoods have much in common with residents of the City of Kirkland

• They identify themselves as Kirkland residents and most have Kirkland mailing addresses,

• Their neighborhoods are developed to urban densities and with urban infrastructure, which are indistinguishable from the rest of Kirkland

• They shop in Kirkland and their sales tax dollars contribute significantly to the City’s budget.

• They consider downtown Kirkland to be their downtown.

• Many work in Kirkland and own businesses there.

• The membership and the boards of Kirkland’s civic, charitable and religious organizations include these residents and depend on their support. 

These members of the Kirkland community cannot vote in City elections or receive City services.  They must look to King County for local governmental services. 

We believe annexation is the right thing to do for good government and for the long-term benefit of the Kirkland community, both those living within the City boundaries and those in the PAA (Potential Annexation Area).  The State and County financial incentives are being offered now, but will not be available in the future.  The Legislature has required that annexations be underway by January, 2010 to qualify for a share of state sales tax dollars.  By 2010, the County may not have funds to offer.  The Kirkland community should take advantage of this financial assistance while it is available.  If the City does not act now, it may find that future legislation will require cities to take unincorporated areas without any State subsidies.  The Legislature certainly has the power to compel cities to do so and may exercise that power to assure that recognized growth management principles are carried out.  For residents the PAA, annexation will provide better services from local government and better access to its governing body, than they will experience as residents of unincorporated King County. 
 
The Kirkland City Council has set a target of deciding whether to put annexation on the ballot by their meeting in April.  If they put it on the ballot, it will be voted on by residents of the PAA in the elections in the Fall of 2008.  Join us in encouraging the City Council to vote in favor of annexation.

Why Annex, Why Now?