About Kirkland

“The City of Kirkland is excited about the opportunity to partner with the Cascade Land Conservancy as one of the regions first Cascade Agenda Leadership Cities.  Kirkland already embraces the basic principles outlined in this critical program.  We look forward to elevating our effort to a new level with the CLC as we strive to improve the livability of our city through smart growth strategies, environmental stewardship and community engagement.”

James L. Lauinger, Mayor, City of Kirkland.

Kirkland has been a key partner with CLC on implementing the Cascade Agenda Vision.  They were one of the first Cascade Agenda Leadership Cities and joined with the Cascade Land Conservancy in 2006 to form the Green Kirkland Partnership.

Kirkland has long been a leader in innovative planning; the Council recently approved a 20-Year Forest Restoration Plan and an innovative cottage, carriage and multiplex housing ordinance, which received a 2008 Governors Smart Communities award.  Kirkland also received the Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Achievement award from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Cascade Agenda Cities Program enlists the region’s cities to improve the livability of their neighborhoods—making them complete, compact and connected—and spectacular enough for people to choose to live there, saving the region’s natural and working lands from poorly planned development.

Examples of Policies that Kirkland is working on to improve its livability include:

• Green Kirkland Partnership
• Kirkland Green City Initiatives
• Cottage, Carriage and Multiplex Housing
• Green Building Incentives
• Complete Streets Ordinance
  

Additional Work Between CLC and Kirkland

Green Kirkland Partnership - The City of Kirkland and Cascade Land Conservancy launched the Green Kirkland Partnership in an effort to tackle the growing invasive species problem and promote community stewardship.  In order to educate youth groups, Kirkland has initiated a summer youth training program known as the Kirkland Youth Employment Program.  This program is designed to educate middle school and high school students about resource management, leadership skills, volunteer management, and provide job skills and career development training.

20-Year Forest Restoration Plan - The City of Kirkland is committed to preserve, protect and sustain its natural resources.  The Green Kirkland Partnership was created in response to the crisis that if forested areas are not cared for now, they will not be alive in future years to be enjoyed. The Partnership has developed a 20-Year Forest Restoration Plan that outlines a sustainable forest restoration program.

Links and Resources

• City of Kirkland Planning Department
• Green Kirkland Partnership
• Kirkland Views