“Decisions are made by those who show up!”
Many urban planners and elected officials love this quote, because it appears to praise the American government as inclusive. We know this is not the case, but since we cannot quickly and realistically change the decision-making process, we need you to participate in it! Sending emails is a good start, but the most effective way to make sure your elected leaders know what’s important to you and your community members is to speak at public meetings. It can be very intimidating, but it’s very important!
Support Minimum Wage Increase in Kirkland!
The Eastside has become King County’s “low wage corridor,” surrounded by cities with significantly higher wages: Seattle to the west; unincorporated King County to the east and south; SeaTac, Burien, Tukwila, and Renton to the south; and Everett to the north. The cities with the highest rental prices have the lowest minimum wages. In Kirkland, minimum wage is $17.13 per hour, compared to $21.30 in Seattle. Essential workers on the Eastside cannot compete for affordable housing units.
On Tuesday, October 6, the Kirkland City Council will consider increasing the minimum wage.
Please join us in signing a pre-written letter by emailing kraig@transitriders.org by Friday, October 2 at 12 pm! Simply send Kraig:
- Your name
- Your organization
- Your title (if any)
You can also contact the Kirkland City Council directly at citycouncil@kirklandwa.gov.
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Redmond Teen Center Project
The power of place starts with having a voice in shaping it. Remember “nothing about us without us.” When young people help imagine and create the spaces they actually use, that’s powerful. And it’s especially important that cities hear from youth whose identities and experiences have too often been left out of local decision-making spaces. For our 12-18-year-olds: What are your dreams for a new teen center where every young person feels welcomed, seen, and truly has a place to belong?
- Wednesday, Sept. 30, anytime from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m., at the Redmond High School Library
- Thursday, Oct. 1, anytime from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the Redmond Community Center at Marymoor Village
- Thursday, Oct. 8, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the Redmond Senior & Community Center
Bellevue’s Biennial Budget Public Hearing
The final public hearing for the Bellevue 2027-2028 budget will be on Tuesday, October 27. There will be six meetings that include budget deliberations on the following dates during council study sessions:
- October 6
- October 13
- October 20
- October 27 – final public hearing and budget deliberations
- November 10
- November 17
Community members are welcome to speak during public comment periods at any and all council meetings. You can share your comments directly by sending an email to council@bellevuewa.gov; include “Written Communications” as your email subject line. Emails must be sent before 3 pm on the day of the meeting.
For more information about the Bellevue Budget process, visit: https://bellevuewa.gov/city-government/departments/finance/budget-and-performance/budgets/public-involvement
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Kirkland’s Biennial Budget Public Hearings
The City of Kirkland will have two public hearings for the 2027-2028 biennial budget. These are opportunities for you to share in-person thoughts on how priorities are funded through your tax dollars. The public hearings will be held during regular City Council meetings at 7:30 pm and are tentatively scheduled for the following days:
- Wednesday, November 4
- Tuesday, November 17
You can watch or participate in regular meetings and study sessions via Zoom, either by calling 253-215-8782 or 206-337-9723 (both toll-free in the US) or online here (webinar ID 833 0932 5268; no passcode needed). Meetings can be watched live on Kirkland TV, YouTube, Facebook or the city website. The meetings are recorded and available to the public, generally within 24 hours and can be found here the next day.
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Redmond’s Biennial Budget Public Hearings
The City of Redmond will have four public hearings for the 2027-2028 biennial budget. These are opportunities for you to share in-person thoughts on how priorities are funded through your tax dollars. The public hearings will be held during City Council business meetings at 7 pm on the following days:
- Tuesday, September 15
- Tuesday, October 6
- Tuesday, October 20
- Monday, November 2 (special scheduling due to Election Day on November 3)
You can attend meetings in person at City Hall or watch remotely via redmond.gov/rctvlive, @
Agendas are posted on the Friday prior to the meeting in the City’s Meeting Information Center. Relevant materials for each budget hearing and deliberation will be included with the agenda items.
The City has also created a survey to see if your priorities are reflected in the budget. The questionnaire is open through Sept. 11 and available at redmond.gov/BudgetQuestionn
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Help Pass the Redmond Renters Bill of Rights!
Nearly two-thirds of Redmond’s households are renters, and everyone deserves stability and fairness. Please use this link to send a pre-written letter of support: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/pass-the-redmond-renters-bill-of-rights
You may contact Kraig Peck for any questions or to find out how you can get more involved.
Items on the Renters Bill of Rights:
- Truth in renting to limit junk fees
- Extend protections against unfair evictions when leases end
- End rent traps by letting renters on leases facing high rent increases to move without penalty
- Ban retaliation for seeking to negotiate rent, asking for repairs, or exercising rights
- Inform renters of their rights with a City website to ensure renters know their rights
- Advice and advocacy for renters by City or contracted staff
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Housing & Environmental Equity Survey
Please take our survey and share it with your friends. This is an opportunity to tell decision makers what is important to you! Currently available in English, Español, 한국어, తెలుగు. More languages coming soon!
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