Kirkland: Conversations with Council Community Engagement Table
The City hosts three Conversations with Council gatherings per quarter (one per month) in locations around Kirkland. Events are announced quarterly via press release and shared across the City’s communications channels (newsletters, podcast, social media channels, flyers and via this webpage).
NEW! Q2 2026 event line-up:
- Tuesday, April 28 | 12 — 2 p.m. | Lake Washington Institute of Technology Cafeteria
- Saturday, May 9 | 11 a.m. — 1 p.m. | Kirkland Library
- Friday, June 26 | 3 — 5 p.m. | Juanita Friday Market
Kirkland is committed to being a welcoming, connected community where every resident has the opportunity to be informed, to be heard, and to help shape our shared future. Civic engagement isn’t just encouraged—it’s how we build a city that reflects the values and voices of the people who live in it.
Conversations with Council is a City of Kirkland pilot program, which is designed to create more informal, accessible opportunities for community members to connect directly with City Councilmembers outside of formal meetings. Since its launch in January 2026, nearly 50 community members have participated in the program. These casual, drop-in gatherings invite community members to B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Topic)™—whether sharing ideas, asking questions, or simply getting to know their elected officials through small group or one-on-one conversations. There is no agenda, presentation, or prepared remarks, just conversation. Community members are invited to join at any point during the scheduled event window.
Strong communities are built through connection. Conversations with Council is intended to:
- Expand access to City Council beyond traditional meetings
- Meet community members where they are
- Create space for listening, relationship-building, and shared understanding
- Reach residents who may not typically participate in formal civic processes
Topics to date have ranged from transportation to immigration and neighborhood livability. Feedback from participants will help shape and evolve the program over time. For more information, visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Council/Conversations-with-Council
