Important Annexation Information flyer for PAA residents (PDF-166 kb) November 3 General Election King County Proposition A Proposed Annexation, Assumption of Indebtedness, and Adoption of Zoning Regulations King County Council places Finn Hill, Kingsgate, and North Juanita annexation vote on November 3 ballot (July 27, 2009) King County Ordinance 2009-0417 July 21 City Council Meeting The following ordinance and resolution were approved: Ordinance 4196 (PDF-5 MB) Zoning and land use in PAA Resolution R-4763 (PDF-852 kb) Call for special election to place annexation on November 3 ballot Washington State Boundary Review Board for King County July 9 Hearing Decision (PDF-3 MB) June 8 Presentation (PDF-1.7 MB) Review BRB Schedule (PDF-37 kb) Council Decides Key Annexation Issues (News Release July 8, 2009) Community Meetings Held June 18, 23, 29 in the Potential Annexation Area (PAA)Community Meeting Presentation (PDF-1.2 MB)

City Council Agenda Items 2009–10 Adopted Budget King County King County Annexation Initiative King County Executive's Office Jane Hague website Kathy Lambert website Washington State Legislature Growth Management Act Senate Bill 6686

City Manager's Office 123 5th Ave. Kirkland WA, 98033 425-587-3001 (Main) 425-587-3019 (Fax)

Thank you for visiting the City of Kirkland Annexation Study page. The Kirkland City Council has been carefully considering the annexation of the Finn Hill, Upper Juanita and Kingsgate neighborhoods.

In 2006, the City Council approved a four-phase approach to explore the potential annexation of Finn Hill, Upper Juanita, and Kingsgate known as Kirkland's potential annexation area (PAA). Kirkland's PAA is currently served by King County.

The City's Study has included listening tours with Kirkland residents and those that live in the PAA neighborhoods and several detailed studies of financial impacts and operational needs. On April 7, 2009 (PDF-31 kb) the City Council voted to proceed to filing an annexation proposal with the Boundary Review Board (BRB) and declaring its intent to hold the election at November 2009 general election.

In 2007–2008, the City conducted a four-phase approach to evaluating whether annexation was the right thing for Kirkland. The first phase was a Listening Tour with City residents; phase 2 expanded the tour to PAA residents. The City received valuable input from current and PAA residents.

As the City Council continued its Study, it realized the challenges it faced with balancing the 2009–2010 Budget. Due to the economic downturn and the rise in costs of doing City business, the City faced a multimillion dollar gap between projected revenue and expenditures. To give the budget its full attention, the City Council placed the Annexation Study on hold in May 2008 (PDF-32 kb).

To balance the budget, the City Council approved reducing expenditures, using reserves, and increasing revenue. Although the City still has financial challenges ahead, the annexation does not make those challenges any worse.

How to Stay Informed

Annexation is a complex issue and process. Many citizens of Kirkland and the PAA have been involved in the Study. The City has created several ways to keep you informed and encourages you to:

1. Attend or watch a City Council meeting: Often times, annexation information is presented at a City Council meeting. The meetings are broadcast live on KGOV 21 and rebroadcast for City residents who subscribe to Comcast cable. Meetings are also webcast live from the City’s website and available “on-demand” at your convenience. Council reports contain detailed information about Annexation are also available on this website.
2. Subscribe to the Annexation List Serv. Receive updates about the annexation study and public forum meeting dates via your email.
3. Submit a comment on-line. Send us your question or comment to annexation@ci.kirkland.wa.us and you will receive an answer or use the Online Comment Form.
4. Visit the City’s News Room on the City website.

Updated: November 16, 2009