Speak at city meetings

Meetings of the Kirkland City Council and Kirkland's various advisory boards and commissions provide many opportunities for input from the public. While some of the information here is specific to City Council meetings, most of it also applies to the various advisory boards and commissions. For example, the Planning Commission advises the City Council on all matters relating to the Kirkland Comprehensive Plan and land use regulations. The seven Planning Commission Members are appointed by the Council.

Does speaking work?

You may wonder if your comments will make a difference. They absolutely can! 

Sometimes the Council hears only from one side of an issue leaving them with the impression that no one has another view. Public input (or lack of it) may influence their debate, amendments, and votes. Even if the Council seems to be leaning in a direction that you agree with, public support can help ensure that the Council members strongly sustain that direction, especially in the face of opposition.

There are topics that, in some cases, are not allowed (such as quasi-judicial matters, speaking for or against a candidate, and ballot measures). For more information, refer to section 3.07 of the Council Policies and Procedures.

How do I speak at city meetings?

The City of Kirkland uses hybrid meetings for City Council, Planning Commission, and Transportation Commission meetings. You can speak in person at City Hall or remotely by Zoom.

There are two basic types of public comments for these meetings: “Items from the Audience” and public hearings.

Items from the audience

This segment takes place at the beginning of the meeting, which for the City Council, usually starts at 7:30 PM. During this portion:

• Members of the public may address the Council on nearly any subject. 

• Three minutes are allowed per speaker.

• No more than 3 speakers may speak per side of an issue (6 speakers total). If possible, it is advantageous (but by no means necessary) to organize 3 people to each speak about a different aspect of the issue (for a total of up to 9 minutes).

• Visual aids such as videos and slide shows are not allowed. However, you may forward any communications, including visuals, to the Council and staff at CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov in advance of the meeting. You may also provide hard copies to the Council at the meeting.

You must sign up to speak during this portion! Some important notes about signing up:

• Sign-ups are managed via an electronic form, which timestamps each entry. Sign-ups for City Council meetings begin at 7 PM the night of the meeting and not before.

• Speakers are taken in sign-up order, whether virtual or in the room. Anyone who submits their form prior to 7 PM is placed at the end of the list. Again, to avoid being placed at the end of the list, complete the form no earlier than 7 PM.

• A laptop is available at the Chamber entrance where community members may queue to sign-in to address the Council.

You may leave as soon as you have spoken, though it can be valuable to hear other comments and discussion. You can watch the meeting recording afterward.

Public hearings

Public hearings are special meetings held to receive public comment on an important, specific topic. The public is welcome to offer comments after being recognized (for City Council meetings this is done by the mayor). At public hearings, there is no limit on the number of speakers, and there may or may not be a time limit for each speaker. 

What should I say?

It can be daunting to speak in front of elected officials and your community, but if you break down your comment into three simple parts, it is much more likely to be easy and, more importantly, effective.

1. Introduce yourself. Start with a polite greeting ( “Good evening Council members…”), state your full name, and mention your relationship to Kirkland (“I am a Kirkland resident, I work in Kirkland …”).

2. Clearly and succinctly state your topic and position (“I am here in support of …”). Support your position with reasons and/or a personal story.

3. Conclude by restating your position, what you’re asking and thanking Council members.