Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold announced he is running for re-election to the Kirkland City Council, outlining an agenda to strengthen the community, ensure sustainability and create a more connected Kirkland.

“Reflecting on events of the past year, the people of Kirkland appreciate all that we have here—both as a city and more importantly, as a community,” stated Arnold. “They are grateful for the response we have had to the coronavirus as families and local businesses have struggled. And while we have much work to do, we can bounce back even better.”

His announcement follows the recent release of a video of the State of the City in Kirkland, which recognized the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 outbreak, the city’s focus on equity and racial justice and progress on other city priorities.

“We need to build on that sense of Kirkland community and be a place where everyone belongs,” continued Arnold. “That includes housing. We need more affordable housing, especially for Kirkland’s teachers, first responders, and other essential, frontline workers.”

Arnold was first elected to City Council in 2013. He was selected by his fellow Council members to serve as Deputy Mayor, a position he has had since 2016. He represents Kirkland on regional organizations dealing with climate, transportation, transit, growth management, and the Eastrail.

“As the COVID crisis changed our daily habits, we’ve all come to appreciate Kirkland’s commitment to providing a vibrant, green, walkable community,” observed Greg Gunther, who is an active member of Kirkland Greenways. “Jay’s leadership with the city’s recent Sustainability Master Plan charts the way for continued progress. Jay will make meaningful investments in transit, safe walking and biking, and the Cross Kirkland Corridor.”

Arnold is a freelance web developer and IT consultant. He lives in the Norkirk neighborhood with his wife, Mary Beth Binns. They have three teenage daughters.