The following is a release from the city of Kirkland:

The Kirkland City Council approved its 2015-2016 City Work Program(PDF) through the adoption of Resolution 5117 identifying priority goals and initiatives at its March 17 meeting.

Carried over from previously approved Work Programs are the implementation of the Cross Kirkland Corridor Master Plan, completion of the Comprehensive Plan Update and Transportation Master Plan, and the facilitation of the redevelopment of Kirkland Parkplace and Totem Lake Mall.

Efforts will continue to implement the Fire Strategic Plan including improving fire and emergency medical services to the Finn Hill, Juanita and Kingsgate neighborhoods, siting a new north end fire station and/or improving existing fire stations and operations.

Also, Kirkland will implement an innovative new employee health plan called the Healthy Kirkland initiative that will make employees and families healthier while slowing the cost increases in health care.

New to the Work Program are the update to the Capital Improvement Program to incorporate projects identified in the Kirkland 2035 master plans and Comprehensive Plan; the refurbishing of City Hall, and the implementation of an email archiving system to increase transparency and accountability to the public.

Another new priority is to actively engage the Sound Transit (ST) Board to ensure that any ST ballot measure connects the Totem Lake Urban Center to the region with high capacity transit. Additionally, new to the Work Program is to partner with A Regional Coalition of Housing (ARCH) and non-profit housing agencies to site a permanent Eastside women’s shelter in Kirkland.

The city take the steps necessary to proceed with a 2015 or 2016 ballot measure for the proposed Aquatics/Recreation/Community (ARC) Center.

“These priority initiatives align with the goals and priorities of the 2015-2016 Budget,” said City Manager Kurt Triplett. “They will help us improve the efficiency and effectiveness of city government while enhancing the quality of life for our residents.”

The 2015-2016 City Work Program supports the council goals of: public safety, dependable infrastructure, balanced transportation, financial stability, housing, economic development and parks, open spaces and recreational services.

Completed items from the 2013-2014 City Work Program include the completion of the Cross Kirkland Corridor Interim Trail and Kirkland Public Safety Building (Kirkland Justice Center) and the adoption of the 2015-2016 Biennial Budget while maintaining the city’s AAA credit rating.  The creation of a Neighborhood Safety Program in 2014 supports the Work Program goal to “engage and re-energize neighborhoods;” efforts will continue in the goal area.

To learn more about the Council’s City Work Program, its 2015 Legislative Agenda, and City Council goals, visitwww.kirklandwa.gov/council.