Kirkland Mayor Amy Walen announced during the Kirkland City Council meeting on Dec. 11 that in order to fully commit herself to her newly elected role as state representative for the 48th Legislative District, she would be resigning from her position on the Kirkland City Council effective Jan. 31, 2019.

Walen’s resignation comes after nine years of service on the Kirkland City Council, including five years where she served as mayor. The mayor expressed gratitude to her colleagues on the council, city staff and the Kirkland community.

“It has been a great honor to be able to serve our community on the Kirkland City Council these past nine years,” Walen said in a press release. “Resigning my city council position was an incredibly difficult decision. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with so many talented and dedicated individuals on the city council, on city staff, and on our many boards and commissions. I’d like to especially recognize city manager Kurt Triplett and the incredible team he’s assembled. Our city is so lucky to have such a dedicated team of public servants.”

Walen will continue serving the Kirkland community as state representative for the 48th Legislative District, which includes Kirkland, Bellevue and Redmond.

“Though I’m resigning my position on the city council, I look forward to continuing to serve my neighbors in the State House of Representatives. I encourage all of you to stay connected and engaged as I begin this new journey in public service,” she said in the release.

Council will select a new mayor and discuss choosing a process for filling the vacancy on council during its regular meeting on Jan. 2, 2019.