The Houghton Community Council (“HCC”) was established in 1968 when the citizens of Houghton agreed to merge with the City of Kirkland. When this occurred, Houghton citizens recognized the importance of keeping control over land use within its boundaries to ensure the unique qualities of Houghton would be maintained. A key condition of the merger was that Houghton would retain an independent council with veto authority over land use regulations in the area comprising the former city. Continuously since 1968, unpaid elected members of Houghton have served on the HCC to represent our community. The HCC works directly with City staff, Planning Commission and City Council to blend input from Houghton businesses and residents with the overall planning goals and policies of the City of Kirkland.

Every four years the citizens of Houghton must vote whether to retain the HCC. With today’s constant pressure for development, it is vital the citizens of Houghton vote to maintain this valuable body to protect against competing visions drowning out the concerns and priorities of our community. We urge you to once again renew the unique provision of the HCC by voting “Yes” to keep this privilege another four years.

The Houghton Community Council is an unproductive layer of bureaucracy. After almost 50 years, the transitional arrangement of a Community Council for the former City of Houghton has served its time and should end.

Houghton is fully integrated with the city of Kirkland and needs special protection.  Kirkland has many outlets for citizen involvement, and many ways for Houghton residents to participate in the governance of the city. The Houghton Community Council confers no useful benefits for residents. It’s just one more group of people to say no.

Only one other Community Council remains in the entire state. No recent annexation, whether in Kirkland or any other city, has created a community council. Other councils have been voted away by their residents. Dozens of other places have made the decision that Houghton should make: that a Community Council is not a constructive part of their future in the city.

The city of Houghton existed barely twenty years. The transitional arrangement to integrate with Kirkland is approaching fifty. Let’s move on.

Vote No to end the Houghton Community Council.

The best government is local government. The Houghton Community Council has consistently provided Houghton residents an important voice in land use decisions that directly impact our community. Rather than impede decisions; the HCC has contributed to better decisions. It is a rare privilege we cannot afford to lose. If not affirmatively retained, this respected entity will be gone forever.

Vote Yes to retain the Houghton Community Council.

Submitted by: Marie "Molly" Working, mollyworking@gmail.com

Kirkland has many fine neighborhoods without the busywork bureaucracy of the Houghton Community Council.

It's not necessary. It's a costly privilege that doesn't even benefit Houghton, and prevents needed improvements.

Vote no. End this arrangement that was never intended to be more than transitional. Houghton doesn't need "protection" from Kirkland.

Submitted by: Dan Ryan, dan.ryan@gmail.com

Download full text of resolution

 Simple majority (RCW 35.14.060)

For questions about this measure, contact: Kevin Raymond, City Attorney, (425) 587-3031, Kraymond@kirklandwa.gov