Schools & Services
Demand for most resources is going up whereas growth may not pay for growth - and it might just compound school declines.
As Kirkland adds more housing, it’s essential to understand how different types of development affect community needs. For example, smaller unit sizes and denser housing formats mean fewer families with school-age children, so the pressure on schools may not grow as rapidly as the overall population. However, as more family homes are replaced with two or fewer bedroom units, Kirkland can eventually expect neighborhood schools to face closings due to decreased enrollment, following Bellevue and Seattle’s leads. See the LWSD student estimate figures based on multi-family versus single-family housing.
Article: Bellevue School Board votes to consolidate 2 elementary schools
Source: The Seattle Times, March 16, 2023
“She added she had looked at housing developments being constructed throughout Bellevue, and wondered how the student population will continue to change. The district has said fewer families with young children are moving into high-density housing like apartments or town homes...” Read the full article
Closed schools would be a massive loss to our neighborhood communities, not to mention more children being transported across the district during the morning and afternoon commute times. Only a small portion of LWSD students have bus service due to the neighborhood school model and the ongoing shortage of bus drivers available to the district (LWSD parents know this pain!)
However, the demand for emergency services is projected to increase significantly.
The city's long-range housing strategy includes many Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) projects. These sites provide essential shelter and support for vulnerable populations but may require more frequent calls for fire, medical, and police services. While sources shy away from creating citable data on this polarized issue, for more on this topic check out this Discovery.org documentary to inform your own opinion.
The former LaQuinta location is just one such facility. Kirkland’s 2044 Comprehensive Plan includes multiple additional tax-exempt PSH developments—as many as 20 the size of LaQuinta—far more than what’s been seen in comparable cities of our size. Each facility, while important, represents a long-term commitment of Kirkland public services that has not been budgeted for.
Video Article: King County “Insisted it Be Kept a Secret From the Public”, Council Voting on Kirkland Homeless Hotel
Source: FixHomelessness.org, March 22, 2023 Read the full article
We’re already seeing the signs of strain.
EvergreenHealth, our regional hospital system, has been operating at 98% capacity since 2007 and now projects a 40% increase in demand by 2030. With more residents relying on public healthcare and reimbursements decreasing from Medicaid and Medicare, Kirkland taxpayers will likely shoulder a greater share of future service costs, including an anticipated public levy request to maintain baseline care.
Kirkland must plan responsibly, acknowledging not just how many people are coming but also what kinds of services they (and existing residents) will need.
Meanwhile: The Affordable Housing Committee (AHC) strategizes
The AHC is a regional advisory body with growing influence over local housing policies. At a March 2025 meeting (minutes), members discussed removing local control and consolidating decision-making under a countywide structure.
Key contributions:
Kirkland Councilmember Amy Falcone supported a regional framework
County Councilmember Claudia Balducci suggested a new taxing district (like a “Sound Transit for housing”)
While the Microsoft Philanthropies rep questioned why existing funding isn’t delivering results
Kirkland residents deserve a say in our community's growth, not one-size-fits-all mandates.
Issues that impact infrastructure AND DECISIONS are ongoing.
King County is currently working toward opening the former La Quinta site for permanent supportive housing, next to multiple schools. Despite the past council votes and hush-hush behavior as directed by the county for PR, we can hold our city council accountable now.
Upcoming Middle Housing decisions are being rushed for a haphazard ‘noodles-on-the-wall’ approach to creating more, smaller housing units — conflating these recommendations with the need to comply with Washington State codes we already have code on the books to meet or exceed targets. These recommendations discriminate against larger family homes via added “in-lieu” development fees, the tune of $45,000 for a 4000 sqft home. Planning staff and the Planning Commission are pushing an “Adoption” vote by City Council without a baseline on how much middle or affordable housing has already been constructed, and without projections for the impacts on schools and families of redeveloping older, more affordable family sized homes. Making Kirkland less desirable for families is not the “welcoming” approach that attracted many of us to Kirkland. Write to City Council to push for the slow-and-stead approach to WA State Housing Codes Compliance (an agenda item on June 3rd Council Meeting).
Act Now on Schools and Services!
Responsibly
Slow the Early Changes to Middle Housing
Write the City Council today and tell them to go back - and choose the balanced and sensible option (not waging extra fees on Family-sized Houses and reducing off-street parking - backed by builders and residents).
Click to access suggested text and send a 1-click letter to the city council about these latest policy proposals.
(Or if your browser fails to open an email window, just visit the Take Action page on this website!)
Fight
For Kirkland kids & families
Write the City Council today and tell them to fight for what matters - accountability and safety for our children - and an operating model that is an actual solution with proven results that more residents can embrace!
Click to access suggested text and send a 1-click letter to the Kirkland City Council.
(Or if your browser fails to open an email window, just visit the Take Action page on this website!)
Show up!
@City Hall on Tuesday, June 3rd 7:30 PM
Help us bring the blue to City Hall on Tuesday, June 3rd! So City Council knows Kirkland voters stand behind complying with WA State Housing Codes more responsibly - not what Planning Commission is proposing they blindly adopt.
Kirkland City Hall - 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033 (Directions)
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