B. Intergovernmental Coordination

Goal GP-1: Cooperate and coordinate with all levels of government to achieve effective, efficient, and responsive governance for Kirkland’s citizens.

Policy GP-1.1: Update the Comprehensive Plan and development regulations in conformance with VISION 2040 and with the Countywide Planning Policies for King County.

VISION 2040 is the long-range growth and transportation strategy for the central Puget Sound region encompassing King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. The Countywide Planning Policies are required by the Growth Management Act to establish a framework to ensure that the City and county comprehensive plans are consistent.

Policy GP-1.2: Work with adjacent jurisdictions and other governmental agencies to better coordinate on planning activities and development decisions, and in planning for issues of common regional or subregional interest.

The City participates in a number of formal and informal planning and coordination forums, including State, Regional and Countywide technical forums, committees and boards. The City should continue to be actively involved in these issues.

While GMA requires that the comprehensive plans of adjacent jurisdictions be consistent, the City should continue to coordinate with Eastside cities and King County on a number of planning activities such as land use, housing, transportation (traffic modeling, transit, and commute trip reduction), and human services.

The City should also seek ways to improve coordination and communication with affected agencies to avoid duplication of effort, increase efficiency, and gain a better understanding of mutual issues. This can be accomplished through such techniques as interlocal agreements and joint meetings, and by providing opportunities for notification, review, and comment on major plans, programs, or development projects.

Policy GP-1.3: Communicate Kirkland’s land use policies and regulations to the King County Assessor’s Office in order to ensure that assessment decisions do not conflict with land use decisions.

As land use decisions are made, the City needs to coordinate with the Assessor’s Office. This will ensure that they have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the City’s land use.