B. Community Character Concept

Taken together, the goals and policies of this element broadly define the City’s role in contributing to community character. They consider the social and physical environment, look back in time to Kirkland’s heritage, and look forward to Kirkland’s future. The Community Character Element supports the guiding principles of a livable (quality of life and community design) and connected community (sense of community). Subsequent elements of the Comprehensive Plan, such as the Land Use and Environment Elements, address policies relating to specific components of the built and natural environment. Parts of the social environment are addressed in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Element. In addition, these social issues are addressed further in the Human Services Element.

The goals of the Community Character Element include:

♦    Support for Kirkland’s Sense of Community: This goal supports the actions necessary to create a strong social fabric which is strengthened by diversity, involved citizens, and strong community organizations.

♦    Promote Preservation and Enhancement of Our Historic Identity: This goal acknowledges the importance of the City’s historic resources and provides a framework which supports their interpretation, protection, and preservation.

♦    Accommodate Change: This goal looks to the future to ensure that Kirkland’s policies are proactive in addressing changing needs of the population.

♦    Work to Strengthen Kirkland’s Built and Natural Environment: This goal acknowledges the role that the natural and built environment plays in creating a community and provides the framework for supporting the aesthetic quality of the community, individual neighborhoods, and public spaces.