Kelly Curtis Reappointed Kirkland Mayor; Neil Black Chosen Deputy Mayor

Kelly Curtis was reappointed mayor of Kirkland in a 7–0 voice vote at the City Council’s Jan. 6 meeting, after the council completed swearing in newly elected members.

The council selected its officers following a brief swearing‑in ceremony administered by Municipal Court Presiding Judge John Olsen. Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold nominated Curtis for mayor; the nomination was seconded and carried unanimously. Shortly after, the council selected Councilmember Neil Black as deputy mayor by the same margin.

Curtis thanked the council after the vote, saying it was “an honor to serve with you.” Deputy Mayor Arnold outlined reasons for his nominations, citing Curtis’s regional engagement and “steady, consistent leadership” and Black’s work leading a legislative group.

The reorganizational votes came at the start of a meeting that also featured ceremonial proclamations, multiple public comments and a slate of business items. The mayor said the officer selections are made every two years and that nominations are voted on in the order presented; the first nominee to receive a majority is selected.