Kirkland podcast previews Jan. 20 City Council agenda, community court update and victim‑advocate pilot

Jim Lopez, host of the City of Kirkland’s podcast This Week in Kirkland, urged listeners to tune into the city council meeting scheduled for Jan. 20, noting several items on the business agenda that will affect local planning and services.

“Council will consider proposed updates to Kirkland's design review process and design standards to meet the requirements of the new state law,” Lopez said on the Jan. 15 episode. He said the design review updates follow a public hearing held in November. The podcast also previewed a staff briefing on the city's five‑year diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging road map and an update on the city’s 2026 state legislative priorities.

Christian Lash added that the council will consider the mayor’s recommendations for councilmember assignments to regional boards and committees. David Wolbrecht said the study session before the business agenda will include an overview of the Kirkland Community Court, a therapeutic problem‑solving court that addresses low‑level, nonviolent misdemeanors and emphasizes accountability and long‑term behavior change.

Wolbrecht also described a pilot program to provide a dedicated sexual assault legal advocate for survivors in Kirkland, saying staff will present an update and welcome council questions and feedback. The hosts noted the council meeting will be streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel and Facebook page and that materials and links are available in the podcast show notes.

The podcast closed the preview by reminding listeners that the Monday before the meeting is Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and listing volunteer opportunities and service‑site links on the city website. City administrative offices will be closed on that holiday.

The council meeting is scheduled for Jan. 20; the podcast recommended viewers check the city’s streaming platforms and the agenda packet for full documents and staff reports.