The 2023 legislative session kickoff is upon us, which is an exciting time for the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and the business community. As we look towards the coming year, the Chamber will be focused on a number of key issues that have the potential to impact our businesses and our community.
One of the main priorities for the Chamber will be housing. In Kirkland and the surrounding area, there is a growing need for more attainable housing options for both businesses and residents. We will be working with lawmakers to advocate for policies that support the development of more housing units, as well as initiatives that help to make housing more affordable for those who live and work in our community. This includes an emphasis on missing middle housing.
Transportation is another top priority for us this session. Kirkland’s growing population and thriving economy are putting pressure on our roads and public transit system, and we need to ensure that our infrastructure is able to support the needs of our community. We are advocating for investments in transportation infrastructure, as well as improvements to our public transit system to make it more efficient and accessible.
Of course, the vitality of our local economy is always a key concern for the Chamber. We are working to create a business-friendly environment in Kirkland that will allow our businesses to thrive and create jobs. We support policies that help to create a strong and thriving local economy, including initiatives that support small businesses and encourage economic development.
Finally, we are committed to ensuring that Kirkland is a safe place to live, work, and visit. We are working with local law enforcement and community organizations to promote public safety initiatives that will make a positive impact on our community.
As the legislative session progresses, the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce will be working hard to advocate for the interests of our business community. We encourage all of our members to get involved and make your voices heard on the issues that matter to you. Our Public Policy Committee meets on the 4th Monday of each month at 12pm at Windermere Kirkland (1302 Market Street). Join us for a meeting! Zoom option is available as well. Together, we can make a real difference for the businesses and residents of Kirkland.