Ken Oberman for Kirkland City Council

A Fresh Perspective for a Thriving Kirkland

Why I’m Running

Kirkland is evolving, and I see these changes every day. My wife, Suzie, and I moved to Kirkland because of its small-town feel, walkable downtown, and strong sense of community. We loved the charm, the accessibility, and the fact that this felt like a place where neighbors know each other.

Kirkland continues to grow—sometimes in ways that make sense, and sometimes in ways that feel rushed and disconnected from the people who call this city home. From downtown to Kingsgate and Lakeview to Finn Hill, our neighborhoods are experiencing different challenges. Some are feeling the pressure of rapid development, while others struggle with traffic congestion, limited transit options, and disappearing tree canopy.

I am running for City Council because Kirkland deserves leaders who listen and who put community first. With decades of experience managing large budgets, negotiating complex deals, and making strategic decisions, I understand how to balance priorities, cut through inefficiencies, and ensure that our city remains livable, safe, and financially sound.

1. Thoughtful Growth That Protects Our Neighborhoods

We all want housing choices, unique neighborhoods, and better infrastructure—but not at the cost of livability. Growth must be balanced, planned, and responsive to community needs—not dictated by outside forces.

✅ Preserve Residential Zoning & Neighborhood Stability

We all deserve to keep residential character in Kirkland’s thirteen neighborhoods. I will work to preserve single-family zoning and help ensure that future growth enhances, rather than replaces, our community identity.
We can add housing choices without eliminating single-family neighborhoods. I will support gentle density (such as townhomes, duplexes, and ADUs) where it makes sense, and increased density where it is supported without forcing one-size-fits-all policies on every neighborhood.

✅ Listen to Residents Before Making Development Decisions

I will push for earlier and more extensive public engagement in zoning changes so that all neighborhoods have a voice before projects break ground.
I will call for the preservation of Neighborhood Plans to be owned by Neighborhood Associations.

✅ Fix Infrastructure Before Expanding Density

Growth means more cars, more demand on roads, more strain on utilities and more impact on schools. Before approving large projects, I will fight for a deep and comprehensive Environmental Impact Study (SEIS) to ensure our city can handle it.
Developers must contribute their fair share—impact fees should fund road improvements, parks, and essential services – we cannot rely on Multifamily Tax Exemptions (MFTE) to the point of exhausting the budgets of fellow neighbors to pay for Kirkland’s growth.

✅ Preserve Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces

Green spaces are not an afterthought. I will push for minimum green space requirements in new developments and fight to keep Kirkland’s tree canopy intact.
Whether you live near Juanita Bay Park or Big Finn Hill Park, everyone deserves access to nature.

Growth is necessary, but it must be intentional and well-planned. I will ensure Kirkland remains a place where people want to enjoy life—not just a place to live.

2. A Safe and Secure Kirkland

My wife and I live in Moss Bay, and we witness firsthand the importance of safety in public spaces, parks, transit centers and residential areas. Whether you’re walking home from dinner, taking your kids to the park, or commuting through town, you deserve to feel safe.

✅ Expand First Responder Services Across Kirkland

I will work for fully staffed fire and police departments that keep pace with Kirkland’s growth.
Response times should be fast and reliable and equitable across Kirkland now and as we grow.

✅ Ensure Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Works for Everyone

We need clear accountability measures for PSH service providers to ensure residents are supported and surrounding communities are safe.
I will push for regular safety assessments, so neighborhoods aren’t left dealing with issues alone.

✅ Enhance Public Safety in Parks, Trails, and Downtown Areas

I will work with law enforcement and community groups to increase lighting, community policing, and patrols in areas where residents feel vulnerable.

I will prioritize public safety—ensuring our neighborhoods, parks, and business districts remain places where people feel secure.

3. Strengthening Small Businesses

A thriving economy requires more than just development—it requires supporting small businesses, expanding job diversity, and ensuring accessible retail spaces.

✅ Protect Local Jobs & Business Space

Monitor the loss of business and industrial space across Kirkland due to housing conversions.
Ensure mixed-use developments include commercial spaces to sustain diverse employment opportunities of all sizes.

✅ Improve Retail & Transit Access for Residents and Businesses

Ensure new commercial developments maintain convenient parking and transit access.
Push for expanded bus service and pedestrian-friendly connections between neighborhoods and business centers in and out of Kirkland.

I will work for a Kirkland economy that supports businesses and job opportunities citywide.

4. Prioritizing Transparent Spending Decisions

Kirkland’s budget must reflect community priorities, not special interests.

✅ Ensure Equitable City Investments

Push for infrastructure funding that reflects the needs of all of Kirkland.
Expand public budget transparency so residents can see exactly how funds are being allocated across neighborhoods.

I will make sure Kirkland’s budget reflects the priorities of all residents citywide.

5. Preserving Our Parks, Trees & Open Spaces

Kirkland’s parks, tree canopy, and residential neighborhoods must be protected from overdevelopment.

✅ Strengthen Tree & Habitat Protections

Ensure stronger enforcement of tree protections in areas like Finn Hill, Rose Hill and Kingsgate, where tree canopy is critical for stormwater management.
Incentivize developers to preserve more trees and plant a variety of trees, including evergreen and native trees, to offset the environmental impacts of their work.

I will be a champion for Kirkland’s natural spaces—ensuring they remain accessible, sustainable, and protected.

The Bottom Line

I am running to unite Kirkland—ensuring every neighborhood has a voice and that our city grows responsibly.

✔ Preserving residential zoning to protect neighborhoods.
✔ Thoughtful growth that enhances livability.
✔ Public safety that serves all of Kirkland.
✔ A strong economy with job diversity.
✔ Transparent spending and fiscal responsibility.
✔ Neighborhood engagement that ensures every resident is heard.
✔ Parks, trees, and open spaces that remain protected.

I am ready to bring a fresh perspective, practical solutions, and real results to Kirkland’s City Council—for every neighborhood, every resident, and every future generation.