My feedback on Kirkland’s 2027-8 “Budget Game”

Feedback submitted to the City of Kirkland for their 2027-2028 budget process. I’m all in on Human Services and Affordable Housing! Kirkland’s “budget game” in their twice-annual printed newspaper I notice a vast imbalance between the Human Services and Affordable Housing budget and the Police and Court budget. Is it possible that shifting some funds away from policing and into prevention and support might yield better outcomes? I have heard that Baltimore is a success story in changing their policing approach, reducing the number of police officers while radically reducing gun violence — granted Kirkland has a significantly different crime profile. Just $1m, 1% of the $100m Police and Court budget, seems like it would be a truly meaningful increase in the $8m currently allocated to Human Services and Affordable Housing. (Don’t take from the Community Court program though please!) The entire region is in the midst of a long-term housing crisis. Kirkland is leading the way amongst its…

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