Kirkland Mayor Joan McBride Announces Plans to Retire

Mayor Joan McBride announced that she will not run for reelection in November, reconfirming her previous intentions to not run for a fifth term. 

“We have a great city council now and I’m confident that as I retire the city is in able hands and on a great course forward,” McBride said in a press release.  “I intend to serve out my term with the same enthusiasm and commitment to our city that I brought to the job 16 years ago."

McBride told Patch that she hasn't decided yet what comes next for her, but she said it will surely include "more time for family and travel."

McBride said in the news release that several projects stand out as highlights for her during her tenure, including:

• Advocating for funds for critical transportation projects such as the 116th freeway project, and the Kirkland Transit Center. 
• Championing affordable housing in the city with projects such as Plum Court and the South Kirkland Park and Ride Transit Oriented Development. 
• Advocating for a council Ethics Policy and Code of Conduct. 
• Working to save a number of public art installations and advocating for bike and pedestrian safety. 
• Becoming an early supporter of the Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) and both the youth and senior councils.  
• Serving on the city's Finance Committee that helped ensure Kirkland's AAA S&P rating and clean audits, even during an economic downturn.

McBride is a staunch supporter of Kirkland Parks and Open Spaces, and was instrumental in efforts to provide Domestic Partner Benefits for Kirkland Employees. In 2001, Kirkland became the first city to provide such benefits.