It's Official: Annexation Takes Effect

The Kirkland City Council and other city officials gathered at the intersection of 100th Avenue NE and NE 145th Street in north Juanita early Wednesday morning to unveil a "Welcome to Kirkland" sign and mark the annexation of three northern neighborhoods.

A minute after the stroke of midnight, as annexation took effect after years of debate and controversy, Mayor Joan McBride removed the covering from the street sign to cheers from a small crowd.

The Finn Hill, north Juanita and Kingsgate neighborhoods are now officially part of Kirkland, adding 33,000 residents to the city for a total population of almost 80,000 residents.

"It's a big deal," said Councilmember Amy Walen as the clock ticked toward 12:01 a.m. "A lot of work went into this, and I think it's good government."

Added Deputy Mayor Penny Sweet: "I think it's about time. I'm excited."

The unveiling began three days of celebrations marking the annexation. Events include an open house at  Wednesday (4-7 p.m.), a business breakfast Thursday (7:30-9:30 a.m.) at , and a community function at  on Friday (starting at 3 p.m.). For details, see the cty’s annexation web pages.