Kirkland Needs to Sell Houghton Village NOW.

Nearly four years after purchasing Houghton Village, the City of Kirkland is still trying their hand at being landlord and property manager to this site. This at a cost of over $15 million to taxpayers. And with no path forward other than throwing more good taxpayer money after bad.

This role extends well beyond the City’s core responsibilities and competancies and continues to tie up staff work hours, public funds, and community attention. Private-sector ownership is better positioned to manage redevelopment risk, while the City’s role should be to set policy and provide regulatory clarity. The City’s role is NOT to micromanage commercial real estate indefinitely.

Recent appraisals suggest the property could be sold in a way that recovers much of the City’s sunk investment and ends ongoing carrying costs.

If you agree it’s time to bring this to a responsible conclusion, please use the button below to send a letter to the Kirkland City Council asking them to move forward with the sale of the Houghton Village property.