Jon C Pascal

Enjoyed teaching Ms Fishman’s Government classes today at Juanita High School. A total of 3 classes! I was able to give the students a crash course on local government.

ALERT: This post is primarily for those interested in land use policy.

At the last Kirkland city council meeting, there was a proposal on regulations intended to catalyze redevelopment in the 85th Street Subarea. As many of you might know, the City spent nearly three years developing a vision and supporting regulations to reimagine this area. Despite that effort, no development has occurred to date.

During the discussion, I raised concerns about a newly introduced minimum density requirement that was added to the ordinance. Below is what I had to say about the proposed ordinance.

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I want to start by saying that I support the proposed changes for the 85th Street Station Area Plan. This is an important opportunity to catalyze development and deliver on the vision we’ve set for this area.

However, I do have concerns about the proposed minimum density requirements.

At a high level, I understand the intent. We all want to ensure that this area develops in a way that makes the most of its proximity to high-capacity transit. That’s a goal I share. But I don’t believe minimum density regulations are the right tool to achieve it.

The reality is that the type of development we see whether that’s townhomes, mixed-use buildings, or higher-density housing, is largely a product of both market conditions and the regulatory framework we put in place. Property owners and developers will pursue what is financially feasible and what pencils out. In most cases, that means building to the highest and best use already allowed.

Instead of limiting certain types of development through minimum density thresholds, we should be focused on incentivizing the kinds of development we want to see. If higher-density is our goal, then our policies should make those outcomes easier, not risk discouraging investment altogether.

And this concern isn’t theoretical. It’s something we’ve heard directly from the development community. At the forum last year on 85th Street, builders expressed frustration with what they see as mixed signals. On one hand, we’re saying we want to encourage redevelopment and investment in this area. On the other, we’re introducing additional requirements that can act as barriers, especially in a market that is already challenging.

Even if the minimum density requirement may seem minor, it creates uncertainty. It raises questions for investors and property owners about how predictable our regulatory environment really is. And when there’s uncertainty, projects get delayed, scaled back, or sometimes don’t happen at all.

That’s the risk we should be most concerned about. Because if our goal is to catalyze development in the station area, we need to be sending a clear and consistent message: that we are open for investment, and that we are making it as straightforward as possible to build.

Minimum density may be a well-intentioned idea, but in this context, it introduces friction where we should be removing it.

I would like us to remove the density requirements. So I will be voting against this ordinance.

🐕 🐶 Giving out treats to a furry friend while the mayor and park board chair cut the ribbon at our now permanent dog park at Juanita Beach Park.

Celebrating a local legend who continues to unite Kirkland and Seahawks fans through his passion and storytelling he does through the camera lens.

Decades on the sideline: Photographer captures Seattle Seahawks history Corky Trewin began working as a Seahawks photographer in 1979. He's been capturing the franchises' history ever since.

Attended the Seahawks rally today at Marina Park. Great to see such community spirit. Blue thunder was there and I was able to connect with the legendary Jim Zorn! Thanks to the Kirkland Seahawkers for organizing the event! 🏈💚💙🏈 Go Hawks!

It was an honor to be sworn in for my third term on Kirkland’s City Council last week. I am deeply grateful for the trust the voters have placed in me and for the opportunity to continue serving our city. I’m especially thankful to my family for their constant support, and to the many friends, colleagues, and community members who were able to attend the ceremony and share in the moment. Your encouragement and engagement continue to inspire my commitment and service to Kirkland!

Happy New Year!

Please join me for my Swearing-In Ceremony as I officially begin my new 4-year term on the city council.

📅 Date: January 6, 2026
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Location: Kirkland City Hall Council Chambers

Without your support, the opportunity to continue serving the Kirkland community would not have been possible. Your attendance at the ceremony would mean a lot to me. I’m excited to get to work and help continue shaping the future of Kirkland together.

Hope to see you there!

Election Day was over a week ago, and ballots have been largely counted. I’m humbled and grateful to have been re-elected to continue serving you on the City Council.

This campaign wasn’t about a title—it was about balance. About keeping space for every voice, ensuring decisions are guided by data and genuine community input.

Together, you showed that Kirkland believes in progress that brings people together, not progress that leaves them behind. From early-morning sign-wavers to evening door-knockers, this was truly a campaign of neighbors, grounded in shared hope for our city’s future.

Even in a time of differing views, voters reaffirmed what matters most—thoughtful, local leadership that listens and focuses on what works for Kirkland.

Thank you for believing in our city, in one another, and in the kind of progress that unites. I look forward to continuing this work together.

Initial election results are out, and while there are still a lot of ballots to count, I’m feeling really good about where we are.

It will still be a few days before we have final vote counts, but I want to pause and say thank you for all the support I’ve received from you. First and foremost, thank you for voicing what’s important for our City and for your Council. It was incredible to see the level of community engagement in this election. Thank you for hosting yard signs, attending candidate forums, writing letters of support, and having conversations with friends, neighbors, and other voters. And thank you for being part of a campaign effort that was respectful and stayed true to our values. No matter the outcome, I feel inspired by the love and care that you continue to show for the place we call home.