Black seeks re-election to the Kirkland Council

KIRKLAND, WA (April 12, 2021) - Councilmember Neal Black announced that he is running for re-election to the Kirkland City Council. Black was first elected to the Council in 2019, filling a seat vacated by former Mayor Amy Walen, who was elected in 2018 to the State House of Representatives. That seat expires at the end of 2021.

Although Black has been on the Council only two years, his work has already garnered praise from leaders in the Kirkland community. "I've watched with interest Neal’s first year on the Council," said former Kirkland Councilmember Tom Neir. "He's thoughtful, listens to the concerns of others, works cooperatively with fellow councilmembers and city staff, comes prepared, and prioritizes sound government decision-making."

In addition to former Councilmember Neir, Black is endorsed by Walen, former Kirkland Mayor and former State Representative Joan McBride, State Senator Patty Kuderer, State Representative Roger Goodman, State Representative Davina Duerr, and King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci.

“My first year on the Council saw unprecedented challenges for the city, including COVID, calls for new approaches to community safety in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, social inequalities laid bare by the pandemic, small business owners and their workers hit hard by the COVID response, and renewed calls for more access to affordable housing” said Black in announcing his run for re-election. “I’m extremely proud of what our city and community were able to achieve this year, even in the face of these challenging issues, but I know there is more to be done. The groundwork is laid for addressing these and other challenges, and I’m excited to continue my service to Kirkland’s residents.”

Black intends to use his time on the Council to prioritize affordable housing by adopting policies that encourage a greater mix of housing types, relief and recovery for business owners, workers, and residents hit hardest by the pandemic, thoughtful and sustainable planning for economic development and growth around transit hubs and walkable neighborhood centers, more and diverse transportation options that reduce congestion, and fostering a community where people have equal access to opportunities.

“It’s important to have city leaders who care about a safe and welcoming community,” said McBride. “Neal has demonstrated his commitment to a Kirkland where everyone living, working, and visiting feels safe, is afforded equal access to affordable housing and other opportunities, and knows they belong.”

In addition to his work on the Kirkland City Council, Black is a frequent volunteer. He coached and managed at every level of Kirkland American Little League for over 10 years. He is also a current member of the Board of Trustees of the King County Bar Association, where he helps oversee the Housing Justice Project and other pro bono programs that provide civil legal aid to the most vulnerable in the community.

After graduating from Stanford University and Georgetown Law, Black settled in Kirkland in 1998 with his wife. He is a partner in his own law firm, Adkins Black. He advises businesses in the software technology sector and represents many of the region’s software technology companies. Councilmember Black has also taught at Seattle University and the University of Washington law schools.

“I love my work on the Council,” said Black. “My commitment is to compassionate, thoughtful, service-oriented decision-making, coupled with proactive community engagement, regardless of the issue.”

To learn more about Black, visit his campaign website at www.votenealblack.com.