Meet Ken MacKenzie

Ken is a longtime Kirkland resident, dedicated community volunteer, and thoughtful civic leader. From youth sports fields to City advisory groups, Ken has always stepped up to serve. Learn more about his background, his values, and why he’s ready to lead Kirkland forward.

Ken MacKenzie is a dedicated community leader, proud Kirkland resident, and passionate advocate for preserving and enhancing the environment and quality of life that makes Kirkland such a special place to live. He believes that strong neighborhoods are the foundation of our community — and he’s committed to protecting them at a time when the current City Council majority is increasingly aligned against neighborhood voices and values.

Ken and his family moved to Kirkland in 2009, drawn by its welcoming neighborhoods, outstanding public schools, and deep sense of community. After a successful career in computer software and hardware product development, Ken chose to become a stay-at-home Dad in support of Nicole, his wife, who works full time. He and Nicole raised two children, who both graduated from local public schools and are now thriving in college.

Over the years, Ken has consistently stepped up to serve Kirkland. He’s helped coach youth sports, volunteered in local schools, supported the Lake Washington Schools Foundation, and founded the nonprofit Friends of Kirkland Scouting — an inclusive organization that offers outdoor leadership programs to empower Kirkland’s youth.

Ken brings a proven record of civic leadership and neighborhood advocacy. He has worked closely with the City of Kirkland and residents for more than a decade, including:

  • Representing the Market Neighborhood Association at the Kirkland Alliance of Neighborhoods (KAN) since 2016, and serving as Market Neighborhood Association Treasurer since 2022

  • Providing Neighborhood leadership during the 2019 update of the Market Street Corridor chapter of Kirkland’s Comprehensive Plan

  • Advising the City on public safety and emergency services funding as a member of the Community Safety Advisory Group in 2019-20

  • Contributing to long-term parks and recreation planning through the 2022-23 Parks Funding Exploratory Committee

When City proposals failed to protect neighborhoods, taxpayers, or Kirkland’s character, Ken took action — teaming with others to somewhat moderate the 85th St Corridor Station Area Plan in 2020-2023 and leading hugely successful grassroots campaigns against flawed ballot measures in 2015 and 2023.  Ken believes City government must be fair, open, and careful with our money while serving residents first and thoughtfully planning for the future. 

As a member of the City Council, he will work tirelessly for:

  • Thriving Neighborhoods

  • Thoughtful Growth

  • Residents First

  • Sensible spending and taxes

  • Parks

With Ken MacKenzie on City Council, voters can count on sensible, balanced decisions—and leadership that puts Kirkland’s residents and neighborhoods first.

Ken and his wife Nicole at Waverly Beach Park in Kirkland..

Ken attended the meeting October 10, 2024 meeting of the Kirkland Planning Commission and heard considerable debate among the Commissioners about Kirkland Neighborhoods.  Some spoke favorably about them and most were negative.  This video is the official City recoding of Ken’s reaction to the discussion.  This is during the normal public comment period at the end of the meeting.  The recording starts just after the Chair completed a long prepared speech telling the audience about the rules for making public comments.