Update on proposed $20 car tab fee increase
Oct 17, 2022 6:40 PM
James Lopez of city of Kirkland
Update on proposed $20 car tab fee increase
The Kirkland City Council is seeking to accelerate investments for sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and street medians that will give students, families and workers safe bicycle and pedestrian routes for getting to school, stores and offices. The council is evaluating a $20 car tab fee to create a dedicated median maintenance crew and fund the 45 highest priority projects in six years instead of 20-30 years.
 
James Lopez is the deputy city manager for external affairs at the city of Kirkland. As part of his duties with the city, Mr. Lopez is responsible for the administration of the city’s economic development, civic engagement, communications, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging programs. Prior to becoming the deputy city manager for external affairs, Mr. Lopez served as assistant city manager and director of human resources and performance management for the city of Kirkland. Mr. Lopez has also served as senior advisor to the King County Department of Housing and Urban Development Deputy Secretary, and as King County Executive Ron Sims' deputy chief of staff. Mr. Lopez holds an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a JD from Case Western Reserve University.