Employer to leave Kirkland over homeless housing planned near its headquarters

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

Inrix President and CEO Bryan Mistele on Friday posted on the social platform X that the company is moving out of its longtime home in Kirkland because a "homeless hotel" is set to open "right across the street from our current HQ."

He added that when he took his concerns to the City Council, people were not allowed to speak on the topic of the permanent supportive housing project for up to 102 individuals. It's set to open this year in the former La Quinta Inn at 10530 Northup Way, about a third of mile across Lake Washington Boulevard Northeast from Inrix's headquarters of 18 years.

Though Mistel's post said Inrix last week signed a lease that "will move us out of Kirkland," it did not say where the company is moving. With between 75 and 100 employees, the traffic management company is Kirkland's 60th-largest employer, according to the city. Inrix has not yet responded to a Business Journal inquiry.

Link to tweet

"Inrix has been a valued part of Kirkland’s business community, and we hope they decide to return to Kirkland in the future," the city said in a statement.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2025/03/03/frustrated-city-inrix-will-leave-kirkland.html

60th largest employer? Whatever will they do? Don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you.

[Phoenix61]

1. NIMBY strikes again.

I’ve never had a problem with any unhoused person. Drunk dudes in a bar? More times than I can count.

[msongs]

2. maybe the motel thing is just an excuse and there's more going on nt

[Wounded Bear]

5. Probably...nt

[pandr32]

3. My son is a Compass Housing Project Manager.

He also sits on the Housing Consortium Board. He spends a lot of time convincing business owners that it makes more sense for homeless people to be in a secure environment that meets their needs and helps them get back on their feet, than to have them sleeping in doorways and on the streets. These 'hotel projects' are completely staffed all the time and have good security to keep drug dealers away from residents. They get nutritional meals unless the conversions equip small kitchens. Many of the residents are veterans, and some have children.
These old hotels attract trouble. This is a win for the community because the buildings are revamped, secured, and put to good use.
I am disgusted that this 'employer' has taken this attitude. F him.

[Bobstandard]

4. They're part of the evil empire

One of the things this company does is help other companies link their consumer and other targeting data to geographic locations that apps you use and even your car provide to third parties. In other words, they make it easier to find you based on your purchases, and your options. They’re the kind of company that hopes to get a big contract with Trumps Abwher.