The Kenmore Top 4: March 1, 2024

Homelessness Outreach Services in Kenmore Extended through 2024
On February 26, the City Council authorized an extension of the contract with Lake City Partners Ending Homelessness (LCPEH) for homelessness outreach services through the end of 2024. LCPEH will continue to provide outreach services to the unhoused residents of Kenmore, including weekly office hours at the Kenmore Library on Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. In 2022, the City Council authorized a pilot program that was made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act; a homelessness response pilot program was the top vote-getter in earlier community engagement efforts. This 10-month extension will run through December 31, 2024 and will maintain the same level of service at a lower cost than the earlier contract. Members of the public are invited to reach out to the LCPEH outreach specialists if they encounter unhoused residents in need of assistance; their contact information is:

• Carrie Czarnecki: 206-913-2267 ext. 5 (carrie@lakecitypartners.org)
• Matt Keenan: 206-659-5109 (matt@lakecitypartners.org)

Severe Weather Shelter Opening this Weekend:
It's going to get cold again this weekend and in multiple pockets of North King County overnight temperatures warrant a Tier 2 Severe Weather Activation. The Severe Weather Shelter at St. Dunstan's Church in Shoreline will be opening overnight to guests March 1 - March 3.

More work being done on top two themes of Community Spaces and Economic Development:
Given the public’s interest in the two main themes of Community Spaces and Economic Development (heard through the first phase of LWYL engagement) and the City Council’s matching priorities in economic development and downtown, next week, a panel of experts from the Urban Land Institute will examine Kenmore’s downtown and its possibilities during a two day workshop with local business owners. 

With similar public and City Council interest in the Lakepointe property, City staff recently applied for a King County Conservation Futures grant that would help the City acquire the shoreline, including a 100-150 foot wide buffer, around the Lakepointe property. This grant application is a placeholder pending what public input comes out of phase 2 of LWYL. See the Lakepointe webpage for updated FAQs or the new Lakepointe FAQ handout for more information. 

Visit kenmorewa.gov/lovewhereyoulive for more information or to share your ideas virtually. 

March is Women's History Month in Kenmore
This week, the City Council proclaimed March 2024 as Women's History Month in Kenmore. Women's History Month recognizes that women from all backgrounds have played a significant role in shaping the course of our country and world, despite facing barriers and discrimination. The City makes this proclamation to honor and celebrate the women who have paved the way for progress, and to stand with women today as we work towards a more just and equitable society for all. Read the proclamation and see a photo of Kenmore resident Suzanne Greathouse accepting the proclamation, or find a new book recommendation from the King County Library System's Women's History Month reading list. 

The 2024 Special Events Calendar is Here With More Fun on the Way
The 2024 City of Kenmore Special Events calendar has been released! Seasonal fun and vibrant community events (including the return of the Farmers Market, 4th of July Fireworks, and summer concerts) are right around the corner. Check out the schedule and stay tuned for event details and updates at kenmorewa.gov/events.