The Kenmore Top 4: April 12, 2024

Hop On Board – This Caravan is Moving!
We’re picking up speed. Big things are happening.
A few weeks ago, City Manager Rob Karlinsey sent out a “Hot Topics Coming Your Way” article and asked you to “hop in and buckle up.” What a difference a few weeks can make. Under the direction of the City Council, things are moving forward. Here’s an update to each of those hot topics. We hope you’re still buckled in; if not, it’s not too late to hop on board. Here’s the summary list of the hot topics:

Human Services Needs Assessment Update and Upcoming Workshop
The City of Kenmore recently conducted a needs assessment to learn more about what support systems our community needs to help residents through economic and personal crisis and provide opportunities for all Kenmore residents to thrive. The results will be used to develop guiding principles and funding priorities for human services grant funding, a four-year human services strategic plan, and workplan for the 2025-2026 biennium.

Among the important takeaways was that while there are human services available in the region, many of those in need have challenges in accessing those services, such as lack of awareness, not knowing how to access services, or transportation challenges in getting to those services. There are also services (such as healthcare, mental health treatment, and affordable housing) that have demand exceeding supply. Click here to see the City Council presentation.

Residents are invited to a Human Services Needs Assessment Workshop on May 6 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at City Hall, to learn more and provide feedback on guiding principles, key findings, and draft funding priorities. The final needs assessment will be produced and presented to the City Council in May or June. 

Let's Talk Kenmore Podcast on New Streaming Platforms
The City's new podcast, Let's Talk Kenmore, can now be found on major streaming platforms. You can listen to the podcast here:

• Apple
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• YouTube
• City Website

Let’s Talk Kenmore is a lighthearted podcast aimed at connecting citizens to their local government and demystifying the role of government in the city of Kenmore. Have an idea for a podcast topic? Submit it here.

Kenmore Ranks #5 for Safewise Safest Cities
Recently, Kenmore was ranked as the 5th safest city in Washington according to the annual Safewise Safest Cities report. Safewise uses FBI crime statistics data and demographic information to rank cities in each state and across the country. The "safest" cities rankings are intended to highlight cities with low crime rates and ignite conversation and action around how to make all cities and communities safer. Thank you to the Kenmore Police, and to our residents, who work together to make Kenmore a thriving and safe community!

Interested in learning more about crime and safety updates in Kenmore?The City Council will have a public safety study session on Monday, April 22, which will also include an annual report from Kenmore's Police Chief, Brandon Moen.