The Kenmore Top 4: May 10, 2024

City Council Will Continue Discussions Around Kenmore's Financial Future on May 20
On Monday evening, the City Council held a study session including a presentation and discussion of recommendations from the Financial Sustainability Task Force, a summary of results from The Love Where You Live Project community engagement, and a presentation and discussion of preliminary ballot measure options, including timelines and future funding needs such as public safety, human services, and parks. View the study session here.

One of the Financial Sustainability Plan (FSP) Task Force recommendations is to form a Metropolitan Parks District (MPD) to fund ongoing parks maintenance needs and future parks projects. The City Council will continue the discussion about a possible 2024 MPD ballot measure, and what that could fund or look like, at the May 20 City Council meeting. Public comments regarding the FSP Task Force recommendations and the ballot measure discussion are welcome, and can be emailed to the City Clerks, clerks@kenmorewa.gov.

You're Invited: Middle Housing Open House May 22
Last week, several community engagement opportunities were announced to learn about the new middle housing policies and regulations project. We’re excited to announce there is another opportunity this month! The City of Kenmore is hosting an open house on Wednesday, May 22, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m in the Council Chambers at City Hall. There will be a very brief introduction and then there will be several stations where participants may learn more and ask questions about the project. If you’re unable to attend this event, don’t worry. There are several more opportunities to engage with staff at the June 5, July 17, and August 7 Farmers Markets, an online community survey, and at Planning Commission and City Council meetings later this summer. For more information, please contact Todd Hall, thall@kenmorewa.gov or stay up to date at kenmorewa.gov/middlehousing.

Kenmore Celebrates Sara Solum Hayashi Day
This week, the City Council proclaimed May 7, 2024, as Sara Solum Hayashi Day in Kenmore! This special day celebrates Sara and the countless hours she has committed to beautifying Kenmore, building relationships, supporting local artists and art projects, and bringing people immense joy as the Executive Director of Arts of Kenmore. Sara is stepping down from her role and Kenmore wishes her the best on her future endeavors. Thank you for leaving your beautiful mark on Kenmore, Sara! Read the Sara Solum Hayashi Day proclamation here.

Community Emergency Radio and Family Communication Class
The Northshore Emergency Management Coalition (NEMCo) is offering a Community Emergency Radio and Family Communication Class on Tuesday, May 21 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Fire Station 51 in Kenmore. This free class is open to all Northshore and surrounding community residents. In this class, you will learn to set up a Family Emergency Communication Plan, where to get local news and information, how to operate FRS/GMRS handheld radios during a community emergency, and setting up a Neighbor-to-Neighbor Network with your radio. This class is essential to your basic community preparation skills and no previous radio experience is required. Enroll for the class here. For more information visit NorthshoreEMC.com.