The Kenmore Top 4: May 17, 2024

You're Invited: Middle Housing Open House May 22
On Wednesday, May 22 the City of Kenmore will be hosting an open house from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at City Hall to discuss Middle Housing, new state regulations, and what that means for the future of housing in Kenmore. Following a very brief introduction, participants will be invited to rotate through several stations where they may learn more and ask questions. There will be several more opportunities to engage with staff at upcoming Farmers Markets and special events, 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 visit kenmorewa.gov/middlehousing.

Kenmore's Financial Future: Ballot Measure Discussions Continue this Monday
At the May 20 meeting, the City Council will continue discussing Kenmore's financial future and possible ballot measure options for 2024. These ballot measure options include forming a Metropolitan Parks District (MPD) to fund ongoing parks maintenance needs and future parks projects, or a property tax levy lid lift to fund growing public safety costs. Public comments regarding the ballot measure discussions are welcome, and can be emailed to clerks@kenmorewa.gov.

This discussion follows recommendations that were recently presented to the City Council by the the community led Financial Sustainability Task Force. The Task Force was convened earlier this year to update the current Financial Sustainability Plan and plan for an upcoming structural deficit in Kenmore's operating budget due to to the State's 1% limitation on property tax growth, larger than anticipated increases in public safety costs, and other factors.

Updates on Affordable Housing and Homelessness in King County
Last week was the North King County Affordable Housing 101 Lunch and Learn, which showcased an overview by the Housing Development Consortium on the regional housing landscape, an introduction to NUHSA’s new affordable housing glossary, and a roundtable affordable housing update from North King County cities. On Tuesday, community members gathered with Councilmembers Sasson and Srebnik to continue the discussion of affordable housing in Kenmore – thank you to all that participated in this lunch and learn opportunity! View the recording of the event.

This week, the King County Regional Homelessness Authority published the initial report on the 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, which is a metric required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to estimate the number of people experiencing homelessness annually in King County. The report found that on any given night, there are an estimated 16,385 individuals experiencing homelessness in King County. The larger report, including sub-regional numbers, is expected to be published this summer.

Explore the Outdoors This Weekend in Kenmore
Kenmore Waterfront Activities Center (KWAC) invites you to bring your family and friends to try different hand-powered water sports at the Kenmore Waterfront Fair on Sunday, May 19 from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This event is free and open to all and will include fun demonstrations and opportunities to try kayaking, paddling, and more. KWAC is a nonprofit provider of community oriented hand-powered water sports in north Lake Washington, operating out of ƛ̕ax̌ʷadis (Tl' awh-ah-dees) Park. See event schedule and details.

Want to explore more this weekend? On Saturday, May 18, Kids to Parks Day will be celebrated nationally with events and activities to connect kids to outdoor experiences in parks. Join Kids to Parks Day on Saturday from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Saint Edward State Park with fun activities to get kids and families exploring the great outdoors in Kenmore. This event is hosted by Friends of Saint Edward State Park. See all Kids to Parks Day events in the area here.