It's Winterfest in Kenmore on December 14 at City Hall and the Hangar from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This special event is sponsored by Imagine Housing and will feature festive games and activities for the family and a large POP! Shop Kenmore craft market that includes 38 different vendors. Winterfest will also feature a mini igloo-building activity, gift wrapping station, musical performances, seasonal beverages & snacks, collection of food donations for local food access programs, and more.
In addition to City events from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thoughtful Citizens will host a no-sew scarf-making event from 10 a.m. to noon, Kenmore Heritage Society is bringing back Photos with Santa (free, but reservations required) and activity tables at Kenmore Camera from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Kenmore Veterinary Hospital will offer Pet Photos (free, but reservations required) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Join us for fun for all ages! Find more details at kenmorewa.gov/winterfest.
On November 25, the City Council adopted the 2025 - 2026 Biennial Budget and the accompanying Financial Sustainability Plan. The 239-page proposed budget is ambitious and full of meaningful and important work, including a plan for spending the remaining $2 million of the one-time “Special Projects” funding made possible by the pandemic-era American Rescue Plan Act. The budget also provides funding to perform due diligence and testing for the potential acquisition of a portion of the Lakepointe Property. The City Council held a series of budget discussions throughout the fall, including public hearings on November 12 and November 25.
That same evening, the City Council also adopted the Financial Sustainability Plan (FSP). The FSP Task Force, which was made up of community members and convened last year, finalized its recommendations and presented its plan to the City Council this past spring. Because many of those recommendations were incorporated into the 2025 - 2026 Biennial Budget, the City Council reviewed a modified plan presented by the City Manager on November 12. Visit kenmorewa.gov/budget to view what’s inside the 2025 - 2026 Biennial Budget and to keep up on the latest budget updates.
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Community Development Director Debbie Bent Recognized with Myer Wolfe Award for Excellence in Planning |
Kenmore's Community Development Director Debbie Bent was recently honored with the Myer Wolfe Award by the American Planning Association (APA) Washington Chapter. This distinguished award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the field of planning and have made a lasting impact on their communities. Bent's career exemplifies this commitment, as she has been a leader in the planning field for more than 30 years, with over 27 years of service in Washington state and 26 years at the City of Kenmore. Read the press release.
The Community Development Department and the Planning Commission have officially finalized the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. This plan serves as a strategic roadmap for the future, outlining objectives, policies, and actions to enhance the quality of life for residents over the next decade. The Comprehensive Plan is a multifaceted document that addresses various aspects of community development, including land use, housing, transportation, public services, and environmental sustainability. It aims to create a cohesive vision that aligns with the community’s needs and aspirations while promoting sustainable growth. It is required to be updated every 10 years.
Kenmore's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Advisory Committee is currently seeking to fill vacant positions. The DEIA Committee is made up of members who either live or work in Kenmore, reflect the city’s diversity, and have relevant DEIA experience through their education, work, or other lived experience. The Committee meets quarterly to advocate for DEIA within the city, engage the community, address barriers for marginalized groups, promote accessibility, and monitor progress on the DEIA Strategic Plan.
To apply to join the DEIA Advisory Committee, submit your application by January 1, 2025. Committee members' terms are for two years and all members are volunteers.
Give the gift of blood this holiday season at this upcoming Kenmore blood drive held by Bloodworks Northwest.
More about Bloodworks Northwest:
With the help of 230,000 registered donors and volunteers in the region, Bloodworks collects about 900 units of blood each day. All blood receives immediate, comprehensive testing so that it can be available to more than 90 regional hospitals, including EvergreenHealth Kirkland – usually in less than 24 hours after donation.
Kenmore has a brand-new Instagram account to accompany the new findkenmore.org business directory and tourism website. The Instagram page is designed to highlight the best of our vibrant city and will be uniquely focused on recreation, restaurants, breweries, distillery/tasting rooms, hotels, parks, beauty related services, and more, all with the goal of supporting our local businesses and discovering more in Kenmore. We’ll highlight outdoor adventures and waterfront fun, locally crafted wine, beer and spirits, shopping and unique finds, award-winning visitor experiences, and more. Follow along @find_kenmore and find more in Kenmore!
Visit the City calendar to see more events here.
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