The Kirkland City Council met on April 18, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
Proclaiming April 2023 Earth Month in Kirkland - The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, proclaimed April 2023 as Earth Month in Kirkland. This month reminds us to take action to reduce our impact on the environment to achieve an equitable, sustainable and resilient community. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Proclaiming April 2023 Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Kirkland - The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, proclaimed April 2023 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Kirkland. During this month, the community, institutions, and organizations are called to raise awareness about sexual assault, support survivors, and work towards the prevention of sexual violence in our community. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Proclaiming April 2023 YWCA Until Justice Just Is Month in Kirkland - The Mayor, on behalf of the Council, proclaimed April 2023 as YWCA Until Justice Just Is in Kirkland, calling on Kirkland residents, local businesses, educators, and community and faith-based organizations to advocate for the elimination of structural and institutional racism. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Electric Leaf Blower Initiative - Council approved the Electric Leaf Blower Initiative, a multi-year plan to switch gas-powered blowers to electric.
Kirkland Way and Cross Kirkland Corridor Low Bridge Safety Evaluation - Council reviewed the crash history at the Kirkland Way/Cross Kirkland Corridor Low Bridge and provided guidance on next steps.
2023 State Legislative Update - Council received a seventh update on the City’s 2023 State Legislative Priorities.
Kirkland Zoning Code Amendments - Council adopted various miscellaneous sections of the Kirkland Zoning Code as recommended by the Planning Commission.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session:
Planning Commission Joint Meeting - Council held a joint meeting with the Planning Commission to discuss the commission’s priorities and interests. Discussion items included the 2022-2024 Planning Work Program and the 2023-2025 Draft Planning Work Program.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. Meetings are also televised on Comcast Cable Channel 21 and Ziply Cable Channel 31.
To watch the Council discussions on the specific agenda items outlined above, visit the City’s website. The full agenda packet with information on each item is located on the City’s website.
The next City Council meeting is on May 2, 2023.
Build a Relationship with the City Through The Kirkland Initiative
Apply to enroll in our new interactive 8-week series to learn the foundations of government functions and programs, engage in dialogue to share feedback, and participate in activities like interviews and roleplaying to better understand City decision making processes. We want community members to build relationships with City leaders and have important conversations with those that serve them, and invite to you learn more and apply today!
Attend a Public Briefing on Tax Increment Financing
Learn about the proposed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program and the infrastructure improvements it plans to fund at an upcoming virtual public briefing on April 26 at 10 a.m. For more information, to submit a comment to the City, and for the virtual meeting links, visit the City's website.
How can I contact the City with questions, requests, or suggestions?
You can always contact City staff through the Our Kirkland service portal, available on the web and mobile app. Submitting your comments through Our Kirkland ensures the right staff receives the information and can follow up with you.
 Join Kol Ami for an afternoon of learning and discussion on how to address antisemitism. There will also be break out room discussions and a closing reception. Sponsored by the City of Kirkland.
The event is free. Pre-registration required.
Location: Kol Ami, 308 4th Ave South
 Learn about the City’s Rental Risk Assistance Fund for providing housing to tenants facing housing barriers at www.kirklandwa.gov/rentriskfund.
The City will be installing in-ground sensors to better understand parking availability and turnover in downtown parking lots, on-street in the downtown area, and in two city-owned lots along Lake Washington Blvd. The sensors will be installed in-ground and will only record the presence of a vehicle in a parking space (no other data is collected). The purpose of this project is for the City to better understand parking utilization and turnover, and to allow the City to make data-driven decisions regarding the management of limited parking in downtown Kirkland.
Weather permitting, the City will be installing parking sensors in the Lake and Central parking lot starting the week of April 24. Half the lot will be closed at a time and installation should not take more than one day. Please take note of the dates and times of the posted ‘no parking signs’ as they are subject to change due to weather forecasts.
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 It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week! This is a helpful reminder for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. Our Public Works crews and others care for your infrastructure to keep Kirkland healthy, safe, and vibrant. Please do your part to help keep them safe! This year’s theme: "You play a role in work zone safety. Work with us.”
Help keep Kirkland beautiful by joining the Kirkland Downtown Association's Clean Sweep event! The KDA is looking for volunteers to participate on Sunday, May 21 in the cleaning up of five different segments of the downtown core.
There are three shifts available throughout the day beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m. Volunteers can sign up here, or email Garrett Oiness at garrettoiness@hotmail.com. If you weren't already considering signing up, lunch, light snacks, and drinks will be provided
Are you passionate about the arts? Join Kirkland Parks & Community Foundation in igniting creativity in Kirkland! Your donation to the Spark Creativity campaign will help Kirkland arts educators provide scholarships to children in need.
Donate now and help widen access to arts education for all youth in our community. Plus, receive $25 in Kirkland Ca$h for every $100 donated. Learn more.
A reminder for the King County special election – ballot boxes close on April 25 at 8 p.m. sharp!
Kirkland’s two ballot boxes are at:
— City Hall located at 123 5th Ave — Kingsgate Library located at 12315 NE 143rd St.
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NEW- Northeast 85th Street from 6th Street to 114th Avenue Northeast – Moss Bay/Norkirk
Drivers will encounter the lane-closure of entire eastbound lane of Northeast 85th Street from Sixth street to 114th Avenue Northeast and Kirkland Way as a consultant conducts exploratory work at six locations. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Monday, April 24. Work is expected to be concluded by Thursday, April 27.
Northeast 132nd Street/Juanita High School – Juanita
People who are driving, walking or riding bicycles on Northeast 132nd Street will encounter road continued construction and lane shifting at the Juanita High School access road to the school. This project is expected to be complete this summer.
The project is building a new right turn lane into the High School to increase traffic flow during peak times.
Northeast 132nd Street at I-405 – Juanita/Kingsgate
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists will encounter continued construction as WSDOT’s contractor builds a new interchange for Interstate 405.
116th Avenue Northeast remains closed, north of Northeast 132nd Street until May. A detour is in place for vehicles. Pedestrian access will remain open on 116th Avenue Northeast throughout construction.
For questions about this traffic control, or other questions about this project, call WSDOT’s project hotline at 425-224-2433.
Northeast 124th Street/116th Avenue Northeast – Juanita
Drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists will encounter construction at the intersection of Northeast 124th Street and 116th Avenue Northeast. For the week of April 24, construction hours are expected to be from 8 p.m. to 2 p.m. as the contractor works to pour the concrete sidewalk panels in the WSDOT controlled intersection area.
The project builds a new southbound to westbound right-turn lane from 116th Avenue NE, while also improving pedestrian facilities along the westside of 116th Avenue Northeast. This project will be complete by summer.
Spring Recycling Collection Event
Location: Lake Washington Institute for Technology, 11605 132nd Ave NE
Kirkland's recycling collection events allows residents to dispose of recyclable items that are not accepted through recycling collection services or product stewardship programs. All items collected will be reused or recycled.
Cascade Water Alliance – Water Efficiency Spring Series
Join an upcoming Cascade Water Alliance gardening class to learn how to have beautiful, healthy landscapes while using water efficiently.
Upcoming topics include: Edible Natives, Small Space Gardening, and Irrigation and Effective Moisture Management.
All classes are virtual, free, and on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.
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It’s National Volunteer Week! Volunteering is a great way to get involved, make an impact and meet other Kirkland community members. There are so many options when it comes to volunteering at the City – find an area that you’re most passionate about! More info at www.kirklandwa.gov/volunteer.
Check out this video that highlights the commendable efforts of volunteers who help keep I-405 litter-free:
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