The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. This will be a hybrid meeting, and community members are welcome to attend the meeting in person or via Zoom.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda for the May 16 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
Community Feedback Report on Houghton Village Shopping Center – Council will receive a report on the Houghton Village Shopping Center community engagement process. Council will provide direction on next steps related to the long-term redevelopment of the property.
Juanita Drive Safety Project – Council will consider authorizing a new and separate intersection improvement project at NE 112th St and 80th Ave NE and Juanita Dr NE.
Kirkland Ave and Lake St Intersection Improvements - Council will receive an update and provide further direction on the Kirkland Ave/Lake St Intersection Improvements Project, including implementing the pedestrian scramble.
Tax Increment Area – Council will consider adopting a new ordinance to create a tax increment area in Kirkland to provide funding for infrastructure improvements in the area of the NE 85th St Station Area.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
Parks Ballot Measure Items - Council will discuss updates to the Parks Ballot Measure(s) recommendations, including Park Board feedback, additional Facility Feasibility Study options, additional Parks Funding Exploratory Committee recommendations, and staff recommendations. Council will also discuss facility options, elements to include, and funding mechanisms for the potential ballot measure(s).
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.
How to participate: Members of the public wishing to address the Council may do so in-person or via Zoom during the “Items from the Audience” part of the agenda. That part of the agenda occurs at the beginning of the Council’s business meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Information on the comment sign up process to provide comment to the City Council, and on attending the meeting virtually, is available on the City Council webpage.
Written comments can also be submitted to CityCouncil@kirklandwa.gov. For additional questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (425) 587-3190.
Kirkland 2044 - Housing & Human Services Survey is Live
We want to hear what you think about the future of Kirkland. Please take 10 minutes to complete this survey on Housing and Human Services in the City.
In this survey, we want to:
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Understand the current housing and human services needs of those who live and want to live in Kirkland
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Identify challenges and hardships people face when trying to rent or purchase a home in Kirkland
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Learn about the community’s priorities for housing and human services to improve City policies and services
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How Do I Become a Water Volunteer?
We’re glad you asked! The Green Kirkland Partnership needs your help this summer with volunteer watering to nurture baby native plants in the natural forested areas of Kirkland’s parks. This is a great opportunity to spend time in the cool and serene forest while helping your local park. Volunteers in this role commit to serving 1 -2 hours per week, during most weeks June through August on their own time and schedule. Visit the Green Kirkland Summer Watering Role webpage for more details and to complete the interest form.
A Short Course on Planning
Want to better understand Local Planning, how it affects community members of Kirkland, and how you can participate?
Kirkland is hosting the Department of Commerce for “A Short Course on Local Planning” for an overview of Comprehensive Plans, Growth Management Act, & more.
The Short Course is offered at no charge and is open to the public. It will be held in person and also on Zoom. Register to attend here. A question and answer session will be held after.
Date: Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Time: 6 - 9 p.m.
In‐person: Kirkland City Hall, Council Chamber, 123 5th Avenue, Kirkland, WA 98033
Via Zoom: Link will be emailed (be sure to check your junk email folder)
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Extended: Parks Survey Now Closes May 14
Feedback from the community will help inform the City Council’s decision on whether to move forward with placing a measure on the ballot to create an aquatics and recreation center, more open space and trails, expanded recreation programs, and parks facilities.
The annual Celebrate Kirkland! Parade returns to downtown Kirkland on Tuesday, July 4, 2023! We are currently accepting applications for parade float entries and volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include: helping along the parade route, assisting with the Kid’s Pavilion, the Veteran’s portion, or helping to set up and break down the event. See how you can get involved.
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The annual Mother’s Day Half Marathon and 5K is Sunday, May 14, 2023, at Juanita Beach Park. Drivers should expect traffic delays and parking restrictions in the area. Please note: vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed during the event. Course maps are available at https://orcarunning.com/mothers-day-half/
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Location: Kirkland Justice Center, 11750 NE 118th Street in Kirkland
Kirkland Police Department is hosting its fourth Guns for Gift Cards exchange on May 20! No registration is required to participate, however proof of Kirkland residency, such as a utility bill, is required. Police staff will only review an address to confirm Kirkland residency. Participant identity is otherwise anonymous, as personnel will not log any identifying information. See more about Guns for Gift Cards.
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 May 7 -13 is National Correctional Officers Week! We want to recognize the men and women of the KPD jail and the hard work they do. Thank you, Corrections staff. We appreciate you!
May is Bike Everywhere Month, a time to support, encourage, and celebrate all things bicycling.
On Bike Everywhere Day, Friday May 19, ride your bike to work, the store, or wherever you may go!
The City is co-hosting celebration stations for Bike Everywhere Day at:
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Feriton Spur Park / Cross Kirkland Corridor at Google’s 6th Street campus – station open 7 – 9 a.m.
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Evergreen Point / 520 Trail – station open 7 – 10 a.m.
Ride on by, come say hi and get a drink and snack at one of our celebration stations!
For more info: support@kirklandgreentrip.com
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 Despite warming air temperatures anticipated this weekend, Lake Washington and other regional bodies of water are still cold. If you’re going to swim, please swim safely!
Join WSDOT and its contractor on Thursday, May 18 for the I-405/NE 132nd St Interchange Project Update
While typically held on Zoom, for the first time, they are hosting an in-person project update to share information about project status, schedule, and upcoming traffic changes, and give you an opportunity to ask questions of the project team. They’ll specifically talk through:
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Upcoming traffic shifts for the next construction phase
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Upcoming June closures at Totem Lake Boulevard and Northeast 132nd Street
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Community questions and answers
This meeting will be held in person.
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When: Thursday, May 18, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
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Where: 12006 120th Place Northeast, Kirkland WA 98034 (The meeting facility can be accessed via 120th Place Northeast, south of LA Fitness)
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Registration not required but you can Register here to send in questions/comments in advance.
WSDOT is building a new on-ramp to northbound I-405 and a new off-ramp from southbound I-405 at Northeast 132nd Street in Kirkland. This project will improve access to the Totem Lake regional growth center and surrounding neighborhoods in Kirkland. It will also provide a new route to access I-405, creating an alternative to using local streets and helping reduce pressure on heavily congested nearby interchanges.
Looking for a flexible, fun and creative summer job that has a positive impact on kids in our community? Parks is hiring for Afterschool Camp Director, Afterschool Camp Leader, Day Camp Director and Day Camp Leader! See more info about these and other City jobs.
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Artists who are 50+ are invited to submit their work for the 13th annual senior art show at the Kirkland Merrill Gardens, June 8 - June 22, 2023. The Kirkland Senior Council is hosting the event showcasing senior artists who are pursuing their artistic passions. The show will exhibit paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, and quilts. Artists who are 50+ are invited to submit their work. For more information or to request an application, please email the Senior Council at Scouncil@kirklandwa.gov or call the Peter Kirk Community Center at 425-587-3360.
Dates: June 8 - June 22, open daily for drop ins
Location: Merrill Gardens, 14 Main St S
Cost: FREE
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Totem Lake Boulevard – Totem Lake
Kirkland's Totem Lake Connector contractor continues until Friday to close one of Totem Lake Boulevard’s southbound lanes between the slip-lane near Rite-Aid and Northeast 124th Street and while the new sidewalk, curb and gutter concrete cures. The daily closures begin at 7 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.
During the same hours next week, Kraemer North America is closing Northeast 124th Street’s eastbound lane between 124th Avenue Northeast and 120th Place Northeast while its crews build new sidewalk, curb and gutter along that section.
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 shifts at the intersection at the Juanita High School access road to the school.
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 14. A detour is in place for vehicles. Pedestrian access will remain open on 116th Avenue Northeast throughout construction. The contractor expects to be working this weekend to pave the new alignment of 116th Ave NE.
The eastbound lanes on Northeast 132nd Street will be closed from 111th Avenue Northeast to 116th Way Northeast for daytime construction work. This closure expected to complete the sewer line installation work by Friday, May 12. A detour is in place for vehicles. The eastbound lane will open for traffic on the weekends. Pedestrian access will remain open along Northeast 132nd Street. The contractor and WSDOT
WSDOT is hosting an in-person project update at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18.
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. The contractor is waiting on final utility work so they can repave the intersection, expecting in early June.
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 this 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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May is Volcano Awareness Month! Tune into our Emergency Preparedness “Let's Chat” Series to learn about volcanoes and the volcanoes near Kirkland:
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