The Kirkland City Council met on July 5, 2023, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
The Council received an update on the Street Racing Noise Pilot Project, which is a partnership between the Kirkland Police Department and a third-party vendor. This is the first pilot project in the State of Washington to test the feasibility of this technology to automatically detect street racing.
Council also received an update on a new Community Resource Officer program in partnership with the Lake Washington School District.
The Mayor issued the following proclamations: July 2023 as Disability Pride Month, and July 2023 as Parks and Recreation Month in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they continued the discussion on a potential parks ballot measure to fund expanded aquatics and recreation opportunities in Kirkland. Based on Council feedback, staff will return to the July 18, 2023, Council meeting for potential Council action on placing the measure on the November 2023 ballot.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City of Kirkland YouTube channel and Facebook page, 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 July 18, 2023.
Kirkland 2044 - Housing & Human Services Survey
We want to hear what you think about the future of 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 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.
Be part of an event like no other! “Bridging Kirkland” is a celebration of Kirkland's new Totem Lake Connector pedestrian and bicycle bridge happening THIS Saturday, July 8. Come be part of a once-in-a-generation aerial group photo on the new bridge!
The event will feature a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, family-friendly attractions, such as an animal petting zoo, fire and police vehicles, a LEGO replica of the bridge and interactive info booths on City programs near the south end the bridge, next to LA Fitness.
Note: There is no on-site parking for the event. Participants are encouraged to bike, walk or bus to the event. Free parking is at the Village at Totem Lake, Green garage. Limited mobility community members should contact Rosalie Wessels at rwessels@kirklandwa.gov for more info. There will be a bicycle valet service provided by Kirkland Greenways, limited to available space. Bus routes 239, 225, and 255 have stops near the bridge.
The Houghton Beach swimming area is closed for at least one week due to elevated bacteria levels per the recommendation of Public Heath – Seattle & King County. People and pets should not swim, drink lake water, or engage in other water activities at Houghton Beach.
Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water recently and found that the levels of bacteria at the beach exceeded the thresholds for bacteria based on the average of the last three tests. King County crews will return to the beach next week to collect further samples. The swimming area at Houghton Beach will reopen when bacteria levels return to a safe range.
Read more.
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Have an event you’d like to host in Kirkland? Your idea might quality for grant funding through the 2024 Explore Kirkland tourism grant program.
The Explore Kirkland Tourism Program grants marketing and operations funds to special events and festivals that demonstrate the ability to attract visitors from over 50 miles away and generate overnight stays. The program supports and promotes events that showcase the city’s best assets while fostering a love of Kirkland, inspiring guests to come back multiple times.
In past years, the program has awarded funding to numerous treasured Kirkland events including the Junior Softball World Series, Kirkland Summerfest, Kirkland Uncorked, Kirkland Oktoberfest, Lake Washington Half Marathon, and many more.
The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has opened the application process, available now through Monday, July 24.
As in years past, the TDC will award a total of up to $60,000 in 2024 event grants. The TDC looks to support events that create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community, and gives serious consideration to established events with proven track records of bringing visitors to the City.
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Featuring the first synthetic turf field at a City park, a new all-abilities playground, and two new picnic shelters, 132nd Square Park has been completely renovated and is ready for all to enjoy!
Come celebrate the grand re-opening of this wonderful 10-acre community park in the Evergreen Hill neighborhood of Kirkland on Saturday, July 15 from noon to 3 p.m.
Read more.
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National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 1! Every year, on the first Tuesday in August, millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. territories and military bases around the world. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, cookouts and other community events with safety demonstrations, kids’ events, exhibits and much more. In addition to block parties, National Night Out provides an opportunity to interact with Kirkland’s law enforcement, fire service professionals and City Council.
Members of City Council and first responders from the Kirkland Police and Fire Departments attend community events between 6 and 9 p.m. While police and fire personnel will make every effort to attend your event if invited, please note that the availability of the City's first responders depends on emergency call volume.
Events that include a road closure require a permit. To request a road closure, submit a National Night Out Block Party Permit Application, also due by July 17. Block party fees will be waived for National Night Out events held on August 1, 2023. Applicants must live on the street to be closed and serve as the event contact.
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The Principals Assembly of the Regional Crisis Response Agency met for the first time on June 28. The Principals Assembly is an advisory body to the Executive Board of the Regional Crisis Response (RCR, pronounced ‘racer’) Agency. RCR is a newly formed, collaborative effort among the north King County cities of Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline that will provide consolidated and standardized regional mobile crisis response services for the five-city region.
The Principals Assembly met to discuss 2023 data reports, the Interlocal Agreement that formed the Agency, and the Principals Assembly’s role supporting the Executive Board. The Principals Assembly will meet three times this first year and then once per year thereafter and will advise the Executive Board on matters such as budget policy, work program, and performance measures.
Visit a mountain, hang out at the beach, take a ferry ride, find a new trail, or check out a festival. For many of us, summertime and great weather are an invitation to load our “to do” list and squeeze in lots of fun activities, before the summer sunshine fades away.
When you are out enjoying so much fun, you don’t always remember to make time for a blood donation. The need for blood is constant, so please book your appointment for the City of Kirkland Pop Up Blood Drive. Appointments are available for July 19 & 20 in the Peter Kirk Room at City Hall.
BONUS! All July donors are entered for a chance to win one of three $3,000 prepaid gift cards. Book your appointment today.
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The Kirkland Police Department (KPD) is looking for dedicated volunteers to join their Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART). DART volunteers provide crisis intervention and support to victims of domestic violence immediately following an incident, the most critical time for victims.
Volunteers might help a family by connecting them with shelter, food or clothing, or help create a safety plan. DART volunteers provide information about community resources, the criminal justice system, and victim rights.
DART Volunteers also help during the court process that follows an incident by providing information, referrals, and emotional support for the victim. Qualifications:
- Must complete 20 hours of required training in the Fall of 2023 including a patrol officer ride-along.
- Must commit to volunteering for at least one shift per month, for a minimum of 1 year.
- Must have a valid Washington State Driver's License and insurance.
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Must pass a Kirkland Police Department background check and a Computer Voice Stress Analyzer test—similar to a polygraph.
- Must have a commitment to assisting victims and families of domestic violence.
- Must have strong listening and problem-solving skills.
- Prior social service experience preferred, but not required.
- Must be able to work independently.
- Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.
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Wait...Year-Round Teen Programming…? Yes please!
For the first time in a decade, Kirkland is offering year-round teen programming. Gather your gaggle of friends and get outdoors with Kirkland’s Teen Outdoor Adventures (TOA’s). Hiking, river floating, kayaking, snowshoeing and outdoor yoga are a few of the TOA's you can join. No need to worry, our monthly Teen Nights are still going with some Kindness Days and special events sprinkled in throughout the year.
The Health and Wellness Fair is coming back to Kirkland in September 2023. This health event aims to provide access to essential services to historically marginalized community members in Kirkland and surrounding communities.
This meaningful event served close to 1,000 attendees last year! And this year, there’s a unique opportunity to support this growing Eastside event as a mentee and learn best practice knowledge in service of the multicultural and multilingual communities of the Eastside.
For more information, and to contact King County Promotores Network with interest to join the mentorship, visit the City’s website.
I-405/NE 132nd St Interchange project area
This summer, crews will continue installing sanitary sewer line and fish culverts within the I-405/NE 132nd St Interchange project area. This work will require some temporary lane and road closures throughout the summer as well as a shift of traffic lanes along Northeast 132nd Street to the south. Details for each of the temporary traffic changes can be found on the Interchange Project WSDOT webpage.
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Totem Lake Blvd NE will be reduced to one lane during the day on weekdays beginning as early June 30
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Full closure of intersection at NE 132nd Street between 118th Ave NE and 116th Way NE from July 7-10
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Closure of Totem Lake Blvd NE at NE 132nd St in late July
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Traffic and pedestrian route shifts along NE 132nd St, 116th Ave NE and Totem Lake Blvd NE starting in late July
Ride to the Bridge with Eastrail Partners
Location: Start at Wilmot Gateway Park in Woodinville, or the South Kirkland Park and Ride
Concert on the Lawn: The BusKings
Location: Kirkland Library, 308 Kirkland Ave
Celebrate summer reading at the library with live music featuring The BusKings. Come early to read a book and listen to a "summer sounds" playlist. Bring your own blanket or borrow one from the library. Free refreshments provided by FOLK (Friends of the Library of Kirkland.) The BusKings consist of three musically-minded Metro bus drivers, plus one passenger. Their musical focus is primarily Jazz, with excursions into Klezmer, Pop and World Music. Registration not required. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities is available by request.
Juanita Friday Market
Date: Fridays through September
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Drive
This favorite Friday fare for foodies and families features fresh fruit, flowers, and fresh goods! Enjoy some baked goodies, hand crafted confections, beverages, as well as offerings from local artisans and crafters. Come on down to Juanita Beach Park to enjoy sunshine and fun vibes!
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If you’re as obsessed with the new TLC Bridge as we are, check out this fun video showing the bridge as if it were a miniature model:
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