This Week: Council Recap | City Hall Closure | Ignite Kirkland

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this week in kirkland

November 7, 2024

city of kirkland washington

The Podcast

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Tune in to hear from community foundation leader, Carmin Dalziel, on how grant funding is making a difference in our community!

City Council Meeting Recap

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The Kirkland City Council met on November 6, 2024, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting: 

  • Council authorized additional funding to the Kirkland Downtown Association (KDA) for Winterfest
  • Council provided final comments to the Draft Transportation Strategic Plan
  • Plus, Council held public hearings on the: 
    • City Budget
    • Capital Improvement Program
    • Transportation Improvement Program
    • Property Tax Levy
  • The Mayor Proclaimed Stormwater Awareness Week in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.    

Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed: 

  • The Preliminary 2025-2026 City Budget and the Preliminary 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program

How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on 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 November 19, 2024. 

Community Conversations

City Budget Did You Know 2025 2026

Explore How Kirkland's 2025-2026 Budget Takes Shape

Curious how the city prioritizes and funds its projects? Kirkland’s city budget supports services like public safety, parks, and environmental protection through 24 separate, balanced funds. Planning for the 2025-2026 budget is underway. Take the City Budget Pop Quiz and learn how to get involved at www.kirklandwa.gov/budget.



Our Kirkland

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.  

For more opportunities to provide feedback to the City, please visit our Community Conversations page.

City Offices Closed for Veterans Day, Monday, Nov 11

Holiday Closure Veterans Day 2024

City administrative offices are closed on Monday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, the Our Kirkland service portal, and over the phone will resume 8 a.m., Tuesday, November 12. 

Visit the City's website for a full list of City Hall holiday closures.

Ignite Kirkland: Grants Up to $5K for Local Nonprofits

kirkland parks and community foundation ignite kirkland

Kirkland Parks & Community Foundation (KPCF) has launched Ignite Kirkland – a grant fundraising opportunity for Kirkland non-profits.

Ignite Kirkland is aimed at empowering local nonprofits to make a bigger impact. This year, nonprofits in Kirkland identified over $130,000 in needs across 30 diverse projects—from expanding youth sports and community gardens to supporting arts, culture, and wellness initiatives. Each grant, between $1,000 and $5,000, has the potential to create real change.

Through December 3 (Giving Tuesday), you can explore and support these projects directly, knowing 100% of your donation will go to the causes you choose. Let's come together to fuel a brighter future for Kirkland!

For more information, visit www.kpcf.org/grants.

Shape Kirkland’s Art Scene: Apply to Advise on Public Art

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Are you passionate about art and community? Do you want to help make Kirkland a more vibrant, arts-focused city? Here’s your chance to get involved! The City of Kirkland is seeking applicants to advise the City Council on public art initiatives, and it’s not too late to apply.

Why Get Involved?

Serving on the Cultural Arts Commission is a great opportunity to have a direct impact on the city’s art landscape. As an advisory member, you’ll help shape the public art projects that contribute to Kirkland’s character, culture, and vibrancy. Whether it's murals, sculptures, or other creative projects, your voice will play a key role in ensuring that art is accessible and meaningful to our community.

Don’t Miss Out

This is your chance to help keep Kirkland’s art scene thriving and ensure our public spaces continue to inspire and engage everyone.

How to Apply

It’s simple! Applications have been extended to Wednesday, November 20 at 4 p.m. To apply, just head to the City’s website.

Plant a Tree This Fall for Kirkland Parks' Future

GKP tree planting 2024

Volunteer with the Green Kirkland Partnership this November to celebrate the start of planting season and lend a hand to care for our native forest ecosystems in your Kirkland Parks!

Stewardship activities include planting native trees, mulching, and other tasks to improve the health of our forests. Tools and training are provided, and all are welcome.

Visit the Green Kirkland event calendar to find a volunteer stewardship event near you!

Upcoming November Volunteer Events 

Juanita Bay Park (108th) - Friday, November 08, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Windsor Vista Park - Saturday, November 09, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Rose Hill Meadows -  Saturday, November 09, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Juanita Bay Park (East) - Friday, November 15, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Juanita Open Space #1 - Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Kingsgate Park - Sunday, November 17, 2024 | 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Bud Homan Park - Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Rose Hill Meadows - Friday, November 29, 2024 | 10:00 AM to 01:00 PM

Keep Your K-9 Pawsitively Cozy

Pet Safety Sweater Weather dogs in sweaters

Sweater Weather is here to stay! As the crisp fall air rolls in, prepare your furry friends for the colder months. While many dogs have thick coats to keep them warm, our short-haired K-9 companions might need a little extra help staying comfortable in the chilly weather. Consider outfitting your pup with a cozy sweater, fleece jacket, or a raincoat to shield them from both the cold and the elements. Not only will your dog appreciate the added warmth, but they'll also be stylish and ready to embrace sweater weather in stride!

To renew or sign up for a pet license, visit City Hall or our website: www.Kirklandwa.gov/petlicense.

Change a Life - Become a Lunch Buddy

LINKS Lunch Buddy Mentors Needed in Kirkland Elementary Schools

lunch buddy program mentor and student

Do you have one hour a week you can share with a child? Become a LINKS Lunch Buddy mentor! Mentors come during school hours once a week and spend the lunch hour in a pre-assigned area to eat, play games, make crafts, talk, go to recess, and do other agreed-upon activities.

Help us provide social-emotional support to elementary students who need a little extra one-on-one attention.

For more information about LINKS, visit lwsd.org/LINKS or contact Victoria Goetze-Nelson at vgoetzenelson@lwsd.org

Heads Up: Houghton Transfer Station Hours Change

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Beginning November 12, the Houghton Transfer Station will be open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. to residential customers. It will close earlier than usual due to construction. The construction work is anticipated to last through the end of the year. Here are a list of some of the materials beyond the cart that are accepted at Houghton Recycling and Transfer Station.

  • Textiles (Free) – all accepted including worn out and stained, can be dropped into the Threadcycle collection box
  • Appliances (Free) – Major non-refrigerant types (dryers, washers, furnaces, stoves, etc) and small (blenders, irons, microwaves, etc) Must be at least 50% metal and placed in scrap metal bin
  • Metal (Free) – must be at least 50% metal including lawnmowers, BBQ grills, bicycles, etc
  • And more!

Help Prevent Flooding with Simple Steps

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Floods affect us in many ways, including damaging habitats, disrupting wildlife, and causing erosion. By minimizing flooding, we help protect these vital ecosystems.

Did you know that a little bit of care can go a long way in preventing flooding? Here are some tips:

  • Check Storm Drains: Keep them clear from leaves and debris.
  • Clear Away Debris: Keep areas around drains cleared to prevent clogging during rain.
  • Dispose Properly: Make sure to dispose of debris in yard waste container or compost bin.

Together, we can keep our streets safe and reduce the chance of flooding.

Follow this link to learn more on reducing the chance of flooding in your neighborhood: Prepare for Flooding

Celebrating Safety Together

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Kirkland is leading the way in installing AEDs in parks!

Thank you to all who attended the AED (Automated external defibrillator) ribbon cutting celebration at Crestwoods Park last Saturday.

Remarks were shared by Mayor Curtis, a Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivor, and representatives from Project 100 and the UW Medicine Center for Sports Cardiology on the importance of accessible life saving devices. Medic One Foundation demonstrated how to use an AED and perform CPR. The Seahawks dancers and mascot, Blitz, were also in attendance to bring the fun and show support. 

This AED was made possible by a donation from Project 100 and the Joos family, who live in Kirkland.

In March 2024, City Council approved funding to place 18 AEDs in Kirkland’s park system! This is Kirkland’s 5th outdoor AED and more AEDs will be installed soon.

Safety first! Thanks for celebrating with us.

For more information about AEDs in Kirkland parks, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/parkaeds.

Traffic Alerts

Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street

Lake Street's contractor will work during the day this weekend to continue making progress on the sidewalks of its intersection with Kirkland Avenue. Work is expected on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Work may occur on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Minor impacts to traffic flow  and pedestrian travel are expected due to construction and delivery of materials, throughout the remainder of construction. Pedestrian access changes, so please follow the signed pedestrian detour routes. Businesses remain open during construction. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/lakestreetpedscramble

 

124th Avenue Northeast

Kirkland’s contractor  begins work on the east side of the street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue

 

132nd Avenue Northeast

Drivers traveling on 132nd Avenue Northeast will encounter sidewalk construction from NE 95th Street to Lake Washington Technical Institute. Traffic is reduced to a single lane controlled by flaggers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the second Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd 

 

116th Avenue Northeast

Drivers near Lake Washington High School will encounter 116th Avenue Northeast reduced to a single lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. north of Northeast 70th Street. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the first Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd 

 

Northeast 132nd Street

Drivers on Northeast 132nd Street will encounter stormwater pipe repairs near 120th Avenue Northeast, near Evergreen Hospital. Construction is expected from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. When work is in any Kirkland intersection, Uniformed Police Officers will control the intersection. Vehicle travel will shift north, creating space for construction. Pedestrians will also encounter a detour to bypass the construction. Bicyclists will merge with traffic.  

 

Goat Hill

Goat Hill residents should expect daytime road closures this week on Northeast 116th Place.  Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill

 

Juanita Drive

Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane periodically this week between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor

 

100th Avenue Northeast

OMA Construction is alternating traffic at various locations between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour.  Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign

 

Eighth Avenue West and Fifth Street West

Eighth Avenue West remains closed between Market Street and Fifth Street West.  Concrete sidewalks and curbs are being repaired along 8th Avenue West. Water services to be installed at the intersection of 8th Ave W and 5th St. Flaggers are located at the intersections to allow for emergency vehicles. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/eighthavenuewestupgrade

 

Upcoming Events

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Kirkland Teen Union Building - Open House

Date: Tuesday, November 12

Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.

Location: Kirkland Teen Union Building - 348 Kirkland Avenue

Ages: All Ages

Cost: FREE

The Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) invites all community members to our ALL-AGES, OPEN HOUSE!

Grab some light snacks and refreshments, then tour the building, receive information and resources from community partners, register your teens for our recreational programs, and get to know the KTUB team.

BTW: This is one of the only ways that Adults can see the NEW inside of KTUB!

Learn more about KTUB at www.kirklandwa.gov/KTUB


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Kirkland Turkey Trot

Date: Sunday, November 17 

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Location: Marina Park

Get ready for the Kirkland Turkey Trot 5k and Kids Race! Mark your calendars and join Cascade Stride at Marina Park for a fun, family-friendly run that kicks off the holiday season in style.

  • 9 a.m. = 5k
  • 10 a.m. = Kids Race

The scenic route will take you and your loved ones down Lake Washington Blvd to Carillon Point and back, finishing at Marina Park. But the fun doesn’t stop there! After crossing the finish line, head over to Moss Bay Hall for a festive celebration filled with holiday cheer. 

More information on the event page


For more events from the City, visit our Community Events page. For up to date happenings around Kirkland, visit ExploreKirkland.com/Events 

Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter 


Video Spotlight

What are “3 Things You Didn’t Know About Our Parks But Totally Should!”? Catch the full video now and get the inside scoop! #TWIKMinute

 

TWIK Minute Park edition
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