 Curious how rain, storm systems, and bugs are all connected? Listen in as Kate Schmiett, Storm and Surface Water expert, breaks down the surprising links.
 The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. 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 November 19 meeting, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will discuss the 2025 property tax levy
- Council will provide feedback on the 2025-2026 City Budget
- Council will review and consider for adoption a draft annual proclamation calendar
- Council will receive a briefing on Houghton Village Development Plan public input and provide feedback on the draft plan ahead of approval in the spring
- Council will consider for adoption the Transportation Strategic Plan
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
- The final draft 2044 Comprehensive Plan
Meeting details:
The business meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. and is preceded by a 5:30 p.m. study session. The agenda for the November 19 meeting will be available on the City website prior to the meeting on the Kirkland City Council agendas webpage. You can also receive meeting agendas in your inbox by subscribing to “City Council Agendas” on the Kirkland email lists subscription page.
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.
Stay in the know: you can also get a preview of what’s coming up at Council in the coming weeks and months by checking out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: this calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
Budget Planning for 2025-26 is Underway
Want a say in how our city funds services like public safety, parks, and pedestrian safety? Get involved:
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Take a quick 10-question budget quiz for a chance to win $60 in Kirkland Ca$h!
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Share your feedback directly via Our Kirkland or email
Explore the quiz and engagement opportunities here www.kirklandwa.gov/budget
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Help Ignite Big Change Through Local Grants!
Kirkland Parks & Community Foundation 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
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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.
The Kirkland Turkey Trot is Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Marina Park. A course map is available at kirklandturkeytrot.com. Drivers should expect traffic delays and parking restrictions in the area. Please note vehicles parked on the course will be towed prior to the event.
Read more.
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The City is in the final stages of the 2044 Comprehensive Plan update. The Plan provides the policy guidance for how the City will manage growth for the next 20 years.
Thank you for your active participation and valuable input throughout this process. Your engagement is crucial as we work together to shape Kirkland's future.
Here’s some key information:
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Happy Stormwater Awareness Week!
Ever wonder where rain goes? Ever wonder how it gets there? Well, not only do we have staff who work on this every single day, but they’ve also won some pretty awesome awards recently!
The Water Environment Foundation recently awarded Kirkland first place in the MS4 Phase II Innovation Award category for two projects: an Interactive Creek Health Dashboard which helps to educate community members about water quality and habitat in their local creek, and the successful completion of the $12.2 million capital project at 132nd Square Park, combining a massive stormwater treatment facility with significant upgrades to the community park.
The National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) awarded Kirkland first place in the Communications on Improving Water Quality category for the Interactive Creek Health Dashboard. NAFSMA also awarded Kirkland first place in the Innovative Projects for Small Communities category for the design and implementation of the 132nd square park stormwater infrastructure.
For more information about these awards and the projects that inspired them, check out the Kirkland Conserves Blog.
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The days are getting shorter, and we’re moving more steadily towards winter. And boy oh boy is it getting dark early. Follow these tips from Kirkland Police Department to make sure you can be seen if you’re out running, biking, walking the dog, or doing other outdoor activities in the evenings.
When walking or biking:
- Wear light or reflective clothing to make it easier for drivers to see you
- Cross at crosswalks
- Use sidewalks, walkways or paths whenever they’re available
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street
- Check each lane for oncoming or turning traffic
When driving:
- Drive without distractions
- Look twice for people walking and biking before turning
- Slow down when coming to intersections
- Drive more slowly in the dark, and in bad weather
Traveling safely on our roads is everyone’s responsibility!
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And a reminder for pet parents out there
As the days shorten and evenings grow darker, ensuring visibility during nighttime walks is crucial for both you and your furry companions. Reflective wearable gear is essential for staying safe when walking in low-light conditions, especially on cloudy or rainy nights.
To renew or sign up for a pet license, visit City Hall or our website: www.Kirklandwa.gov/petlicense.
King County Metro's 'Metro Flex' service is providing on-demand rides in the Kirkland neighborhoods of Finn Hill, Juanita, and Totem Lake. It can also bring you to parts of Kenmore and Bothell. Try it out!
Learn more on the King County website.
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As you manage fallen leaves this season, we've got a helpful perk for you. For November, single-family residences can put out up to five 32-gallon bags of yard waste extras weekly at no extra cost.
Fallen leaves can block storm drains, preventing rainwater from draining properly, which may lead to neighborhood flooding and potential property damage. Decomposing leaves on streets can also introduce excess nitrogen and phosphorus into our creeks, polluting our waterways.
Consider leaving the leaves in your yard to naturally mulch garden beds, provide habitat for beneficial insects, and enrich your soil. This practice supports natural yard care and promotes a healthier ecosystem.
Here are some simple steps you can take to prevent flooding and improve water quality:
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Check Storm Drains: Ensure storm drains and surrounding areas are clear of debris.
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Rake Debris: Use a rake to clear debris from storm drains and roads.
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Dispose Properly: Place leaves and branches in your gray yard waste cart, ensuring trash is separated.
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Avoid Street Deposits: Do not rake or blow leaves into the street; it's illegal and can cause flooding.
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Heads up! Northeast 85th Street will be closed THIS weekend at I-405, starting Friday, Nov. 15 at 11 p.m. until Monday, Nov. 18 at 4 a.m. On-ramps and off-ramps will also be closed during this time. Lanes will begin reducing as early as 9 p.m. on Friday to prepare for the full closure. This closure is to set the girders for the new southbound I-405 travel lanes. Signed detours will be posted.
For the most up-to-date project information, visit the project webpage. For travel impacts and planning, check out WSDOT’s real-time travel map.
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Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street
Lake Street's contractor expects 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
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.
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Plant a Tree with Green Kirkland Partnership
Volunteer this November to celebrate the start of planting season and lend a hand to care for our native forest ecosystems.
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 (East) - Friday, November 15, 2024 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Juanita Open Space #1 - Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Kingsgate Park - Sunday, November 17, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Bud Homan Park - Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Rose Hill Meadows - Friday, November 29, 2024 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Got a TWIK minute? Tune in to learn 3 Things You Didn’t Know About Ignite Kirkland (But Definitely Should!)
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