 We’re joined by former Kirkland mayor and current state representative Larry Springer who gives us a full-bodied look at what happens in the legislature and insight about leadership lessons learned over the years serving the 45th. Check it out.
 The last meeting of the Kirkland City Council was on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. The Council held a Special Meeting starting at 5 p.m. During the Special Meeting, Council:
- Reviewed draft legal agreements with the Seattle Kraken regarding a new iceplex in Kirkland and directed the City Manager to sign the agreements on the City's behalf.
- Adopted a new Homelessness Continuum of Care Action Plan to guide the City's response to homelessness in Kirkland.
- Adopted mid-biennial adjustments to the City’s budget.
- Adopted updates to the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program.
- Approved updates to the Lake Washington High School Master Plan related to ballfield lighting.
- Approved updates to the Critical Area Ordinance.
Following the Special Meeting, Council held its Regular Meeting starting at 7:30 p.m. During the Regular Meeting, the Council:
- Adopted the Houghton Village Development Plan.
- Adopted changes to the Goodwill and Michael’s sites in Juanita.
- Adopted annual Comprehensive Plan amendments.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City's:
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 January 6, 2026.
 Although Kirkland isn’t experiencing any major flooding rivers, our staff are pitching in to support our regional neighbors who are being affected by the floods. Big thanks to Kirkland's Office of Emergency Management staff Carly and Tesslyn for reporting to the King County Emergency Operation Center in Renton this week to help coordinate the region's response.
And you can do your part by being prepared for floods and other severe weather disruptions. Find out how here.
 The community is invited to celebrate the completion of the 100th Avenue Northeast Corridor Improvements Project with a special Blue Friday ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, December 12. Festivities begin at 12:45 p.m. with the ribbon cutting, followed by a short walk to the new HAWK crossing at 1 p.m. for photos with Blitz, the official Seahawks mascot. Attendees are encouraged to show their Seahawks pride by wearing blue and green, bringing pompoms or foam fingers, and joining in the celebratory spirit. Event parking is available in the gravel lot at 14207 100th Ave NE.
This project transforms the 100th Avenue Northeast corridor into a safer, more efficient street for all traveling modes, including walking, driving, riding transit and bicycles. To learn more about the project, visit the project webpage.
 Coffee with a Cop is coming up, and you’re invited to stop by for a relaxed conversation with members of the Kirkland Police Department. There’s no agenda and no formal program - just a chance to ask questions, share what’s on your mind, and get to know the officers who serve our community every day.
Whether you have a specific topic you’re curious about or simply want to say hello, we’d love to see you there. Come enjoy a cup of coffee, connect with our team, and help strengthen the partnership that keeps Kirkland safe and welcoming. No purchase is necessary to participate.
📅 Tuesday, December 16
🕘 9 - 11am
📍Kirkland Urban Starbucks (in QFC), 425 Urban Plaza
 Over the river and through the woods - holiday travel often means winter roads, changing conditions, and limited daylight. Whether you’re heading out of town or driving locally, taking a few minutes to prepare your vehicle can make a big difference if you encounter snow, ice, or delays.
Before you hit the road, consider stocking your car with a few winter essentials. These items can help keep you safe, warm, and connected if travel takes longer than expected or road conditions change.
- Traction devices or chains (when traveling over passes)
- Extra warm layers (gloves, hat, blanket)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Phone charger or backup battery pack
- Basic first aid kit
- Non-perishable snacks
- Water
- High-visibility vest or reflective gear
It’s also important to check the basics - tires, fuel level, windshield wipers, and headlights - before heading out.
Get more winter weather preparedness tips from our Office of Emergency Management: Winter Weather.
Are you ready to take your class or business to the next level? The Kirkland Teen Union Building is accepting proposals for new classes and programs during mornings and evenings. Located in downtown Kirkland, KTUB has plenty of flexible space in a convenient location. Submit your proposal and help us bring new activities to Kirkland! For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/KTUB-Program-Proposal or contact KTUB at KTUB@kirklandwa.gov.
 Build the knowledge and confidence you need to start or grow your business. This challenge offers an ideal setting for hands-on application of practical business tools and to clearly communicate the value of your product or service.
- Basics of Business | February 10, 2026
- Lean Canvas Business Plan and Market Research | February 17, 2026
- The Business of Finances for Small Businesses | February 24, 2026
- Marketing and More | March 3, 2026
- Preparing to Pitch | March 10, 2026
- Pitch Competition | March 24, 2026 | Open to the Public
These workshops provide potential, micro, and small businesses with the groundwork needed to be successful as they launch their businesses. Each workshop is geared for the tangible achievements and intentional networking to build the support needed for success.
Apply Here to Participate
RSVP to attend the Pitch Here
Learn more here.
 Every holiday season the Adopt A Stream Foundation helps with the coming celebrations by selling "Live & Wild" Holiday Trees for Salmon at the Northwest Stream Center in Snohomish County's McCollum Park.
Visitors to the Northwest Stream Center can purchase a tree from their selection of live trees that are in pots, take them home, and care for them during the holiday season.
After the holidays, visitors can keep their tree and plant it, or return it to the Northwest Stream Center where it will be planted next to local streams to help future salmon runs. Visit the Adopt A Stream event site to learn more.
 As you pull out those festive decorations this year here are some tips for ways to recycle, donate, or upcycle old, unwanted, or broken decorations:
- Holiday lights – broken lights can be brought to a couple locations for recycling. King County has more info available at Green holidays - King County, Washington. Broken holiday lights can also be put in the regular garbage.
- Plastic yard decorations – do not go into your recycling, if they are in good condition consider donating them at a local Goodwill or post on Facebook Kirkland Buy Nothing Group for reuse.
- Greeting cards, wrapping paper, and gift bags – Save gift bags and other reusable wrappings to use again! Plain paper cards, bags, and wrapping paper (no glitter or foil) can be recycled curbside. Consider upcycling cards into ornaments, wreaths, or more fun ideas can be found at Recycling Christmas Cards: 12 Creative Ways To Upcycle Old Cards.
- Wreaths – Separate out branches and decorations from metal base. Branches can be placed in the gray yard waste cart. Reuse the wreath base and decorations. Fake wreaths can be donated for reuse and are not recyclable.
- Batteries – Bring your household batteries to the Kirkland City Hall or North Kirkland Community Center for recycling. Please empty into recycling containers and do not leave in bags or leave your receptacles. Accepted batteries can be found at Battery Recycling – City of Kirkland
 City administrative offices will be closed:
- At 12 p.m. noon on Wednesday, December 24
- All day Thursday, December 25
- At 12 p.m. noon on Wednesday, December 31
- All day Thursday, January 1
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 be available during regular business hours while administrative offices are open. Please visit our website for more information about City services. Have a safe, warm, and happy holiday season!
 Explore transportation options available in your area and try out the trip planner developed by the community and Hopelink! Find a Ride’s trip planner supports older adults, veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties by increasing access to local transportation options that get travelers where they need to go. Trip planning information is available at https://www.findaride.org.
Tips for Kirkland: If you are in Kirkland, select “East King County” and then the “Provider List” button. Then you can use the filters and search features to filter for transportation programs and services to meet your needs. Or, you can use Metro’s Trip Planner and fill in your origin address, destination address, date, and time to check out the options that the Trip Planner recommends.
 Drivers should expect traffic delays and restricted parking due to the 12Ks of Christmas run/walk, to be held at Marina Park on Sunday, December 14, 2025. Roadway impacts will be in effect from 9 a.m. until approximately 11:30 a.m. or when the last runner passes. Vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed. Event organizers expect 1,500 athletes will participate in the run/walk which includes 5K, 12K, and Kids Dash courses; and event goers are encouraged to carpool and plan for their parking in advance. For public parking, including the Peter Kirk Municipal Parking Garage, go to https://www.kirklandwa.gov/parking. For bus transportation, go to http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/. Read the full news release here.
 Grand Menorah Lighting
Date: Sunday, December 14
Time: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plaza
Join Chabad of Kirkland to celebrate Chanukah, the eight-day "Festival of Lights," starting Sunday evening, December 14, 2025. This community-wide holiday celebration will feature a menorah lighting, singing, games, and other surprises. All are welcome to join the festivities. This event is a great opportunity to learn about and experience the traditions of Chanukah. Bring your family and friends for a night of community and celebration.
 Community Bonfires at the Park
Dates and Locations: Please see below.
Kirkland Parks and Community Services warmly welcome the community to enjoy bonfires hosted by City staff that accompany Argosy Cruises' Christmas Ship Festival stops at waterfront parks.
Saturday, December 20 at 5:35 p.m. - Juanita Beach Park (9703 NE Juanita Dr)
Monday, December 22 at 2:10 p.m. - Marina Park (25 Lakeshore Plaza)
Note: Inclement weather, a burn ban, or other factors may result in cancellation of a bonfire event. Please call the Bonfire Hotline for day of event updates at 425-587-3345.
 Google Lights
Dates: Now through January 9
Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Feriton Spur Park, 509 6th Street South, Kirkland
Celebrate the season with sparkle and joy! The lights will shine bright nightly from 4–9 p.m. through January 9, so you can soak in the holiday glow all season long. Bundle up, bring your loved ones, and let the magic of the holidays light up your night!
 Kirkland Ice Rink
Date: Now through January 11
Location: Lee Johnson Field, 202 3rd St, Kirkland
Experience the magic of winter in downtown Kirkland with festive outdoor ice skating on Lee Johnson Field surrounded by twinkling lights, music, and seasonal cheer for all ages. Presented by the Kirkland Downtown Association, the ice rink will be open through January 11, 2026.
Ice skates are included in the admission fee. Skating sessions are for an hour duration. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. This is REAL ice, so bundle up! Find more information, including hours of operation, here.
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Want even more winter weather tips? Carly from our Office of Emergency Management has the scoop!
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