 Kurt Hellmann from Energy Smart Eastside stops by to tell us all about often-misunderstood technological wonders known as heat pumps. Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on March 3, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which started at 7:30 p.m.:
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The City Council received a report on the state of Kirkland’s urban forest and urban forestry programs and provided direction to staff on a scope for the forthcoming update to the Urban Forest Management Plan.
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The Council approved $20,000 of lodging tax funds which have been recommended for investment by the Tourism Development Committee to amplify key tourism-driving events like the Junior Softball World Series, the Umbrella Fringe Festival, World Cup Business Education, and potentially others.
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The Council adjusted the compensation paid to judges pro tem, which are temporary judges who serve in the absence, disability, or disqualification of Presiding Municipal Court Judge John Olson or when additional judge capacity is needed. This compensation adjustment brings the rate of pay up to market value and would allow for easier cost-of-living adjustments to be made in the future.
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The Council adjusted vacation and management leave for non-represented staff to help support the City's goals of attracting and retaining highly qualified staff.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
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An update to the 2026-2028 Planning Work Program.
- An overview of probation services offered by the Kirkland Municipal Court.
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 March 17, 2026.
Not sure where to find what you're looking for?
Check out Ask Kirkland – the City's website chatbot. Click on "Let's Chat" in the lower righthand corner.
You can also text Ask Kirkland to ask questions via SMS. Just text:
1-866-527-KIRK (5475)
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Have a question for the City but aren't sure where to ask?
Rep’d is an innovative video platform that allows City staff to quickly and easily share short, plain-language answers to community questions. Ask a question today!
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See an issue needing to be addressed?
Whether it's potholes, graffiti, downed trees, or otherwise, let us know through Our Kirkland!
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What began as an investigation into a stolen bicycle listed for sale online led Kirkland Police to recover stolen property, seize narcotics and firearms, and arrest two individuals on felony warrants.
On Monday, February 23, 2026, a Seattle resident located his stolen bicycle advertised for sale on a digital marketplace. The seller was operating from an apartment complex in Kirkland, and the Seattle resident contacted the police. Kirkland Police launched an investigation into the listing. The next day, the Kirkland Police Pro-Act Unit conducted surveillance and confirmed the suspect’s identity. The suspect had an active felony warrant for narcotics distribution.
On Wednesday, February 25, Kirkland officers were granted search warrants for the apartment to recover the stolen bicycle and arrest the suspect. The Pro-Act Unit served the warrant with assistance from Kirkland’s Detectives and Patrol Officers and recovered the stolen bicycle. Officers took the suspect into custody without incident.
While serving the warrant, officers observed narcotics and firearm-related items in plain view. The officers obtained additional search authority and seized suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine, cash, one rifle, and one pistol. Officers also arrested a second individual located inside the apartment on an outstanding felony warrant for motor vehicle theft.
The Kirkland Police Pro-Act Unit led this investigation. The unit focuses on proactive investigations targeting criminal activity impacting the community and was established through Police Prop 1, approved by Kirkland voters in 2018.
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, March 8. Before heading to bed on Saturday, March 7, remember to "spring forward" and set your clocks and gadgets one hour ahead.
While you’re pushing buttons, take a few extra minutes to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. About 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke alarms. Testing your alarms helps ensure you’ll get an early warning if a fire starts, giving you valuable time to get out safely.
Smoke Alarm Reminders:
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Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home.
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Test alarms monthly.
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Replace batteries at least once a year — or sooner if the alarm starts beeping.
Spring forward into preparedness by checking your disaster supplies, and keeping it ready by replacing any expired items, and swapping out any expired food or water that’s been stagnant in a container. Confirm that everyone in your home knows where your supplies are and how to use them. Remember to review what items you have at work and on the go as well!
Find more preparedness tips on the City's website.
King County Women: Come join King County EMS and host agency Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority along with over 14 other King County agencies as we immerse you in a weekend of hands on Fire and EMS activities and provide you an opportunity to explore a career in the Fire or EMS service. This opportunity includes interactive activities, discussion panels, viewing live demos, and networking with EMTs, Firefighters, and Paramedics in our region. Must be 18+ to apply, King County residency preferred.
Future Women* in EMS + Fire Workshop
Workshop: April 25 + 26, 2026, 0800-1700 both days
Applications due: March 30, 2026
*This workshop is inclusive of underrepresented genders including women, women-identifying individuals, non-binary, trans, and gender non-conforming people who are comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women in EMS/Fire.
Looking for a few more ways to support your health and well-being? Or know someone that could use a little help right now?
The Peter Kirk Community Center (PKCC) offers free, in-person supports through Evergreen EnhanceWellness, free social work consultations, and PEARLS counseling, which is an evidence-based program designed to help older adults manage mild depression and stay connected.
PKCC also helps meet nutrition needs, with congregate lunches for adults 60+ and information on options like Meals on Wheels and local food pantries. Learn more about eligibility, schedules, and how to get plugged in by visiting the City’s website.
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Let the shenanigans begin! The Kirkland Shamrock Run is coming up March 14, 2026 at Marina Park starting at 9 a.m. Come join Lake Washington Physical Therapy and Cascade Stride by "wearing the green" for a fun family fun run. Run along Lake Washington Blvd and enjoy views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. The Seattle Firefighters Drum and Pipes will be playing at Moss Bay Hall for the after run party.
Find more information here.
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Volunteer with Green Kirkland this March to remove invasive plants, plant natives, and support healthy habitats in your local parks!
It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and no experience is required—just bring your enthusiasm!
Upcoming Stewardship Events with Green Kirkland
Kirkland’s shoreline parks and natural areas are full of remarkable wildlife. This month, we’re celebrating the hard‑working and always‑impressive beaver.
Beavers are common throughout Kirkland, especially along Lake Washington and in stream corridors such as Forbes, Denny, and Juanita creeks. Known as nature’s engineers, beavers build dams that create ponds and rich wetland habitats supporting diverse mammals, amphibians, birds, fish, and insects. They feed on plant material including the leaves, stems, and inner bark of trees like cottonwood, willow, and alder. They also use this woody material to build lodges for raising their young. Through their building and feeding, beavers help shape ecosystems in ways that benefit many species.
Telling beavers apart from river otters, nutria, and muskrats can be tricky, especially when they’re swimming. Here are a few helpful tips:
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Size: Beavers are the largest rodent in North America, making them bulkier and more robust than sleek otters or smaller muskrats and nutria.
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Tail: Beavers have a distinctive flat, paddle‑shaped tail, unlike the muskrat’s thin, rat‑like tail.
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Teeth: Beavers use their large front incisors to cut wood and build lodges made of branches, while muskrats typically build lodges from cattails and softer plant materials.
Photo: Beaver at Juanita Bay, Chuck Guilford
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Set your alarms - registration for spring and summer programs open soon: Kirkland Residents - Camp and general program registration opens at 7 AM on Tuesday, March 17. - Aquatics program registration opens at 7 AM on Wednesday, March 18.
Non-residents: - Camp, general program and aquatics registration opens at 8am on Thursday, March 19. Explore all programs on our registration website www.kirklandparks.net. The 2026 Spring/Summer Activity Guide will be mailed to all Kirkland households, but you can access the digital version online at www.kirklandwa.gov/RecreationGuide. Don't miss out on the fun and adventure that awaits!
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Join the City of Kirkland’s Parks & Community Service team this summer and spend your days creating safe, fun, and welcoming experiences as a:
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Lifeguard, Swim Instructor, or Swim Team Coach
- Program or Exercise Instructor
- Pool Cashier
- Recreation Attendant
- Seasonal Laborer
- Day Camp Leader or Director
- Seasonal Park Ranger
- Groundsperson
The City is hiring for more than 150 part-time and seasonal roles. Most positions begin in April, May, or June, with opportunities lasting through summer and into early fall. These non-benefited positions are perfect for students, recent graduates, or anyone seeking short-term work, ranging in pay from $18.33 - $37.81 per hour.
The Kirkland Parks and Community Services Job Fair returns on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the North Kirkland Community Center.
Whether you’re searching for your first job, looking to stay active, or hoping to help create unforgettable experiences for local families, this event is a chance to connect directly with hiring managers and discover where your next adventure could begin.
WSDOT is preparing for the first full weekend closure of both directions of I-405 through Bothell as part of the I-405 expansion project.
Starting 6 p.m. Saturday, March 7, to 4 a.m. Monday, March 9, crews will close all lanes of northbound I-405 at the SR 522 Interchange and all lanes of southbound I-405 from SR 527 to SR 522 to remove ramp sections over I-405. Similar closures are planned for the following weekend, as well.
WSDOT has to fully close I-405 to safely remove portions of aging flyover ramps over the mainline freeway.
What you need to do: Expect severe regional delays. Although these closures are happening in Bothell, detour routes won't be able to handle normal I-405 traffic volumes. This means significant congestion is highly likely in Kirkland – including along 100th Ave NE, Juanita-Woodinville Road, and 124th Ave NE to the north, and NE 116th St, 98th Ave NE / Market St, NE 85th St, and 124th Ave NE in central/south Kirkland. All drivers should follow official signed detours and avoid cutting through neighborhood streets. Signed routes are coordinated to help keep traffic moving.
Pro tip *if possible* - use transit, adjust travel times by leaving early or staying later, or avoid travel in the area during the weekend. Plan ahead and allow for plenty of extra time.
(1) Northeast 85th Street: Shared Use Pathway
Northeast 85th Street continues to usher a single lane of traffic in each direction, between Interstate 405 and Sixth Street while a Kirkland contractor builds a shared-use pathway that parallel’s Northeast 85th Street.
(2) 124th Avenue Northeast Pedestrian Improvements
Drivers should expect southbound lane shift between 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on 124th Avenue Northeast from the Tolt Pipeline Trail to Northeast 145th Street. Work expected to begin February 19 on this sidewalk project on the west side of 124th Avenue Northeast.
(3) 132nd Avenue Northeast Intersection Improvements
Drivers should expect lane shifts and flagging operations on 132nd Avenue Northeast near Northeast 100th Street as Kirkland's contractor builds a new signalized intersection. Traffic control begins at 9 a.m. and ends by 3:30 p.m. Construction on this project is expected to enter suspension in mid-March as the contractor procures long-lead items.
Wheels & Reels Winter Drive-In Movie Series
Location: Juanita Beach Park
March 7 – Lilo and Stitch (live action) April 11 – Mufasa: The Lion King
Cozy Up for the 2026 Winter Drive-In Movie Series at Juanita Beach Park! Grab your blankets, load up the car, and enjoy a magical movie night under the winter sky! Watch family-friendly films (PG-13 and under) on our giant 17-foot LED screen. All ages are welcome, but parents are encouraged to review movie titles ahead of time for suitability.
This event happens rain or shine (no refunds), so come prepared! Cars and trucks are welcome, but please leave the limos, RVs, buses, and alcohol at home, and please no tailgating. Registration is $20 per vehicle and is required ahead of time for attendance. Please register based on your vehicle size to ensure the best viewing experience for everyone. The parking lot opens at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 7 p.m.
KU Mardi-ROCK: A Shamrock & Street Party
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Join us at Kirkland Urban for KU Mardi-ROCK, a lively shamrock-meets-street-party celebration filled with music, color, and post-run fun. Whether you’re crossing the finish line of the Shamrock Run or simply stopping by to enjoy the festivities, this all-ages, pet-friendly event is the perfect way to keep the celebration going. Bring your friends, family, and furry companions and enjoy a high-energy plaza experience featuring interactive activities, creative stations, festive photo moments, and upbeat music. KU Mardi-ROCK is all about community, connection, and making lucky memories together. Come dressed in your best green, gold, or festive flair and get ready to let the good times roll at KU Mardi-ROCK! More information here.
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Live Pitch Competition
Time: Doors Open 5:30 p.m., Competition starts at 6 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Performance Center | 350 Kirkland Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033
Join us for an electrifying evening of innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit at the Kirkland Pitch Competition! This is not just an event; it's a platform where aspiring entrepreneurs showcase their groundbreaking ideas, and the community comes together to support and celebrate innovation. Watch as passionate entrepreneurs take the stage to present their business ideas in a format that's both engaging and informative. A distinguished panel of industry experts will evaluate the pitches, providing valuable insights and feedback to participants. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for inspiration, an investor scouting for the next big opportunity, or a community member eager to support local innovation, this event is for you! Register to attend here.
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To get ready for the excitement of this year's Kirkland Pitch Competition coming up on March 24, relive the thrills of last year's competition.
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