 Would you rather listen to this newsletter as a fun and dynamic podcast? We share the mic with Karen Dawson, Community Engagement Liaison with Bloodworks Northwest, who busts myths about donating blood and explains how we can all be winners. Plus, we celebrate improvements to the Totem Lake Urban Center, dig into Earth Month, talk Clean Sweep, and tee up “This Night in Kirkland: All Together Now.” Plus, we share upcoming events like the Parks Job Fair and Coffee with a Cop. Check it out.
The Council’s next meeting will be on April 7, 2026. More information about the agenda items for that meeting will be included in a future edition of This Week in Kirkland.
Stay in the know: Want a preview of what topics are anticipated to come to Council in the coming weeks and months? Check out the City Council Agenda Calendar. Please note: This calendar is subject to frequent change and does not constitute legal notice.
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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We celebrated the completion of various 124th Avenue NE corridor improvements this week. This $20.1 million investment in the Totem Lake Urban Center added a travel lane in each direction, widened sidewalks, built elevated bike lanes, installed a new mid-block HAWK signal, upgraded medians and intelligent transportation systems, improved street and pedestrian lighting, and modernized stormwater, fire hydrant, and sewer utilities. Together, these improvements create a safer, better-connected gateway to Totem Lake for everyone who lives, works, shops, and travels through the area.
Kudos to our Public Works Capital Improvement Program team for their years-long dedication to getting this done!
Join us on May 7 for an evening of celebration, connection, and community pride, including a special one‑night‑only live podcast conversation with the City Council as we share gratitude for our amazing community.
This year’s event includes:
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5-6 p.m. - Food and social hour at Peter Kirk Community Center (first come, first serve. Space and supplies are limited.)
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6-6:30 p.m. - Dessert in the Kirkland Performance Center lobby
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6:30 p.m. - Show begins
Enjoy the State of the City address, followed by musical performances (surprises and smiles guaranteed!) and a heartfelt volunteer appreciation ceremony honoring those who make Kirkland shine.
All community members are welcome. Come celebrate the spirit of service and the people who make Kirkland a great place to live. Register today.
April is Earth Month, and you’re invited to help care for local forests and natural areas with the Green Kirkland Partnership.
Spring activities include weeding, mulching, and tending to new plantings — come celebrate the season at a park near you! Tools and training are provided. Visit the Green Kirkland calendar to register to volunteer and learn more!
Stewardship Events in April
Kirkland Downtown Association’s annual Clean Sweep is back on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and community members of all ages are invited to be part of this energizing tradition. Powered every year by incredible volunteers from church groups and student clubs to co-workers and book clubs, Clean Sweep is a chance to come together and give back in a hands‑on, meaningful way.
This year’s effort will focus on the downtown business district, where volunteers will help with weeding, scrubbing, sweeping, gardening, and boosting the overall vibrancy of the spaces where our community gathers. Whether you join with friends, family, or come solo and meet new neighbors, you’ll be contributing to a brighter, cleaner, more welcoming Kirkland.
Two volunteer shifts are available so you can choose what works best for your schedule:
- 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- 1-3 p.m.
Help us keep Kirkland beautiful. Your time truly makes a difference. Learn more and sign up here.
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Imagine the warm Hawaiian sand between your toes as a thank you for saving lives in the Pacific Northwest! In gratitude for your blood donation in April or May, you can enter to win round-trip airfare for two plus a three-night stay in a lush ocean-view room at Oahu’s beautiful Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort.
Your donation makes a real impact in our local hospitals and could turn into the getaway of your dreams. There are appointment times available now for April 1 and 2 at Kirkland City Hall. Schedule your appointment today!
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To comply with Washington House Bill (HB) 1293, the Kirkland Planning and Building Department has revised the design review process to help streamline development permit review (see Ordinance 4922). Key highlights:
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Projects that require design review will be reviewed administratively by staff. This process is referred to as Administrative Design Review (ADR).
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Project reviews will be based on clear, objective design regulations from Chapter 92 of the Zoning Code, replacing former Design Guidelines. This aligns Kirkland with HB 1293’s requirement for transparency and predictability.
- The Design Review Board (DRB) will review projects that seek ‘alternative compliance’ (significant modifications) from design regulations in Kirkland Zoning Code (KZC) Chapter 92. This review process is limited to one public meeting, which is also consistent with HB 1293.
- In addition to complying with State requirements, these updates reflect Kirkland’s commitment to efficient, transparent, and community-minded design reviews.
What This Means for Your Project
- Faster processing with clearer design standards.
- More certainty with objective criteria to reduce ambiguity.
- A single public meeting for projects that request alternative compliance approval by the DRB.
We Are Here to Help
If you’re planning a development project, start early and connect with Planning and Building staff by phone at 425-587-3600, by scheduling a Virtual Appointment, or online via OurKirkland.
(1) NE 85th Street: Shared Use Pathway
NE 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 parallels NE 85th Street.
(2) 124th Avenue NE Pedestrian Improvements
Drivers should expect lane shifts and flagging operations on 124th Avenue NE near NE 145th Street as Kirkland’s contractor builds a center island median for a new crosswalk. Traffic control begins at 7 a.m. and ends by 3 p.m.
(3) 132nd Avenue NE Intersection Improvements
Drivers should expect lane shifts and flagging operations on 132nd Avenue NE near NE 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 by April as the contractor procures long-lead items.
March 28: Expect Delays for Rally and March in Downtown Kirkland
Drivers should expect traffic delays and parking impacts due to a rally and march to be held at Marina Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Roadway impacts are anticipated to begin at 3 p.m. and last until approximately 4 p.m. The following lane closures will be in place:
- East- and westbound lanes of Kirkland Avenue from Third Street to the City dock
- North- and southbound lanes of Lake Street from Central Way to Kirkland Avenue
- East- and westbound lanes of Central Way from Lake Street to Third Street
- North- and southbound lanes of Third Street from Central Way to Kirkland Avenue
Kirkland Welcomes the World Business Workshop
Location: Northwest University
Seattle is a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer, with matches taking place at Lumen Field. The upcoming World Cup is set to be the largest in history. The City of Kirkland wants to keep residents and businesses informed and ready for the festivities. Join us for an in-person Business Information Workshop presented by the City of Kirkland and Kirkland Chamber of Commerce where we will have multiple speakers, resources, and information on how your business can engage with the influx of visitors this summer. More information here.
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Kirkland Parks and Community Services Job Fair
Location: North Kirkland Community Center
The City is hiring for more than 150 part-time and seasonal roles, including day camp leaders, lifeguards, swim instructors, recreation attendants and leads, youth sports officials, and more. Most positions begin in April, May, or June, with opportunities lasting through summer and into early fall.
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. Learn more about available positions at www.kirklandwa.gov/ParksJobs.
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Coffee with a Cop
Location: Starbucks (Bridle Trails), 6735 132nd Ave. NE
Strong communities start with good conversations. Stop by Coffee with a Cop to meet Kirkland Police officers, ask questions, share concerns, or simply say hello. There’s no agenda — just a chance to connect with the people who serve your community. No purchase necessary.
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Kirkland Youth Summit
Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Registration is now open for the 2026 Kirkland Youth Summit. Lunch, transportation (LWSD students only), and service hours will be provided. Register here to join. Questions? Please email us at kyc@kirklandwa.gov.
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Conversations with Council: Second Quarter Dates Coming Soon!
After a strong first quarter launch, City of Kirkland’s Conversations with Council series is just getting started. Nearly 50 community members have already dropped in to connect directly with Councilmembers—no agenda, no presentations, just conversation. From transportation and immigration to neighborhood livability and beyond, these casual gatherings are all about B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Topic)™. Whether you have a question, an idea, or just want to listen in, everyone is welcome.
📅 Mark your calendar: The first event for Q2 is set for April 28—with more details to follow. Stay tuned and come be part of the conversation.
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We’re looking for our next Fire Chief. Check out this video to learn more about the position or go to www.kirklandwa.gov/jobs:
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