 Kirkland Fire Department’s new Deputy Chief Gary Smith and new EMS Captain Doug Tomczak stop by the studio to celebrate EMS Week with us as well as share copious tips for staying safe at home and in water. We sound the alarm on a current blood shortage, give a shout-out to the Kirkland Public Works team, bask in the glory of the Recycler of the Year Award, and take roundabouts for a spin. Plus, we recap the recent Council meeting and look forward to the 7 Hills of Kirkland Bike Ride, a resource and career fair, and the upcoming tour of Cascade Recycling Center.
Would you rather listen to this newsletter as a fun and dynamic podcast? Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on May 19, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting. The Council:
- Decided which applicants to interview for upcoming Board and Commission seats
- Gave direction to staff on affordable housing in low-density residential zones
- Received a briefing on the housing dashboard
- Received a demonstration of an online parking map
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session that included:
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A comprehensive overview of how Kirkland’s Utility Rates work
- Overview of Cascade Water Alliance’s Cascade Supply Plan
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 June 2, 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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Our region is facing an emergency blood and platelet shortage across the Pacific Northwest. Nearly all blood types are dangerously low, especially Type O blood and platelets that trauma and cancer patients depend on to survive. Right now, there’s less than a one-day supply of Type O blood, and donations haven’t kept pace with patient need. Since early spring, only 85% of the needed Type O supply has been collected. Platelets are also in short supply and expire within just five days, creating a constant, urgent need.
Upcoming Blood Drives in Kirkland:
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Wednesday, May 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Plaza Yarrow Bay – Bloodmobile
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Wednesday, May 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., North Kirkland Community Center – Multipurpose Room
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Friday, June 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., EvergreenHealth Kirkland – Bloodmobile in Silver Lot
- Friday, June 12, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Lake Washington Institute of Technology – Bloodmobile
Find additional locations and dates here.
As a thank you for saving lives in our community, all May donors can enter to win a trip for two to Oahu, Hawaii. Double entries May 24-30.
In observance of Memorial Day, City administrative offices are closed on Monday, May 25. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, over the phone, and the Our Kirkland service portal will resume at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
Memorial Day is observed as a federal holiday to recognize and honor those who lost their lives while serving in the United States Military. Join us as we contemplate and remember, with gratitude and reverence, the heroes who sacrificed in service to our country.
For a full list of 2026 City Hall Holiday Closures, visit the City’s website.
Enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of early market season while connecting with your City Councilmembers at the next Conversations with Council event on Friday, June 26, from 3-5 p.m. at the Juanita Friday Market in Juanita Beach Park.
As part of the City’s Conversations with Council program, Councilmembers host casual monthly meetups at locations across Kirkland to encourage open dialogue with community members. There’s no formal agenda or presentations — just an opportunity to B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Topic)™, ask questions, share ideas, or simply stop by to say hello and show off your market haul.
Look for the Conversations with Council sign while strolling the market.
This week, we’re celebrating the people behind the work that keeps Kirkland safe, connected, and running every day.
National Public Works Week is May 17-23, and it’s an opportunity to honor the importance of public works to our daily lives. Whether out in the field or behind the scenes, dedicated Public Works employees are planning, building, maintaining, managing, and operating infrastructure to improve quality of life for their communities.
- Kirkland’s Street and Grounds Division provides a wide range of services to the City, including maintaining 648 lane miles of streets; maintaining public sidewalks, paths, and trails; and de-icing and snow removal during winter weather.
- Kirkland’s Storm & Surface Water Division improves the health of creeks, lakes, and wetlands; reduces flooding in streets and neighborhoods; and ensures the proper operation of all stormwater systems in Kirkland.
- Kirkland Public Works also provides water and wastewater services to the southern portion of Kirkland. These divisions manage Kirkland’s usage of 5.8 million gallons of water per day, 13,198 service connections, 1,927 fire hydrants, 123 miles of wastewater (sewer) mains, 3,600+ maintenance holes, and six wastewater pump stations.
- The Transportation Division oversees long-range infrastructure planning, usage and performance data, and other critical components to make sure people can get around, whatever transportation method they choose.
- Kirkland’s Capital Improvement Program continues to lay the groundwork for a safe, healthy, and vibrant community. This includes projects that improve streets, sidewalks, water systems, and parks.
It’s easy to take the work that Public Works employees do year round for granted. Thanks for taking the time during Public Works Week to appreciate these unsung heroes.
This week, we celebrate Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week and recognize the professionals who deliver lifesaving care in communities across the country. 🚑
Here in Kirkland, our Firefighter/EMTs are trained and ready to respond when help is needed, bringing expert medical care and compassionate support to every call. We’re proud of the work they do and grateful for the partners who help make it possible.
Want to stay connected with Kirkland Fire? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for safety tips, updates, and stories from the team serving our community.
May’s Building Safety Month continues with the theme “Prepared to Protect.” Emergency planning makes you and your community safer. The International Code Council advises you to know your risks, make a plan, and take action. Start with these tips:
- Create disaster supply kits with basic necessities for where you live, work, and travel on the go. Confirm that any household members know where the home disaster supply kit is stored.
- Establish a “meeting place” (like the mailbox or a relative’s house), plan several different routes to get there, and practice your plan.
- Take steps to prepare your house to withstand the effects of a natural disaster, to the extent possible.
- Learn when and how to turn off your gas, water, and/or electricity so that you are prepared if it becomes necessary.
Kirkland-specific emergency preparedness information can be found here.
Spring is in full swing, which means more yard work for many Kirklanders. Battery-powered yard care equipment can be a big help, but it’s important to be aware that lithium-ion batteries do carry a certain level of fire risk. Follow these safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to lower that risk:
- Purchase equipment and batteries that are certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as UL.
- Only use the battery and charging equipment designed specifically for that device.
- Charge batteries in a dry, well-ventilated area away from anything flammable.
- Don’t leave batteries charging unattended or overnight unless the manufacturer specifically says it’s safe.
- Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.
- If a battery becomes damaged, overheats, emits an unusual odor, makes odd noises, leaks, or starts swelling, stop using it immediately. If it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. Call 9-1-1.
The City of Kirkland Solid Waste Division is excited to share that we’ve been named 2026 Recycler of the Year for Education by the Washington State Recycling Association, in recognition of our Sort Smart Tournament!
This award celebrates the work of organizations that are making a real difference in strengthening recycling efforts, and we’re proud to be part of that impact! The first iteration of the Sort Smart Tournament was a fun, three-month competition for multifamily properties in Kirkland, focused on reducing contamination in garbage, recycling, and compost through regular waste checks and outreach. Read more about the award.
Join the Washington Lake Protection Association for a FREE interactive workshop focused on helping shoreline landowners better understand how to care for and protect your property while supporting a healthy lake for everyone.
This town hall-style discussion takes place over Zoom on Thursday, May 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. and is designed to give you practical information, local resources, and answers to your shoreline questions. Hear directly from local experts on topics, including:
- Shoreline protection and restoration strategies
- Invasive plants
- Permitting and shoreline regulations
- Fish and wildlife habitat
- Erosion and waves
The City of Kirkland is seeking participants for a focus group to provide insights about natural yard care practices at home. Insights gathered through this process will directly inform future City programs, outreach strategies, and educational initiatives. These efforts are intended to support environmentally sustainable, safe, and practical yard care solutions that are accessible, realistic, and aligned with the needs and priorities of the Kirkland community.
It’s not too late to submit art! Kirkland will celebrate art and ageless creativity once again with the Senior Council’s 16th Annual Art Show.
How to Apply
To show your artwork, request an application from Scouncil@kirklandwa.gov and turn it in by Friday, May 29. Submissions are currently open to community members who are 50 and older. Participants should then deliver their artwork to Merrill Gardens between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on June 4 and sign the Hold Harmless Agreement. Following the show, artwork must be picked up at Merrill Gardens between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on June 12.
The Senior Art Show welcomes all forms of creativity. Senior artists who wish to participate can submit up to two pieces of artwork in six different categories. The categories are: Oils and Acrylics, Watercolor, Pastels and Drawing, Photography, Quilts, and Other Media.
Public Reception and Art Show
The public is welcome (and encouraged!) to attend the show, which will be held at Merrill Gardens at 14 Main Street South in Kirkland. To kick off the event, there will be a reception on June 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. with live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and a no-host bar serving Northwest wines and beer. Attendees can vote for their favorite artwork in the six categories during this time. At 7:30 p.m., winners will be announced and receive ribbons. Participants’ artwork will continue to be displayed in the lobby of Merrill Gardens until June 12. It will be available for viewing between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
We look forward to this special celebration of our senior community and their talent!
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New to roundabouts? Take this video for a spin!
The City of Kirkland is bringing you Roundabout Ride Along, a series of short videos on how to safely navigate roundabouts, including the new ones on NE 85th Street. We shared the first, “Safety 101,” last week and will continue to work to help drivers feel more comfortable while driving in the circular intersections. Future topics will include yielding vs. stopping, how to get to the I-405 on-ramps from the far sides of the oblong roundabout, and more.
You’ll be up to speed in no time!
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(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 6th Street while a Kirkland contractor builds a shared-use pathway that parallels NE 85th Street. Kirkland’s project is close to finishing and the roadway will revert back to two lanes east of 6th Street. Drivers will be tapered down to the single lane for entry into WSDOT’s new (temporarily configurated) roundabout. The change of the intersections to roundabouts is a dramatic change for drivers.
(2) NE 85th Street Eastbound 3rd Lane Project
Drivers can expect night construction to continue east of Interstate 405 on NE 85th Street. Traffic control begins by 9 p.m. and ends by 5 a.m. to avoid disruption to NE 85th Street. Street repairs, grind and overlay along with concrete repairs are expected to continue throughout spring. The overlay of this project area is expected in June, followed by medians and permanent striping.
(3) 116th Avenue NE Water Check Valve
Drivers will encounter alternating traffic controlled by flaggers on 116th Avenue NE between NE 100th Street and NE 95th Street. Traffic control is expected between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
(4) Interstate 405 Southbound Closure in Kirkland
7 Hills of Kirkland Bike Ride
Location: Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plz., Kirkland
For over 20 years, the 7 Hills of Kirkland has been a beloved Memorial Day tradition, offering cyclists a picturesque and challenging road bike ride. This fundraising event is essential for supporting housing and vital services for those in need on the Eastside. Join hundreds of your closest friends and challenge yourself to complete one of three routes: the Metric Century 62-mile route, the Traditional 38-mile route, or the Strawberry Shortcut at 20.2 miles. Each route promises the hills your heart desires. At the finish line, celebrate your achievement with refreshing strawberry shortcake waiting just for you. More information.
Resource and Career Fair
Location: Kirkland Teen Union Building | 348 Kirkland Ave.
Join us for a fun, welcoming drop‑in event at the Kirkland Teen Union, sponsored by the City of Kirkland! Youth and families are invited to stop by for career readiness workshops, chances to connect with community partners, giveaways, and more. This event is part of our High School and Beyond commitment — making sure young people in our community, from ages 0-26, have the support and resources they need to build a strong future and move toward economic mobility.
✨ Bonus: The first 30 guests will receive a free backpack (one per youth).✨ Read more.
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Cascade Recycling Center Tour (In-Person)
Location: Cascade Recycling Center | 14020 NE 190th St., Woodinville
Have you ever wondered what happens to your recycling once it’s picked up? Join us as we tour the state-of-the-art recycling technology in action and learn about your local recycling processes! Attend WM’s recycling center tour and become a recycling expert! During the tour, you’ll learn what happens to your recycling when it leaves the curb, why it’s so important to Recycle Right, and more. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Hosted by WM. Register online.
Reach out if you require any accommodations due to a disability, or if you need interpretive services in your preferred language. Please let us know by email RecycleNW@wm.com at least seven days before the event.
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Behind every project, repair, and response is a team committed to serving Kirkland. This National Public Works Week, we’re highlighting the people who make it all happen in this short video — the operators, engineers, technicians, inspectors, maintenance crews, and support staff working together to keep our city flowing every day. Thank you to our incredible Public Works staff for all you do!
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