 Celebrate Kirkland’s Maryke Burgess and Omar Mohamed hop on the podcast to give us all the deets about the upcoming July Fourth festivities and what you can expect at the 27th annual Celebrate Kirkland Parade. We talk Conversations with Council, cold water shock, volunteer opportunities galore, and there’s even a recycling pop quiz — so get your thinking caps on!
Would you rather listen to this newsletter as a fun and dynamic podcast? Check it out.
 The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, June 16. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will consider adopting zoning code amendments regarding affordable housing requirements in low density zones.
- Council will consider adopting amendments related to code enforcement.
- Council will consider adoption of code amendments related to automatic fire sprinkler requirements for existing residential buildings.
- Council will get an update on Health Through Housing.
- Council will hold a public hearing regarding affordable housing requirements in low-density zones.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
- Council will receive options for alternative delivery for the Peter Kirk Pool Project.
- Council will get an update from Cascade Water Alliance on the preliminary rates and Cascade Supply 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 June 16 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’s:
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.
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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The City of Kirkland is seeking two Deputy Fire Chiefs to join our Fire Department’s leadership team! There are two openings due to the recent promotion of one Deputy Chief to Chief.
Deputy Fire Chief of Operations: Lead emergency response operations, support frontline personnel, and help ensure our department is prepared to meet the evolving needs of the community.
Deputy Fire Chief of Support Services: Provide strategic leadership for the business and support functions that keep the department running, including planning, budgeting, personnel development, and organizational initiatives.
While each role has a unique focus, both positions play a critical part in shaping the future of Kirkland Fire, supporting our employees, and advancing our commitment to exceptional public service. We’re looking for collaborative, forward-thinking leaders who are passionate about SERVING their community, fostering a culture where employees feel they BELONG, and creating opportunities for individuals and teams to THRIVE.
At the City of Kirkland, we believe great communities are built by great people. While you are making a positive impact on our community, we will support you with:
- 100% City-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums
- Retirement benefits
- Growth and training opportunities
- A collaborative team that values your work
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 is no formal agenda or presentation — 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. Be sure to look for the Conversations with Council sign while strolling the market.
Kirkland’s art community came together to kick off the Senior Council’s 16th Annual Art Show on June 5. During the reception, attendees were invited to vote for their favorite artwork in seven different categories. The first-place winners are:
Best in Show: Margaret Bull, “The Future of Kirkland Is in Our Hands”
Oils and Acrylics: Yasin Merchant, “Lunar Silence”
Pastels and Drawing: Grant Perry, “Miss You Thunder”
Watercolor: Christine Trewin, “Blueberries”
Other Media: Chuck Bonin, “Turned Bowl” and Kim Nakanishi, “Saint” (tie)
Photography: Susan Sjaastad, “Wooden Shoes”
Quilts: Margaret Bull, “The Future of Kirkland Is in Our Hands”
Congratulations to all the winners and participants! Art remains on display until 8 p.m. on June 12 at Merrill Gardens.
Hop in for another Roundabout Ride Along! With all the changes on NE 85th Street, we’re continuing our short video series to share information on navigating roundabouts safely. This time, the topic is yielding — when to stop and when you don’t need to.
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 Cold water shock is a major contributor of drowning incidents: It can trigger involuntary gasping and muscle failure quickly and incapacitate even strong swimmers. Anytime water temperatures dip below 70°F (21°C), there’s risk of cold water shock. Before you head out for a lake swim, check the King County lake swimming webpage for current temperatures.
- Wear a life vest during water activities.
- Keep a close eye on children.
- Alcohol enhances hypothermia.
- Even experienced swimmers can lose muscle control very quickly.
- Fast-flowing water will make rescue difficult.
In general, plastic egg containers cannot be recycled and should be put in the trash. They are a type of “clamshell” packaging, which is not recyclable in Kirkland. Ridwell offers recycling for these items through a paid subscription service.
It’s almost time for Kirkland’s favorite Fourth of July tradition — Celebrate Kirkland! Our community parade brings together families, entertainers, veterans, and the dedicated volunteers who make the event possible.
Veterans Reception
U.S. Veterans are invited to join our free reception and enjoy a catered lunch from Chick‑fil‑A, followed by the opportunity to ride in a luxury vehicle along the parade route. Pre‑registration is required.
Volunteer Opportunities
Help us bring the parade to life! From kids’ craft activities to supporting event operations alongside Parks, Police, and Public Works staff, there’s a role for everyone. No experience needed. We’ll provide everything you need. Submit your interest and we’ll connect with you.
Parade Entry
Local businesses, clubs, and organizations are invited to register a parade entry of any size from walking groups to full floats. Show your community spirit and reach thousands of spectators. Details and award categories are available on our website. Register for the parade here.
Thank You to Our Sponsor
A special thank you to Kenworth Trucking Company for their longtime support of this event. Be sure to visit their pavilion during the parade to see their latest work.
 This summer, the City of Kirkland is looking for volunteers that want to help the community be more sustainable through reducing waste and proper sorting of materials. You’ll champion environmental stewardship by assisting outside at the Wednesday Market with local experts. This job will be fun, rewarding and has one of the most beautiful views of the city! For more, information contact kryan@kirklandwa.gov.
The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is a partnership between the Kirkland Police Department and community volunteers working together to address and prevent domestic violence. DART volunteers play an essential role by providing crisis intervention, emotional support, and guidance to victims following police involvement, as well as assisting throughout the court process.
DART is seeking dedicated applicants now. Because this work requires consistency and trust, volunteers are asked to make a minimum two‑year commitment.
- Attend one evening meeting per month.
- Complete one four‑hour office shift per month.
- Serve a seven‑day on‑call shift per month.
If you are passionate about supporting survivors and interested in making a meaningful difference in your community, we invite you to learn more.
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(1) NE 85th Street: Shared-Use Pathway
NE 85th Street continues to usher a single lane of traffic eastbound (uphill), between 6th Street and I-405 while a Kirkland contractor finishes a shared-use pathway that parallels NE 85th Street. Westbound travel has returned to two lanes from the 114th Avenue NE/Kirkland Way roundabout.
(2) NE 85th Street Eastbound 3rd Lane Project
Drivers can expect continued disruption to travel on NE 85th Street between 120th Avenue NE and 124th Avenue NE. Prep work for grinding and overlay continue, which are expected the week of June 22.
(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
WSDOT is expected to close NE 85th Street between 6th Street and 120th Avenue NE from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Wednesday, June 17 and Thursday, June 18 (subject to change). Visit WSDOT’s project website for updates. These closures are unrelated to the NE 85th Street Shared-Use Pathway project.
Location: Lake Washington Institute for Technology | 11605 132nd Ave. NE
WM and the City of Kirkland’s Recycle Right Events allow residents to dispose of recyclable items such as electronics, textiles, and paper for shredding. This is a free event, and there is no cost to drop off the accepted items. The event organizers and staff reserve the right to refuse to take items that are not listed on the accepted items list, damaged, contaminated, or too large to handle. View the full list of items that are accepted here.
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Location: Marina Park | 25 Lakeshore Plz., Kirkland
Join us for Ukrainian Food Festival Green Week, a vibrant celebration of Ukrainian culture featuring a Borscht Competition with public judging, live music, stand-up comedy, folk craft workshops, kids’ entertainment, an artisan market, and food vendors at Kirkland’s beautiful Marina Park.
For more information, contact the Ukrainian Cultural Center Toloka at (425) 443-0040 or visit www.tolokacenter.org/green-week.
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Location: Houghton Starbucks | 6733 108th 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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Join City of Kirkland naturalists on a Wetland Wander for a stroll through the wetlands to spot cool plants and wildlife while we soak up some nature vibes. Register here. Note: space is limited to 30 participants.
Together, we’ll learn about the diverse life that thrives and survives in Edith Moulton Park. You’ll come away with a greater understanding of the struggles between invasive and native species, and the history of your local wetland.
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Wondering what to do if your water is discolored or there seem to be air pockets when running your tap? The City of Kirkland’s Public Works Department offers suggestions on what to do if you notice changes in your drinking water in this short video.
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