 Waste Management Outreach Coordinator Grace Fletcher and City of Kirkland Recycling Pro Rukia Yosif are here to teach everyone how to recycle right and tell us all about the 2026 Sort Smart Tournament. We also talk freeway and beach closures, summer movies, blood drives (with an awesome prize), National Night Out, and more. Check it out!
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
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Council will consider adopting a “Kirkland Youth Bill of Rights” to serve as a guiding document when the City considers policy and budget decisions that may impact young people.
- Council will review draft updates to the Parks Rules in Chapter 11.80 of the Municipal Code.
- Council will review draft changes to Vehicle Parking and Impoundment Rules in Chapters 12.40 and 12.45 of the Municipal Code.
- Council will discuss the Home Business and Neighborhood Commercial Allowances Project.
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Council will receive an update regarding the City’s response to Federal Immigration Enforcement.
- Council will receive a briefing on whether detention centers are permitted in Kirkland.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
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An update on the NE 85th Street Station area branding and marketing project
- A second update briefing on the Urban Forest Management 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.
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.
Looking ahead: The Kirkland City Council Chambers will be undergoing planned major replacement and improvements to audiovisual and broadcast equipment. This work will occur in August due to vendor availability and, as a result, the Aug. 5, 2026 City Council meeting will be held in a hybrid format. Councilmembers will be participating virtually. While on-site attendance for the public will be available in City Hall in the Rose Hill Room, members of the public are strongly encouraged to participate virtually using the meeting information provided on the agenda. Thank you for your understanding during this important upgrade.
Want to meet Kirkland Councilmembers in an informal setting outside of City Council meetings? Bring your own topic to the next Conversations with Council event.
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’s Outdoor Summer Movies series is back! On Saturday, July 18, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy a free double feature on our giant LED movie screen at Juanita Beach Park on the north side. The night’s films are A Minecraft Movie (PG) and Jurassic World Rebirth (PG-13).
The first movie will start at 6 p.m. and the second movie will begin immediately after the first concludes, at approximately 7:40 p.m. Two more movie nights will follow, on Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, Aug. 1. The films on July 25 will be The Wild Robot (PG) and Superman (2025) (PG-13), and on Aug.1, moviegoers will watch Paddington in Peru (PG) and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (PG-13).
Houghton Beach remains closed this week based on test results that continue to indicate elevated bacteria levels. The beach has been closed since Tuesday, July 7, 2026. The beach will remain closed for at least one additional week until testing results meet the reopening criteria.
Water quality staff from the King County Water and Land Resources Division tested the water recently and found that the levels of bacteria exceeded safe thresholds for bacteria based on the samples collected. King County crews will return to the beach next week to collect further samples.
The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation. Summer blood shortages are a recurring issue, and this year is no exception. That’s why your summer blood donation means so much right now. In less than an hour, you can help ensure trauma, cancer, and surgery patients receive lifesaving transfusions across our region.
Roll up your sleeve and donate at the Kirkland Justice Center on Monday, July 27 or Tuesday, July 28. Make an appointment and be the reason someone gets to enjoy another summer with the people they love.
Donors who give blood between June 1 and July 31, 2026 can enter to win a $10,000 digital gas gift card. Earn double entries if you donate between July 24 and 31. Please note that only donors who check-in for their appointment are eligible to win, even if they book an appointment and enter.
National Night Out is coming up on Tuesday, Aug. 4. If you’re planning to close your street for a neighborhood gathering, remember that road closure permit applications and requests for visits from police officers, firefighters, and City staff are due by Monday, July 20.
Neighborhood block parties are a great way to meet your neighbors, build community, and strengthen partnerships with those who help keep Kirkland safe. If you invite us to your event, we’ll do our best to stop by as emergency calls allow.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Go to the event page to submit your permit application and visit request, and then have a fun and safe National Night Out!
It only takes a few seconds for a thief to take advantage of an unlocked vehicle or valuables left in plain sight. The good news? A few simple habits can make your vehicle a much less appealing target.
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Lock your doors and close your windows, even if you’re only stepping away for a minute.
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Never leave your keys or key fob inside your vehicle — and don’t leave your vehicle running unattended.
- Keep bags, electronics, wallets, and other valuables out of sight or take them with you.
- Park in well-lit, visible areas whenever possible.
- Consider using an anti-theft device, such as a steering wheel lock, for an added layer of protection.
Most vehicle thefts are crimes of opportunity. Taking a few extra seconds to secure your vehicle can go a long way toward keeping it right where you left it.
Learn more from the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority.
Kirkland’s award-winning International Night Market will return for its second year on Aug. 19, 2026! This year’s event will run from 4-8 p.m. at Juanita Beach Park and foster community engagement through culture, food and local business support. Expect performances, food vendors, artisan merchants, and more!
4Culture, the cultural funding agency for King County, is accepting applications for its Landmark Nomination Support Grant through Dec. 1, 2026, and City of Kirkland Planning staff can help prospective applicants. The grant funds the preparation of local landmark nominations for historic places in King County, Washington. It is open to individuals, groups, organizations, Tribes, and municipalities that have the property owner’s consent for landmark designation.
Grantees typically receive between $1,000 to $10,000. Funds can be used to support historic preservation consultant fees, outreach, and other project expenses. Applicants must demonstrate that their project offers a public benefit for King County residents and visitors. Planning staff can assist by coordinating initial steps in pursuing the grant, including grant application review/assistance, providing appropriate contacts in King County, a letter of support, etc.
Southbound Interstate 405 Closure in Bothell and Kirkland
Washington State Department of Transportation crews will close all lanes of southbound I-405 between NE 160th Street and NE 124th Street starting at 11 p.m. Thursday, July 16 until 4 a.m. Friday, July 17. The following southbound ramps will also close:
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NE 160th Street on-ramp
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NE 132nd Street on-/off-ramps
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NE 128th Street on-/off-ramps
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NE 124th Street off-ramp
The closure will allow WSDOT to set girders over the roadway to support a future pedestrian bridge as part of the I-405/Brickyard to SR 527 Improvement Project. Signed detours will be in place. Read more about the project here.
Green Kirkland Volunteer Events
Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Location: Rose Hill Meadows Park (8200 124th Ave. NE) and Everest Park (500 8th St. S)
Get outside with Green Kirkland. You can work on restoration at Rose Hill Meadows Park or forest stewardship at Everest Park. Help these parks thrive for years to come.
Conversations with Council
Location: O.O. Denny Park Picnic Shelter 2 (12032 Holmes Point Dr. NE)
Join us for Conversations with Council! This casual, drop-in event is part of the City Council’s pilot program to meet community members where they are — creating space for listening, connection, and conversation outside of formal meetings.
It’s B.Y.O.T. (Bring Your Own Topic)™ — no agenda, no presentations. Just stop by to connect with Councilmembers and fellow community members, share ideas, and ask questions. Light refreshments provided.
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Junior League Softball World Series Welcome Rally
Location: Lee Johnson Field (202 3rd St.)
Join an exciting community rally to kick off the Junior League Softball World Series!
Bring your team spirit and come celebrate with players, families, and fans from around the world as we welcome the talented young athletes competing for the world championship. Event highlights include the welcome ceremony and parade of champions, special guest speakers, free hot dogs, and more!
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Mayor Kelli Curtis announces the 2026 Sort Smart Tournament winner! See who won.
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