 In this episode, we’re joined by Sergeant Hill and Officer Davidson from the Kirkland Police Department Community Services Unit. They share stories and anecdotes from the field, fill us in on how they connect and build trust within the Kirkland community through their work in schools and events like Coffee with a Cop, and talk e-motorcycle enforcement. Plus, we talk autumnal events, Halloween fire safety, our love for our first responders, electric equipment efforts, and more! Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on October 20, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items covered on the Business Agenda:
- Council held a Public Hearing on expressing a position on Initiative I-638, concerning interscholastic sports, and adopted a resolution opposing the initiative.
- Council held a Public Hearing on expressing a position on Initiative I-001, concerning parental rights relating to children in public schools, and adopted a resolution opposing the initiative.
- Council adopted updated Utility Rates.
- Council reviewed the Draft State Legislative Agenda.
Prior to the above Business Agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
- Intelligent Transportation Systems and Traffic Signals Update
- Green Loop Update
- Middle Housing Focused Optimization Briefing
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 Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
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 the circular icon in the lower lefthand corner.
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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 has released its 2027-2028 preliminary budget, titled “A Community-Focused Budget in a Time of Uncertainty.” The budget is now available for community review on the City’s website. The preliminary budget is balanced, sustains current programs and services, invests in key infrastructure projects, and funds high-priority new programs such as the Kraken Iceplex and Kirkland Community Center (KIKCC) operations over the next two years.
“The budget is a critical document that will set levels of service for Kirkland for 2027 and 2028,” said City Councilmember Jay Arnold. “The Council has received the preliminary budget proposed by the City Manager and looks forward to reviewing and discussing it starting on Thursday, Oct. 29. This will be an ongoing process over the next several weeks, and we invite the Kirkland community to join us in our deliberation.”
The City Council’s first budget study session will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The study session will take place at City Hall, Council Chambers (123 5th Avenue). The meeting is from 3 PM to 9 PM and will also be streamed live on the City’s website for those unable to attend in person.
Community members are encouraged to review the full budget document online at www.kirklandwa.gov/budget and to participate in the budget public hearings and discussions as the Council works toward final adoption. Public hearings will be held during City Council meetings on Wednesday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 17.
Here are some ways to share your thoughts on how Kirkland’s programs are funded:
Adoption of the final 2027-2028 budget is scheduled to take place at the Tuesday, Dec. 8 Council meeting.
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Wondering where the old ballot drop box near City Hall has gone? In November 2025, the box was relocated to improve voter experience and safety. Luckily, it hasn’t gone far: It moved to the Wester Lot (120 3rd Avenue), just south of Kirkland City Hall, where you can access it from 1st Street.
The new “drive up and drop” design allows voters to submit ballots right from their vehicles, improving safety, accessibility, and efficiency. Voters can also walk up to the box from the neighborhood using safe sidewalk routes that don’t cross vehicle traffic lanes. Happy voting!
The City of Kirkland has launched its one-year “Mow, Edge, Blow Electric Equipment Pilot Program” at Phyllis A. Needy Houghton Neighborhood Park. During the pilot, Parks crews will use electric equipment for mowing, edging, and blowing to help support a cleaner, quieter environment. The inaugural run of the City’s new electric mower was on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Through this pilot, the City will evaluate how electric tools perform during daily maintenance, including battery life, user feedback, and impacts on park visitors. Staff will continue to assess performance on a quarterly basis. If the pilot goes well, the program could be rolled out to additional parks across Kirkland.
“The City of Kirkland takes its commitment to sustainability seriously,” said Mayor Kelli Curtis. “The ‘Mow, Edge, Blow Electric Equipment Pilot Program’ is part of the City’s larger effort to transition operations toward greener technologies. We look forward to seeing how the equipment performs in real-world conditions as we explore future investments in sustainable maintenance tools.”
To support the pilot and demonstrate quieter, cleaner maintenance practices, the City has invited community members to assist with manual leaf raking at Phyllis A. Needy Houghton Neighborhood Park on Tuesday afternoons this fall. The first volunteer session took place on October 13, with four volunteers who completed the raking in 23 minutes. Feedback from the volunteers has been very positive, especially regarding the opportunity to help advance sustainable maintenance in neighborhood parks.
Community members can support this effort by choosing electric or manual tools for their own yard care. Even small shifts at home, like switching to electric leaf blowers, electric trimmers, and rakes, can add up toward cleaner air and quieter neighborhoods.
Halloween is almost here! Between the costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, there’s plenty to get excited about. But before you light up those jack-o’-lanterns and put the finishing touches on your haunted house, Kirkland Fire has a few reminders to help keep your Halloween fun and fire-safe:
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Choose battery-operated candles. They give your jack-o’-lanterns that spooky glow without the fire risk of an open flame.
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Keep decorations away from heat. Spiderwebs, dried cornstalks, and other Halloween decorations can catch fire easily. Keep them away from candles, heaters, and other heat sources.
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Pick costumes that are easy to move in. Avoid long, trailing fabrics that could catch fire or cause someone to trip.
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Keep exits clear. Make sure decorations don’t block doorways, stairs, or other ways out of your home.
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Check your smoke alarms. Working smoke alarms are one of the best ways to protect your family if a fire starts.
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Princesses and dinosaurs and superheroes, oh my! Bring your little ones to enjoy Halloween fun at the Pee Wee Monster Bash on Friday, October 30. The preschool party is from 10 AM to 12 PM at the North Kirkland Community Center (12421 103rd Avenue NE) and will be a spooktacular time for children ages 1 through 5 years old.
Entry costs $18 per child and comes with a morning of magical, spooky fun but no scares. There will be fun, games, and treats for your (beloved) tiny terrors. Kids can create creepy cool crafts, join the Monster Munch Cookie Stroll, and play a variety of games. Costumes are encouraged.
Spaces are limited, so sign up now. Visit KirklandParks.net or call 425-587-3336 before this Monster Bash vanishes into the mist.
You’re driving down the road when a school bus ahead starts flashing its yellow lights. Do you know what to do next? If you aren’t quite sure when to stop, here’s a quick refresher:
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Slow down for flashing yellow lights. The bus is preparing to stop, so be ready to stop too.
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Stop for flashing red lights. Never pass a school bus from behind when its red lights are flashing.
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Know when oncoming traffic must stop. On two-lane roads, drivers in both directions must stop. On roads with three or more marked lanes or a physical divider, oncoming drivers may continue with caution.
Always watch for students getting on and off the bus. Help keep kids safe by slowing down, staying alert, and giving them plenty of space. Learn more about school bus safety and when drivers must stop from the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
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The City of Kirkland is teaming with AARP Washington to celebrate caregivers on Friday, November 13. Caregivers provide compassion, dedication, and support every day, often behind the scenes. Portraits of Care is a special event designed to honor caregivers, celebrate their stories, and connect them with helpful resources and a supportive community.
The event will be held at Peter Kirk Community Center (352 Kirkland Avenue) from 10 AM to 12:30 PM on November 13. Those who attend can look forward to lunch, live music, professional portrait photography, poetry writing, resources, and more. Whether you’re caring for a parent, spouse, family member, friend, or neighbor, this is an opportunity to be recognized, share your story, and connect with others. Space is limit. Pre-register by November 12 to attend.
If a friend, co-worker, or family member was experiencing a mental health crisis, would you know how to help? Adult Mental Health First Aid is a free, interactive course that teaches participants how to recognize warning signs of mental health and substance use challenges, offer initial support, and connect someone with appropriate professional care. Participants also learn a five-step action plan to help someone experiencing a crisis.
Here’s what you need to know:
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When: Friday, November 20, 9 AM-4:30 PM
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Where: Kirkland Police Department, 11750 NE 118th Street
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Cost: Free for King County residents and employees
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Who: Adults ages 18 and older
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Before class: Approximately two hours of online coursework are required.
When emergencies happen, Kirkland has a team of people ready to answer the call. October 28 is National First Responders Day, an opportunity to recognize those who respond when help is needed. In Kirkland, that includes police officers, firefighters, crisis responders, Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) team members, Public Works crews, and the medics and dispatchers who partner with us to serve the community.
Whether they’re responding to a fire, providing lifesaving medical care, supporting someone through a crisis, clearing roads after a storm, or connecting someone with critical resources, their work makes a world of difference. Thank you to all our first responders for the compassion, commitment, and care you bring to the communities you serve.
The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is seeking compassionate community volunteers to support survivors of domestic violence. In partnership with the Kirkland Police Department, DART volunteers provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and help guide victims through early court processes. Because this work requires consistency and trust, volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of two years.
As a DART volunteer, you will attend one evening meeting, complete one four‑hour office shift, and serve a seven‑day on‑call shift each month. If you feel called to support survivors, DART offers training, structure, and ongoing staff support.
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If you have old cans of paint sitting around and gathering dust, now is your chance to get rid of them in a safe, sustainable way. King County residents and businesses are welcome to bring leftover latex and oil-based paint products to a free paint recycling collection event hosted by the City of Issaquah and GreenSheen Paint on Saturday, October 24. Admission is free, but attendees should reserve a slot in advance.
The event runs from 9 AM to 3 PM at Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish (232 228th Avenue SE). Paint containers that are 5 gallons or smaller, with original labels attached, can be accepted. Drive-through dropoff will be in place; pack your paint in either your trunk or truck bed, follow event signage upon arrival, and stay in your vehicle while staff safely unload your materials.
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(1) NE 112th Street at 132nd Avenue NE
Drivers can expect the continued closure of NE 112th Street at 132nd Avenue NE. Local access will be maintained, but this extended closure is necessary for the sanitary sewer construction project at the Trend Lift Station.
(2) NE 128th Street at 120th Avenue NE (at Evergreen Hospital)
Kirkland’s contractor expects next week to pave the north side of NE 128th Street from 120th Avenue NE to 124th Avenue NE. Milling and paving are expected at night on Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29 beginning at 7:30 PM and ending by 5:00 AM. Paving is weather dependent. Additional ramp repairs continue around the hospital campus to facilitate the coming street overlay of NE 130th Lane and 124th Avenue NE. Pedestrian detours are posted.
(3) NE 132nd Street at I-405 Roundabout changes
Kirkland’s contractor will close NE 132nd Street nightly the week of November 2 to modify the two roundabouts at I-405. Work hours are 10 PM to 5 AM, with traffic control beginning earlier. The modifications include speed cushions at the roundabout’s entry points and select exits to slow traffic and moderate speeds into the roundabout. Striping and sign modifications will also occur overnight the week of November 2. Work is expected to take one week but is weather dependent.
(4) Totem Lake Boulevard Near NE 132nd Street
Drivers can expect traffic control from 9 AM to 3 PM beginning Monday, October 26 on Totem Lake Boulevard near NE 132nd Street as Kirkland’s contractor replaces aging and failing stormwater piping. Northbound traffic will shift into a single lane to create space for the pipe repairs. Work at this location is expected to be complete mid-week.
(5) NE 116th Street Near 101st Place NE
Drivers can expect traffic control from 9 AM to 3 PM beginning the week of October 26 along NE 116th Street near 101st Place NE and 104th as Kirkland’s contractor replaces aging and failing stormwater piping. Bicycles will merge with traffic, flaggers will alternate traffic or traffic will shift into the center lane to create space for the pipe repairs. Work at this location will continue into November.
Green Kirkland Stewardship Events
Date: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18
Location: Multiple locations
Join Green Kirkland for a fun day of habitat stewardship! On Saturday, October 17, you can team up with fellow volunteers at McAuliffe Park (9:30 AM-12:30 PM), Juanita Heights Park (10 AM-12 PM), or Juanita Bay Park East (10 AM-12 PM). Then on Sunday, October 18, events will be held at Everest Park (10 AM-12 PM) and Kingsgate Park (1-3 PM).
Volunteers will help restore critical habitat by removing invasive plants such as blackberry or ivy, planting native plants, and pitching-in with stewardship tasks like mulching and weeding. With your help, this park will have healthy and thriving natural areas for years to come!
Día de los Muertos
Date: Saturday, October 24
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center | 352 Kirkland Avenue
Save the date to celebrate Día de los Muertos as we remember our loved ones, enjoy traditional activities, food, music, and more. This free event is for all ages. Thanks to Cafecito Mexican Bakery for their sponsorship of this event.
Acompáñenos a celebrar el Día de los Muertos para recordar a nuestros familiares antepasados, y disfrutar actividades tradicionales, comida, música, y más.
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