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August, 7, 2025
This week, we’re talking with Christian Lash, the organizer behind Kirkland’s Startup & Small Business Co‑Working Day. This monthly event is packed with collaboration, community, and free one‑on‑one business advising from experts who’ve been there. Whether you’re a solo founder, a startup dreamer, or a small business owner looking for a boost, you’ll be surprised by how productive and inspiring a workday can be at our event. Listen now so you don’t miss the opportunity!
Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on August 6, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Kirkland firefighters presented the Council with the flag that was flown by Kirkland fire crews while they were down battling the Palisades fire in January.
- Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) staff updated Council on the last year of KTUB operations.
- Council received the recommendations from the Interview Selection Committee regarding Planning Commission Recruitment.
- Council approved a letter of support for membership in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session where they received an update on the potential Kraken Iceplex and Community Center project at the former Houghton Park and Ride site.
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.
Please note: the Council is on Summer recess. The next City Council meeting will be September 2, 2025.
People & Pets Should Stay Out of the Water at Houghton Beach
As of 4:45 p.m. on August 5, 2025, Public Health – Seattle & King County is recommending that people and pets continue to stay out of the water at Houghton Beach Park for at least an additional week due to elevated bacteria levels. Read more.
Traffic Collision Involving Dirt Bike Sends Teen Rider to Hospital
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Kirkland Police Officers responded to a traffic collision in the Totem Lake neighborhood involving a dirt bike and a vehicle in the 12500 block of NE 132nd Street. Read more.
The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has extended the application deadline for the 2026 Explore Kirkland tourism grants to Monday, August 18, 2025, at noon.
These grants support events and festivals that can draw visitors from more than 50 miles away, encourage overnight stays, and showcase Kirkland’s unique character. Past recipients include favorites like the Junior League Softball World Series, Kirkland Summerfest, and Kirkland Uncorked.
Approximately $60,000 is available in 2026 grants, funded by Kirkland’s lodging tax. Whether you’re launching a brand-new event or growing an existing one, this is your chance to bring your tourism-focused vision to life.
*NEW* Deadline: Noon, Monday, August 18
Learn more and apply: City’s Tourism Funding webpage
Read more.
Calling entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners!
This one’s for you.
On the second Wednesday of every month, City Hall transforms into a hub for innovation with Co-Working and Business Advising Day, hosted by the City of Kirkland and Startup425.
Bring your laptop, ideas, and/or questions. Spend the day working alongside other local business minds in a collaborative, energizing environment. Drop in whenever it works for you!
The highlight of the day? Free, one‑on‑one business advising during open office hours with our Entrepreneurs in Residence. These seasoned entrepreneurs, accelerator directors, and venture partners have been where you are and they’re ready to share their experience, offer personalized guidance, and help you tackle your most pressing challenges.
Whether you need advice on growth strategy, marketing, funding, or navigating startup hurdles, this is your chance to get real answers from people who’ve done it.
Don’t miss this opportunity to work, connect, and get expert insight all in one place. Learn more and sign up for Business Advising on the event webpage.
Date: Wednesday, August 13
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Ave (follow the signs to the meeting room)
August 3–9 is National Farmers Market Week, a time to recognize the farmers, food makers, artisans, and market visitors who make our local markets thrive.
Here in Kirkland, we’re lucky to have two vibrant community markets: the Kirkland Wednesday Market at Marina Park and the Juanita Friday Market at Juanita Beach Park.
These markets are more than just a place to shop. They’re where neighbors gather, fresh flavors are savored, and local businesses grow. Whether you’re stocking up on seasonal produce, grabbing a treat from a food truck, or finding a one-of-a-kind handmade gift, our markets connect us to the people and stories behind the goods.
*This Friday at the Juanita Friday Market*
Join us August 8 for a special Market Explorer Kid’s Club day, sponsored by Bright Horizons. Kids can stop by the market booth to join the club and receive a $2 token to spend at participating booths, perfect for picking out their own market treat! We’ll also have Touch-a-Tractor, free face painting, and more!
Thank you to our incredible vendors, market organizers, and the many community members and visitors who show up each week to make Kirkland’s markets such a special part of our community.
Headed to festivals, fairs, or just out in the sun? Our Emergency Preparedness team shares how to stay safe, beat the heat, and enjoy the season without surprises.
Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxtINsM5I4g
More tips: www.KirklandWA.gov/KirklandEM
Every 2 seconds, someone in our community needs blood. Blood donation is an essential lifeline for trauma care, emergency situations, surgeries, cancer treatments, organ transplants, childbirth, and many other medical procedures.
Despite 62% of the U.S. population being eligible to donate, only 3% do so regularly.
To maintain a steady blood supply, we need 1,000 donors a day. Bloodworks Northwest supplies lifesaving blood to 95% of hospitals in Western Washington and Oregon.
During our summer blood shortage season, there's no better way to show you care than by becoming a blood donor. The entire process takes about an hour, but the actual donation only takes around 10 minutes—perfect for a lunch break.
Ready to be a hero? Book an appointment to give blood at Kirkland City Hall on August 27 or 28, or at Peter Kirk Community Center August 27 and save a life. Then, visit BloodWorks Donate & Win page to enter to win a prize.
On August 5, neighborhoods all across Kirkland came together for National Night Out. Residents gathered in front of their homes for block parties and BBQs, while police officers, firefighters, crisis responders, and City Councilmembers stopped by to meet with neighbors and answer questions.
From fire truck tours to street games, the evening was filled with opportunities to connect, build friendships, and celebrate what makes Kirkland a safe and welcoming community. A big thank you to the residents, neighborhood hosts, and first responders who helped make this year’s National Night Out a memorable success.
Learn more at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Community-Resources/National-Night-Out
From the welcome rally and celebrity game to the championship pitch, our fields were alive with international talent, community spirit, and unforgettable moments.
The week kicked off with powerful opening remarks from ESPN producer/director Jeff Graham, who shared how this tournament has become the highlight of his year, and praised the players’ athleticism and poise.
Closing ceremonies featured local sports figures Terry “T-Holla” Hollimon and Gerald Smiley. Hollimon reminded the players that only 10 teams in the world earned this spot and encouraged them to keep striving for moments that make you want to “Holla.” Smiley inspired athletes to dream big while recognizing they’re already stepping up as role models for the next generation.
And in a memorable championship moment, Governor Bob Ferguson threw out the first pitch before Texas Columbus claimed the World Championship title.
This tournament is more than a competition. It’s a celebration of sportsmanship, culture, and connection. Huge thanks to the athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, tournament staff, Parks team and City staff, and local leaders who’ve helped make Kirkland the proud home of this international tradition since 1999.
We'll see you next year!
Roundabout or Traffic Circle? They may look similar, but roundabouts and traffic circles are two different traffic tools. Knowing how to navigate them keeps everyone safer.
Now's the perfect time to get in the loop and brush up on the rules.
Roundabouts:
- Yield to cars already in the roundabout
- Choose your lane before entering
- Stay in your lane, don’t stop in the circle
- Watch for pedestrians and use your signal when exiting
Why it matters: The I-405/NE 132nd St Interchange includes multilane roundabouts. That means more cars moving through at once.
Traffic Circles (usually in neighborhoods):
- Treat it like any other intersection
- Stop fully at stop signs
- Always drive to the right around the center
Learn more:
How to drive a roundabout
Roundabouts for people walking & biking
100th Avenue Northeast
Drivers will encounter increased travel times due to reduced travel lanes on 100th Avenue Northeast/Northeast 145th Street as early as Monday, August 11. Kirkland’s contractor will begin roadway regrading at the southeast corner of this intersection. The lane reductions will be in place 24/7 and are expected to continue through the end of the month, with at least on day of increased impact expected during the week of August 18 with flaggers alternating traffic. Final paving is expected in September.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
2025 Street Overlay Program
18th Avenue is paved from Market Street to Crestwoods Park. Kirkland’s contractor will alternate traffic through the project area as they raise the utilities to the new road surface. Crestwoods Park parking lot will be paved at the end of August.
116th Avenue Northeast will alternate traffic with flaggers as permanent striping is applied August 14 and 15.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/overlay for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 85th Street: I-405 to 6th Street
Northeast 85th Street is one-month into its long-term traffic control configuration that has reduced the roadway to a single lane in each direction from I-405 to 6th Street for the NE 85th Street shared-use pathway project. The Cross Kirkland Corridor is closed at Northeast 85th Street to Northeast 87th Street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 85th Street: 122nd Avenue Northeast to 120th Avenue Northeast
On Northeast 85th Street east of I-405, daytime work begins on August 11 to build the soldier pile wall on the north side of Northeast 85th Street between 120th Avenue Northeast and 122nd Avenue Northeast. Daytime work will reduce eastbound traffic to one lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Overnight, traffic will be impacted from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as Kirkland’s contractor upgrades the stormwater facilities and other utility work. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
Goat Hill
Drivers should plan to utilize Northeast 117th Place for the next month as Kirkland’s contractor beings installing two walls on Northeast 116th Place which close the road to through traffic. Construction is expected to be complete by fall. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill for project updates on Thursdays.
124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Pavement markings are now applied, and this project is headed towards completion. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
2025 Street Slurry Seal Program
Various residential streets in the Finn Hill and Juanita area will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. as crews slurry seal the pavement on August 11, 12, and 15. Residents impacted have received mailed and hand delivered notices to prepare for the impacts. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/slurryseal for updates and a project map.
Slater Avenue Northeast/132nd Avenue Northeast at Cross Kirkland Corridor
Kirkland’s contractor is expected to pause construction as they await delivery (signal cabinet and signal/light poles) of very long-lead items. Permanent lane markings will be added once the new asphalt has cured, and installation of the long-lead items is expected in early 2026. Trail users will detour to the intersection of Northeast 124th Street as we do not have a working, signalized crossing until early 2026. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/CKC-to-Eastrail-Crossing-at-Slater-Ave-NE-132nd-Ave-NE for project updates on Thursdays.
Juanita Drive near 86th Avenue Northeast
Drivers will encounter traffic control as the permanent roadway markings are applied at this location, expected on Thursday, August 14 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-Juanita-Dr-and-86th-Ave-NE-Storm-Improvements-Project for project information.
Central Way Street Preservation (advance notice)
Kirkland’s contractor expects to begin daytime work along Central Way on August 18. Kirkland is paving the street from Market Street to 6th Street. Most work will occur during the day, but final paving is expected to occur at night. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/overlay for project updates on Thursdays.
Preparedness at Juanita Friday Market
Date: Friday, August 8
Time: 3 - 7 p.m.
Location: Juanita Beach Park, 9703 NE Juanita Dr.
Join Kirkland’s Office of Emergency Management at the Juanita Farmer’s Market on August 8th! Stop by our booth to discover simple steps you can take to be better prepare yourself and loved ones at home, on the go, or at work. Pick up an awesome prize, get valuable tips and say hello. We’d love to see you there!
Volunteer with Green Kirkland in August
Summer days are a great opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy your local natural areas! Volunteer with the Green Kirkland Partnership and help mulch, weed, and care for baby native plants at a park near you. All are welcome at stewardship events following the youth and event guidelines. Tools, gloves, and training are provided.
Visit the Green Kirkland Event Calendar to learn more and register for upcoming events.
Stewardship events in August
Friday, August 8 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Juanita Bay Park (East)
Saturday, August 9 | 9 to 11 a.m. - North Rose Hill Woodlands Park
Saturday, August 16 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Windsor Vista Park
Friday, August 22 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Juanita Bay Park (East)
Saturday, August 23 | 9 to 11 a.m. - South Norway Hill Park
International Night Market
Date: Wednesday, August 13
Time: 4 - 8 p.m.
Location: Houghton Park and Play, 6920 NE 70th Place
A World of Flavor and Fun Right Here in Kirkland!
Mark your calendar for Kirkland’s first‑ever International Night Market on Wednesday, August 13 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Houghton Park and Play.
Savor global cuisine, enjoy live music and dancing, and browse artisan and community vendor booths, all in a family‑friendly atmosphere.
This event is all about celebrating our community’s diversity and making connections. Resource tables from local organizations will share information about programs, services, and opportunities in Kirkland.
Come hungry. Leave inspired. Learn more: tinyurl.com/internationalnightmarket
Parking is limited. Walk, bike (free Bike Valet!), carpool, or hop on Metro.
King County Metro is adding extra Route 245 trips to make it easier to get to and from the Kirkland International Night Market on August 13, 2025.
City Hall for All
Date: Saturday, September 13
Time: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Ave
You’re going to want to come hungry to City Hall 4 All! Grab tasty bites from food trucks, shop from over 60 local vendors, and discover new favorites while you mingle with neighbors.
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What does the Civil Service Commission do? Watch our video to find out about past and future exciting projects.