View as a webpage
January 2, 2025
This week’s podcast includes 15 big stories from 2024 - join Jim, Anthony, and David in reflecting on This Year in Kirkland.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. 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 the 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program
- Council will consider adopting amendments to the fire code in the Municipal Code
- Council will receive a special presentation on the Bike Valet Volunteer Program
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss:
- The Houghton Village Development including the public input collected and the draft Plan
- Amendments to City codes to comply with new State-mandated requirements, including code for middle housing, accessory dwelling units, parking, design review, and co-living development within low-, medium-, and high-density residential zones.
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 January 7 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 of Kirkland Facebook page and the City YouTube channel, in addition to the livestream on the City website. 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.
Ring in the Lunar New Year with an afternoon of culture, community, and family fun. The City of Kirkland invites you to join the festivities on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave, and Kirkland Teen Union Building, 348 Kirkland Ave.
“This celebration is a wonderful opportunity for our city to come together, honor the rich traditions of Lunar New Year, and celebrate what makes Kirkland so welcoming and unique,” said Councilmember John Tymczyszyn. “Events like this strengthen the fabric of our community and remind us of the importance of connection, culture, and shared experiences.”
Read more.
From Resolutions to Reality, the City has you covered.
The new year is here, and with it comes the opportunity to set goals and make positive changes. Whether you’re aiming to get active, learn something new, or give back to the community, we’re here to help! Here’s a list of common resolutions and City resources available to support you in achieving them. Let’s make this year your best one yet!
Want to get fit or try a new hobby?
Explore recreation classes like yoga, painting, or pickleball to stay active and creative. Check out KirklandParks.net to browse the recreation guide and sign up for your next adventure!
Dreaming of a greener, healthier yard?
Improve your home’s curb appeal. Learn sustainable landscaping practices and see if your eligible for our Yard Smart program for free consultations for your landscape. Plus, we've got tree maintenance tips to make your outdoor space thrive.
Ready to be prepared for anything?
Start or update your emergency kit with help from our Office of Emergency Management.
Looking to make new connections?
Meet friendly faces and build relationships at our Community Centers or an upcoming event from our Community Events Calendar.
Eager to live more sustainably?
Get eco-savvy with tips from Kirkland Conserves and the Recycle Hotline. Want to reduce waste? Compost for free with the City or explore other sustainability tips through City programs.
Resolved to help save a life?
Start the new year off with a selfless act! January is National Blood Donor Month, and there’s no better time to donate blood. Schedule your appointment for a blood drive at Kirkland City Hall on January 15 or 16.
Learn CPR! Classes are available from January to March. Sign up here: CPR Class Information.
Thinking of starting a small business?
Tap into our business resources and mentorship programs to turn your idea into reality. Join us for Co-working Day at City Hall for networking, expert advice, and one-on-one business advising. And watch for our Annual Business Pitch Competition later in spring 2025!
Looking to support your local community and discover unique finds?
Explore Kirkland’s vibrant business scene at ShopLocalKirkland.com. From charming boutiques to delicious eateries, every purchase helps strengthen our local economy and community spirit!
Looking for a better job in the New Year?
The City of Kirkland is hiring! Join a rewarding workplace where you can make a difference in your community. Check out available opportunities and learn why Kirkland is a great place to work.
Want to keep your furry friends safe and secure this year?
Resolve to license your pets with the City of Kirkland! Pet licenses help reunite lost pets with their owners and support local animal services. It's an easy way to protect your pet and contribute to a pet-friendly community. Learn more and get started today!
Dreaming of a more connected community?
Attend neighborhood events, library programs, or community meetings to meet your neighbors and stay informed.
Don’t want to miss out on Kirkland’s biggest and best events this year?
Save the Date for some major events:
- Business Pitch Competition - April
- Community Appreciation Night - May 13
- July 4th Celebrate Kirkland Parade
- City Hall for All - September
- Community Police Academy - Fall 2025
- And so many more…stay tuned!
Ready to say goodbye to your Christmas tree? During the weeks of Jan 6 and 13, WM will pick up undecorated, unflocked, real trees (up to 6 feet tall) for free! Place them next to your cart or, if you’re in an apartment, by the dumpsters. Taller trees? Cut them down to 4-foot segments. After that, trees must be in 3-foot pieces inside your yard waste cart. You can also drop them off at the Factoria Transfer Station for some composting fun!
On December 19, Kirkland City Council partnered with Representative Walen to host an electric leaf blower roundtable discussion. Attendees had the opportunity to try out different electric blowers and to discuss the potential impacts of a gas blower ban on businesses and community members in Kirkland. Learn more about the City's Electric Leaf Blower Initiative on the City's website.
WSDOT will close NE 85th St at I-405 from Friday, January 10 at 11 p.m. to Monday, January 13 at 4 a.m.
Both NE 85th St and the freeway on- and off-ramps will be closed. The mainline of I-405 will remain fully open.
WSDOT's contractor will be setting girders for a new bridge over NE 85th St.
They will begin tapering down NE 85th St ahead of the full closure beginning at 9 p.m. Friday.
Drivers should watch for further information from WSDOT about alternate routes.
Project info: https://bit.ly/85th-Interchange-BRT
100th Avenue Northeast
Construction will pause on 100th Avenue Northeast Corridor Improvements thru Jan 3. Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, drivers will encounter alternating traffic at various locations between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign
116th Avenue Northeast
Construction will pause on Kirkland's first Transportation Benefit District funded project thru Jan. 3. Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, drivers near Lake Washington High School will encounter 116th Avenue Northeast reduced to a single lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. north of Northeast 70th Street. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements on this section of street. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
124th Avenue Northeast
Kirkland’s contractor continues work on the east side of the street, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue
132nd Avenue Northeast
Drivers traveling on 132nd Avenue Northeast will encounter sidewalk construction from NE 95th Street to Lake Washington Technical Institute. Traffic is reduced to a single lane controlled by flaggers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kirkland's contractor is building sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the second Transportation Benefit District funded project. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
Juanita Drive
Construction will pause on the Juanita Drive Corridor Improvements thru Jan. 3. Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane periodically between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor
Eighth Avenue West and Fifth Street West
Eighth Avenue West remains closed between Market Street and Fifth Street West. This project will repair the sidewalks, curb and gutter, and temporarily patch the roadway to a better condition than currently exists before suspending work for the Winter. Final paving will occur in 2025. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/eighthavenuewestupgrade
Stewardship with Green Kirkland Partnership
Get outside, get active, and make a difference! Join Green Kirkland for a volunteer event in our parks and natural spaces. You'll help remove invasive plants, plant native species, and care for the environment—all while meeting great people and enjoying the outdoors. No experience needed, and tools are provided. Let’s work together to keep Kirkland green and beautiful.
Friday, January 3 | Juanita Bay Park (East) | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Friday, January 17 | Juanita Bay Park (East) | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Monday, January 20 | MLK Jr Day of Service | Everest Park | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Kirkland Teen Union Building Open House
Date: Tuesday, January 7
Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Teen Union Building, 348 Kirkland Ave
Parents, guardians, and neighbors are invited to visit the Kirkland Teen Union Building during monthly open houses to learn more about KTUB's programs and services.
KTUB empowers teens to live their best life. Located in the middle of Peter Kirk Park in downtown Kirkland, KTUB provides programs and services for youth in middle school through high school (ages 11-19).
More info.
Co-Working and Business Advising Day
Date: Wednesday, January 8
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: City Hall, Peter Kirk Community Room, 123 5th Ave
Calling all entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners! Join us at Kirkland City Hall for a day of coworking, collaboration, and free business advice. Connect with other business leaders and take advantage of 30-minute sessions with experienced advisors who can help you tackle challenges and grow your business. Drop in anytime or stay for the day—let’s work, connect, and innovate together.
More info.
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
Meet the faces behind Parks Development and Maintenance—creating spaces, building community, and shaping the places you love, one project at a time!