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June 12, 2025
Yes, you can stay cool, shrink your carbon footprint, and save thousands. This week, we’re diving into how Kirkland community members can unlock big rebates, no matter your income, with one smart home upgrade. Check it out.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
- Council will receive a briefing on the 2025 Critical Areas Ordinance protecting sensitive natural features such as streams, wetlands, and steep slopes.
- Council will consider adopting the State-Required Code Amendments for Unit Lot Subdivisions and WA State Housing Code/Middle Housing Compliance Zoning Amendments.
- Council will receive an update from Connections Kirkland on the Crisis Response Center in Totem Lake.
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 draft Homelessness Continuum of Care Action 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 17 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.
In observance of Juneteenth, City administrative offices are closed on Thursday, June 19. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, over the phone, and the Our Kirkland service portal will resume at 8 a.m., Friday, June 20.
The Juneteenth Holiday celebrates and commemorates the end of slavery in practice in the United States and the contributions of Americans of African descent to society.
For 2025 City Hall closures, visit the City’s website.
The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee (TDC) has launched the 2026 Explore Kirkland tourism grant application process, open now through Monday, July 21, 2025 at noon.
“Your idea could be Kirkland’s next signature event,” said City Councilmember Jon Pascal. “The Kirkland Tourism Development Committee is proud to support efforts that showcase Kirkland as a welcoming, one-of-a-kind destination. If you have a tourism-focused idea for Kirkland, or want to grow an existing program and need a funding boost to get there, we encourage you to apply for a grant through our Explore Kirkland Tourism Program.”
Read more.
It’s getting hot out there and if your home doesn’t have air conditioning, you might be feeling the heat. But here’s the good news: a heat pump can both cool your home in the summer and heat it efficiently in the winter. And even better? There’s more financial help available than you might think.
Right now, you could get up to $6,000 through the Fuel Switch Rebate just for switching from natural gas to an electric heat pump. But that’s just the start:
🔹 Additional utility rebates may be available depending on your provider.
🔹 Federal tax credits of up to $2,000 can be applied to eligible systems.
🔹 State-level programs may offer even more based on income.
In many cases, these rebates and credits can be combined to significantly cut your upfront costs. That means your comfort and energy efficiency upgrade might be more affordable than you ever expected.
Heat pumps are a smart choice year-round. They’re energy-efficient, better for the environment, and (bonus!) they double as an air conditioner just when you need it most.
Don’t leave money on the table. Visit https://www.energysmarteastside.org/getstarted to explore your options and get started on your upgrade.
We are halfway through 2025 and now is a great time to join the WM Recycle Right Pledge to enhance community sustainability. By pledging to recycle correctly, you can improve recycling rates for plastics, glass, and metals while reducing contamination.
By taking the online Recycle Right Pledge, you commit to making recycling more convenient and effective in your home by taking actions such as clearly marking recycling and garbage bins, and by properly disposing of beyond the cart items. You will also pledge to educate yourself and family and friends on how to recycle right. This could include actions such as displaying your recycling guides on your refrigerator and sharing the WM recycling 101 video. Check out the online pledge to learn more!
By participating, you support a cleaner planet and have a chance to win a month of free WM garbage collection.
Thank you for your commitment to sustainability and for helping create a healthier community!
Do you or your group sing, dance, play music, recite poetry, or practice another cultural art form? The City of Kirkland invites you to perform at a series of upcoming community events celebrating the rich traditions and talents that make Kirkland so unique.
We're currently booking performances for:
- Celebrate Kirkland 4th of July Parade – July 4
- International Night Market – August 13
- City Hall for All – September 13
- Umbrella Fringe Fest – October 3–5
All ages and experience levels are encouraged to participate. Whether you’re a solo artist or part of a cultural group, we want to hear from you!
As a thank-you for sharing your talent, performers will receive a stipend for participating.
Ready to be part of Kirkland’s cultural celebrations?
Learn more and sign up here: https://us.openforms.com/Form/ac319c4d-c26c-4e72-90ee-2a063d99c221
You may have noticed more dead fish appearing along Kirkland’s lakeshores and park beaches this spring and early summer. While it might seem unusual, this is a normal and natural occurrence during the months of May through July.
This time of year is spawning season for several fish species, including sticklebacks and yellow perch. Spawning puts stress on both male and female fish, and it's not uncommon for some to die afterward. These fish often wash up on shore or collect in shallow waters.
Hot weather can increase the frequency of these die-offs and may also affect other fish species. Importantly, this seasonal event is not a result of pollution or a toxic spill. It’s simply part of the lake’s natural life cycle.
The City strives to make Kirkland as safe as possible. Lend your perspective by exploring our online interactive map and dropping a pin where you’ve experienced a speeding concern or a close call event as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver. Your feedback will help inform the Kirkland Safety Action Plan. This feedback opportunity closes Wednesday, June 18.
As temperatures rise and people head to the water to cool off, it’s important to remember that our lakes and rivers can still be cold, even on hot days. Cold water can quickly lead to hypothermia or cold shock, so take steps to stay safe:
- Wear a life jacket. It’s the single most important safety choice you can make near water. Make sure it fits properly, is in good condition, and that children are always wearing theirs on boats.
- Keep a close watch on kids. Drowning is silent and can happen in seconds. Stay alert and avoid distractions like phones when supervising children around water.
- We’re here if you need us. The Kirkland Fire water rescue team trains year-round to respond to all types of water emergencies.
Enjoy the sunshine and make safety part of your plans.
As temperatures rise, never leave children or pets alone in a parked car. Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a vehicle can reach dangerous temperatures within minutes.
- On an 80° day, a car can hit 100°+ in just 10 minutes.
- Pets and young children are especially vulnerable to heatstroke.
- If you see a child or pet in distress in a hot vehicle - act. Call 911 immediately and get help.
When you’re driving with your child:
- Keep an item in the back – like a teddy bear. Put the bear up front with you when your child is in their car seat to serve as a reminder.
- Put your purse, phone or other essential item in the back with the child. You'll need to retrieve it when you stop, which also helps you remember that you may have a sleeping kiddo in the backseat.
Before leaving your car, ask yourself: "Where's Baby?" Look in the back seat before you lock your car. Read more safety tips about preventing heatstroke in hot cars: https://www.safekids.org/heatstroke
Juanita Drive
Drivers will encounter one lane traffic on Northeast Juanita Drive near 86th Avenue Northeast. Flaggers will alternate traffic between 9am and 3pm. Drivers should expect delays during this time. Kirkland contractor is updating the storm water system at this location. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-Juanita-Dr-and-86th-Ave-NE-Storm-Improvements-Project for more information.
Slater Avenue Northeast/132nd Avenue Northeast at Cross Kirkland Corridor
Slater/132nd Avenues Northeast is permanently reduced to a single lane heading north from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 126th Place. This is consistent with Slater Avenue Northeast to the South and 132nd Avenue to the North. Drivers will encounter traffic control and heavy equipment as this project creates a signalized crossing from the end of the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail to King County’s Eastrail, as well as more pedestrian and bicyclist improvements. Construction is expected to be completed this fall. 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.
98th Avenue Northeast
Drivers may encounter a single northbound lane reduction on 98th Avenue Northeast from the Forbes Creek Bridge to Northeast 110th Street as Kirkland’s contractor builds new sidewalk to connect to the neighborhood with Market Street. Additionally, a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) is being added by this project to the Market Street intersection with 19th Avenue/19th Avenue West crossing. Work at both these locations will occur from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid most commuter traffic. This project is funded by the Transportation Benefit District.
124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on the east side of the street on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. Paving is currently scheduled for mid-July. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction may briefly alternating traffic at various locations or if necessary, briefly stop traffic between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
Juanita Drive
Drivers will encounter one lane traffic on Northeast Juanita Drive near 86th Avenue Northeast. Flaggers will alternate traffic between 9am and 3pm. Drivers should expect delays during this time. Kirkland contractor is updating the storm water system at this location. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-Juanita-Dr-and-86th-Ave-NE-Storm-Improvements-Project for more information.
Pride Celebration at Kirkland Urban
Date: June 14
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Urban Promenade
Join us for a vibrant and inclusive celebration at our Pride Celebration, where love and unity take center stage! This family-friendly event will be packed with exciting entertainment, local queer-owned businesses, and a parade that will fill the promenade with color and pride. Come show your support, have fun, and make unforgettable memories!
Event Highlights:
- Live Music: A live DJ will be spinning tunes to keep the energy high and the good vibes flowing.
- Local Queer-Owned Businesses & Organizations: Shop, support, and learn about the amazing queer-owned businesses and community organizations that make our community thrive.
- Pride Parade: March with us in a colorful, joyful parade full of pride, love, and celebration of all identities.
- Fun Installations & Photo Moments: Capture your memories with stunning photo opportunities and interactive installations throughout the event.
- Drag Performances & Entertainment: Enjoy dazzling drag performances bringing joy and celebration to the stage.
Come celebrate with us and be part of an unforgettable experience!
For more information, visit the Kirkland Urban website.
Blood Drive
Date: June 24 and 25
Location: City Hall, Peter Kirk Community Room, 123 5th Ave
With so much to do this summer, don’t forget to make time to save a life. Blood donations help patients fighting cancer, recovering from trauma, and undergoing surgeries right here in our local hospitals—and your single donation can make a big difference.
Sign up to donate blood at Kirkland City Hall on June 24 or 25 and then enter to win a 3-day, pet-friendly PNW getaway and enter to win a chance at a $3,000 prepaid digital gift card!
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This year’s Pride flag raising featured moving remarks from our Mayor, a personal and inspirational story from staff, and a reaffirming proclamation read by Deputy Mayor Arnold. Our LGBTQIA+ community matters. We see you and we support you. 🌈Watch the video.