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March 20, 2025
Got an idea to make Kirkland even better? This week’s podcast features Carmin Dalziel, Executive Director of the Kirkland Community Foundation, who shares about the upcoming ‘For the Love of Kirkland’ event and how it will turn community ideas into action—and how you can be part of it! Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on March 18, 2025, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council approved letters of support for the Locally Preferred Alternative for King County Metro's RapidRide K Line
- Council received an update on the Electric Leaf Blower Initiative
- Council received an update on the 2025 Legislative Priorities
- Council discussed Middle Housing State requirements and provided further direction to staff for code compliance
- The Mayor Proclaimed Cesar Chavez Day and Transgender Day of Visibility in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
- The Kirkland Cares Low-Income Support Program
- Fire and Park Impact Fees
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.
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 April 1, 2025.
Knowing best practices in gun safety isn’t just for gun owners. Whether you have a firearm in your home or not, the Kirkland Police Department’s free Gun Safety Class is a great opportunity to learn from experienced law enforcement professionals about safe firearm handling, secure storage practices, and tips for preventing accidents and misuse.
“Everyone benefits from a stronger understanding of gun safety, whether or not they own a gun,” said Councilmember Jon Pascal. “This class is a great opportunity for residents to learn practical steps that help keep our community safe.”
Read more and register for the April 1 event here.
Kirkland’s next great business idea could be in the making—and you can help make it happen! Join the community for the 2025 Kirkland Business Pitch Competition on April 9, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kirkland Performance Center, 350 Kirkland Ave. This free event is your chance to cheer on local innovation as entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas for a chance to win funding. Plus, you’ll even get to cast a vote for the People’s Choice Award winner.
This event is more than just a competition—it’s a gathering for innovators looking for inspiration, investors scouting for the next big opportunity, locations seeking tenants to recruit, and community supporters looking to strengthen Kirkland’s business landscape.
For more information, and to register, visit the event webpage.
Do you love Kirkland? Do you have ideas to make it even better? Now’s your chance to make a difference!
For the Love of Kirkland is a dynamic interactive in-person 3-hour workshop where your voice matters. Connect with neighbors, share what you love about our city, and explore new ways to create a brighter, more vibrant community.
Your small ideas can make a real impact. Together, we can turn inspiration into action and make Kirkland a place we’re all proud to call home.
Learn more and register for the event on the Kirkland Community Foundation website https://kirklandcommunity.org/for-the-love-of-kirkland/
If you've been thinking about upgrading your home’s heating and cooling, this is your sign! Right now, you can get an instant $6,000 rebate on a heat pump—apply by May 15 before the funds run out.
Switching to a heat pump means year-round comfort, lower energy bills, and a smaller carbon footprint. Plus, the process couldn’t be easier! Fill out a quick form, and you’ll be connected with a friendly program specialist who will walk you through every step. They’ll answer your questions and match you with an installer to get a quote—no pressure, just information!
Opportunities like this don’t come often. Claim your $6,000 rebate today before it’s gone! https://www.energysmarteastside.org/fuelswitchapp
Kirkland’s dedicated volunteers are making a real difference in the fight against litter. Through the Adopt-a-Road and Adopt-a-Highway programs, community members regularly clean up sections of I-405, Hwy 522, and local streets, collecting dozens of bags of trash each time.
Recently, 12 volunteers tackled a section of highway in Woodinville and removed 75 bags of litter in just two hours—a staggering reminder of how much debris accumulates along our roads.
Interested in helping? To participate in Kirkland’s Adopt-a-Road litter control program, please contact Kari Waller at 425-587-3900 or kwaller@kirklandwa.gov. To join a highway cleanup effort, visit WSDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program.
Every volunteer counts—let’s keep Kirkland clean together!
Put Your Name on the Map (Literally)
The City of Kirkland’s Adopt-A-Road program is a great way to promote community pride while keeping our streets clean. This volunteer program allows individuals, families, businesses, and groups to adopt a stretch of road for regular cleanup efforts. In recognition of their service, sponsors receive a personalized sign at their designated route.
There are currently five routes available for adoption. To learn more or claim a route, contact Kari Waller at 425-587-3900 or kwaller@kirklandwa.gov. Get details and check the map at: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Managers-Office/Volunteer-Opportunities#section-3
Imagine a giant, rock-hard mass of grease and debris clogging up pipes—that’s a fatberg! These nasty blockages form when fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from cooking are washed down the drain and solidify, leading to sewer backups, costly repairs, and environmental damage.
Keep your pipes (and our city’s sewer system) flowing smoothly: cool it, can it, and toss it! Never pour FOG down the drain. Learn more about proper disposal at Kirkland’s FOG webpage.
On March 13, the Kirkland Fire Department recognized the dedication and achievements of three outstanding members—two promotions and one well-earned retirement.
Lieutenant Kent – Promotion
Lieutenant Kent is a communications expert and has played a vital role in establishing first responder radio systems locally and in wildland deployments. His experience includes working with FEMA’s disaster assistance team after Hurricane Katrina and completing numerous wildland firefighting deployments throughout his career.
Battalion Chief Joel – Promotion
Joel is currently Kirkland’s Fire Marshal. As EMS Captain during COVID, he worked with medical experts across the country, ensuring our department had the best guidance while also sharing lessons learned with departments nationwide.
Captain Hobart – Retirement
Hired in 1993, Hobart was a leader on the apparatus committee and played a key role in implementing a new CAD dispatch system with NORCOM in 2012. Captain Hobart was unable to attend the ceremony but his contributions to the department and retirement were celebrated.
We congratulate Lieutenant Kent and Battalion Chief Joel on their well-deserved promotions and thank Captain Hobart for more than three decades of dedicated service to Kirkland.
The City of Kirkland is hiring an After School Day Camp Director! If you're seeking a flexible job where you can work directly with elementary-aged students, get creative, and make a positive impact in your community every day, this is a great opportunity for you. Learn more and apply on our Government Jobs page.
124th Avenue Northeast
Northeast 120th Street east of 124th Avenue was opened to traffic last Friday. 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 124thAvenue Northeast. Bicyclists will merge with traffic. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 124th Street
Kirkland's contractor is upgrading two pedestrian crossings on Northeast 124thStreet near North Kirkland Community Center. Drivers will encounter traffic control that will reduce travel lanes near 105th Place Northeast and 101st Court Northeast from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The pedestrian crossings are being upgraded to High intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signals that pedestrians will engage to cross the street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements for project updates on Thursdays.
Central Way from Lake Street to Market Street
Drivers on Central Way will encounter lane shifts and restricted parking from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Main Street to Market Street as a Kirkland Contractor updates the center island medians for pedestrian safety. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Central-Way-NE-124th-Street-Pedestrian-Improvements 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.
132nd Avenue Northeast
Drivers traveling along 132nd Avenue Northeast will encounter sidewalk construction and stormwater system upgrades from Northeast 95th Street to Lake Washington Technical Institute. Kirkland's contractor, Reed Trucking and Excavating, is nearly complete with the project and is periodically closing a lane 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
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. Paving is expected shortly, but is dependent on dry weather to occur. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor for project updates on Thursdays.
Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
WM Recycle Right Event
Date: Saturday, April 5
Time: 9a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the trucks are full
Location: South Parking Lot of Lake Washington Institute for Technology, 11605 132nd Ave NE, Kirkland, WA 98034
Got old electronics, clothing, or sensitive documents? Recycle them for free at Kirkland’s WM Recycle Right Event on April 5 at LWIT! Secure paper shredding, textile recycling, and e-waste disposal available. Don’t wait—trucks fill up fast! For full event details, including a list of items accepted and not accepted, visit the event webpage: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/Community-Events/Public-Works-Department-Events/Spring-RRE
Parks Job Fair
Date: Saturday, April 5
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: North Kirkland Community Center, 12421 103rd Ave NE
Explore exciting seasonal roles such as Day Camp Leaders, Lifeguards, Swim Instructors, Recreation Leads, and more!
On-site interviews will be available, so come ready to connect with hiring managers and explore where your next adventure could be. Whether you're interested in recreation, outdoor activities, or youth programming, there’s a spot for you on the Kirkland team.
To learn more about the positions available, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/ParksJobs.
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Road Sweepers and Grounds Keepers—meet the team that keeps Kirkland moving.