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May 1, 2025
Alisa Sargsyan, chair of the Cultural Arts Commission (and classical pianist and amateur pool competitor), shares the scoop on the latest public art project: a reimagined Kalakala. Stay in the know.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, May 6, 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 extending the development agreement for the Kirkland Urban project.
- Council will consider selecting a developer for an ice-skating, restaurant, and community center at the former Houghton Park and Ride.
- Council will review a draft scope of work for a dedicated sexual assault legal advocate in Kirkland.
- Council will consider the 2025 Neighborhood Safety Program recommended projects.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss an update on legal challenges to King County's Northeast Recycling and Transfer Station, as well as an update on the Juanita Bay Wildflower Pilot Project.
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 May 6 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.
What surprise will this year's Community Appreciation Night bring?
We’re not saying there’s a saxophone solo by a City staffer… but we’re not not saying it.
Community Appreciation Night always brings the unexpected—and this year, we're adding the Mayor’s inspiring State of the City address.
Join us May 13 at 5:30 p.m. for a night that celebrates you and what makes Kirkland thrive.
Spots are limited—save yours now!
Register here.
How can I contact the City with questions, requests, or suggestions?
You can always contact City staff through the Our Kirkland service portal, available on the web and mobile app. Submitting your comments through Our Kirkland ensures the right staff receives the information and can follow up with you.
Discover hidden gems and shop sustainably at our first-ever Junk in the Trunk Community Sale, happening Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Houghton Park & Play.
This unique, vehicle trunk-based community sale offers a fun opportunity to explore secondhand treasures, reduce waste, and connect with neighbors. Community sellers will offer a wide variety of gently used items and vintage finds from their trunks and the space next to their vehicles.
“Events like Junk in the Trunk show how small actions can support a more sustainable future,” said Councilmember Jon Pascal. “By reusing and repurposing items instead of throwing them away, we’re making a positive impact on our environment and having a great time doing it.”
Read more.
The annual Kirkland Half Marathon and 5K is Sunday, May 4 at Juanita Beach Park. Drivers should expect traffic delays and parking restrictions in the area. Please note: vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed prior to the event. Course maps are available at https://orcarunning.com/kirklandhalf/.
Read more.
We all want safe streets. Curious about how Kirkland plans to make its streets even safer? You’re invited to Tea with Transportation, an open house where you can provide feedback and chat with the City’s Transportation Team about the Kirkland Safety Action Plan over a warm cup of tea.
“There’s no such thing as being too safe when it comes to transportation,” said Councilmember John Tymczyszyn. “Even small improvements can have a huge impact, and the best ideas often come from the people who walk, bike, and drive these streets every day.”
The open house takes place on Wednesday, May 14, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Kirkland City Hall Council Chambers (123 5th Avenue). It’s a relaxed evening of meaningful conversation. Drop by, meet your neighbors, and learn how the City is working to make every trip – whether on foot, by bike, bus, or car – safer for everyone.
Read more.
Seeking Youth to Serve on Kirkland’s Cultural Arts Commission
Are you – or do you know – a youth who’s passionate about art? Want to make an impact and serve your community? The City is accepting applications for a youth seat on the Kirkland Cultural Arts Commission (KCAC) until May 16, 2025.
The KCAC is a volunteer board appointed by the City Council that advises the Council on art acquisition, promotes strategic arts planning, and manages the City's public art collection. They also work to grow and support arts, culture, and heritage in Kirkland. The Commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month.
Kirkland community members who meet eligibility requirements are invited to apply to the City Clerk by 4 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025. Visit the Current Recruitment Positions page or call the City Clerk’s Office at 425-587-3190 to learn more and apply.
Members of most advisory boards and commissions are appointed by the City Council. City Council interviews for potential members are anticipated to be scheduled for the week of May 26th, 2025.
If you’ve seen Kirkland’s fire stations glowing red this week, it’s part of Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters — a national tribute organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. From April 27 to May 4, four of Kirkland’s fire stations are lit in red to honor firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
For Kirkland, this remembrance is personal. The lights shine in honor of Firefighter Terence Goldberg, who passed away in 2009 after a courageous battle with cancer. His service, leadership, and dedication left a lasting impact on the department and community. He is remembered at both the Washington State Capitol Memorial and the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado.
Kirkland Police Department (KPD) will host a voluntary ‘Guns for Gift Cards’ exchange on Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kirkland Justice Center.
Although no registration is required for the Guns for Gift Cards exchange, proof of Kirkland residency, such as a utility bill, is required to participate.
Participants are asked to bring unloaded guns they wish to trade in for gift cards and to follow these rules:
- Stay in your vehicle when you arrive at the KJC
- Gun(s) must be unloaded
- Gun(s) must be in the trunk or backseat of your vehicle, or otherwise out of reach
Read more for additional rules and guidelines.
Join the Energy Smart Eastside team to learn more about their Volunteer Program and how you can make a difference in your community! This volunteer program is a great opportunity for community members to become ambassadors of heat pumps and energy transition on the Eastside. If you are passionate about energy efficiency, enjoy talking to your neighbors and community members, and would like to get more involved, this is the program for you!
Date: May 7
Time: 5-6pm
Location: virtual
Register Here: https://share.hsforms.com/1CBYqgcxeRAOSUOdfyzpEEwrh66b
Every hometown has heroes. Help us honor ours.
We’re looking for someone who has made a lasting contribution to Kirkland — someone who shows up, gives back, and makes this place better for all of us.
Nominate them as this year’s Grand Marshal of the 4th of July Parade!
Deadline: May 10th!
Nominate now: https://bit.ly/4inb8SY
Want to help shape the July 4th Parade? Join our Planning Committee!
We’re looking for passionate, creative, and community-minded folks to help bring the magic to life this July 4th!
📌 Roles include:
✨ Kids Lead
🎨 Street Decor Lead
🎭 Staging Lead
🎖️ Veterans Lead
🎉 Awards Lead
Interested? Email celebratekirkland@kirklandwa.gov or apply here: https://bit.ly/3RF8uwZ
May is Bike Everywhere Month! It's not just about commuting—it’s a celebration of biking as a way to connect with your community, explore your city, and support sustainability.
There are events all month long to bring riders together across the region.
Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just want to have fun bike riding, there's a ride, station, or gathering for you.
Explore events & get involved: cascade.org/bikeeverywheremonth
#BikeEverywhereMonth2025
98th Avenue Northeast (New construction project started)
Drivers will 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) will be 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. This project is on schedule to be finished in June. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenuefor project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 124th Street
Kirkland's contractor is upgrading two pedestrian crossings on Northeast 124th Street 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.
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
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane 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 to be complete soon, with typical paving tasks remaining (utility raising, permanent striping after a few weeks of asphalt curing, etc.) Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor for project updates on Thursdays.
Eighth Avenue West
Residents along Eighth Avenue West will note that construction has resumed on this Water and Sewer main project. Kirkland’s contractor will begin the street rehabilitation beginning at Fifth Street West, and plan to move block by block to limit impacts to residents. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Eighth-Avenue-West-water-and-sewer-main-upgrades for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 132nd Street
Kirkland's contractor is returning to complete maintenance work on the stormwater system on Northeast 132nd Street’s intersection with 120th Avenue Northeast. A uniformed police officer will control the intersection when work impacts the intersection, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. beginning the week of April 21. Work is expected to occur for a few weeks.
Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
Co-Working and Business Advising
Date: Wednesday, May 14 and every second Wednesday of the month
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: City Hall
Entrepreneurs, founders, biz dreamers! Skip the coffee shop and come cowork at Kirkland City Hall!
Join us for Startup & Small Biz Co-Working Day—get stuff done, meet your people, and get free 1-on-1 advice from an expert business advisor!
Reserve your spot for free business advice on the event page.
Senior Art Show
Opening Reception: Friday, May 9 from 5 - 7 p.m.
Show dates: May 9 - 23
Location: Merrill Gardens, 14 Main Street South
Creativity is ageless! Join us for the opening of the 15th annual Senior Art Show sponsored by the Kirkland Senior Council on Friday, May 9, 2025.
The show will run from May 9 - 23, 2025.
For more information, visit the event page.
Solarize Eastside Workshop
Date: Thursday, May 15
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Kirkland City Hall, Council Chambers, 123 5th Ave
This spring, it’s easier than ever to add solar panels to your home. Solarize Eastside is a limited-time program that offers discounted prices, trusted local installers, and high-quality equipment made right here in Washington. Sign up today for a free site assessment or join us at an upcoming workshop in Kirkland to learn more!
Paper and Paint Recycling Event
Do you have left-over paint or old documents you'd like to dispose of? The City of Kirkland is ready to take them off your hands. On Saturday, May 17, the City will offer document shredding and paint recycling at a special recycling collection event.
Please Note: The City can only accept paint and paper at this event.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
11605 132nd Ave NE
South Parking Lot
Use 132nd Ave NE entrance
Read more about the event.
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We're keeping Earth Month alive one more day with 3 things you may not know about Sustainability in Kirkland. Check out the video here.