The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m. Council will:

Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., which will include:

• Kirkland Utility Rates 101
• Overview of Cascade Water Alliance’s Cascade Supply 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 May 19 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’s:

• YouTube channel
• Facebook page
• 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.

Southbound I-405 in Kirkland will be closed from NE 124th Street to NE 70th Place starting at 11 p.m. Friday, May 15. The start of the southbound I-405 closure will move south to NE 85th Street at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 16. A signed detour will be in place. All southbound lanes of I-405 will reopen by 4 a.m. Monday, May 18.

Find out the latest on WSDOT's project page.

The City of Kirkland has selected Deputy Chief Patrick LeDoux as Kirkland’s next Fire Chief, effective June 1, 2026.

Many throughout the organization and community already know Chief LeDoux through his current role as Deputy Fire Chief. Since joining the Kirkland Fire Department last year, Chief LeDoux quickly built strong relationships across the department and throughout the City organization while helping improve service delivery, strengthening regional partnerships, and enhancing accountability.

With more than 30 years in the fire service, Chief LeDoux is widely recognized throughout the region as a trusted and effective leader. He currently serves as Chair of the Zone 1 Operations Chiefs and has played an important leadership role in the King County Fire Training Consortium and regional mobilization efforts.

“Chief LeDoux’s leadership reflects the values Kirkland residents expect from their fire department — service, accountability, collaboration, and care for the community,” said Deputy Mayor Neal Black. “We are excited for the future of the department under his leadership.”

Read more. 

The City of Kirkland has selected Andreana Campbell as its new Government Affairs Manager, effective May 1, 2026. 

Campbell has served as the City’s Interim Government Affairs Manager for the past eight months, helping guide Kirkland through one of the most challenging legislative sessions in recent years. Following a competitive recruitment process, City leadership selected Campbell based on her exceptional performance in the interim role, extensive institutional knowledge, and nearly a decade of dedicated service to the Kirkland community. 

“Andreana has demonstrated outstanding leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the City of Kirkland throughout her career,” said Councilmember Amy Falcone. “Her ability to navigate complex policy issues, build strong relationships, and advance the Council’s priorities makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role.” 

Read more. 

This Night in Kirkland: All Together Now was a success! Our 2026 State of the City and Community Appreciation Night brought together hundreds of Kirklanders to celebrate the many people who contribute to the city we love. Sponsored by the Greater Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and the Kirkland Community Foundation, the free event began with dinner at the Peter Kirk Community Center and then dessert and entertainment at the Kirkland Performance Center. 

Highlights of the night included Mayor Kelli Curtis’ impactful State of the City speech, a musical number performed by City staff, and a live podcast show featuring Deputy Mayor Neal Black and Councilmembers Jay Arnold, Amy Falcone, Jon Pascal, Shilpa Prem, and John Tymczyszyn. 

Thank you to all those who joined us in celebrating our city’s dedicated volunteers! We look forward to celebrating our community again in 2027. 

This week is National Police Week.

It’s a time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and to thank the officers who continue to serve our community every day. 

To our officers — and your families — thank you for your commitment and service to Kirkland.

Kirkland permit applicants have reported receiving fraudulent permit invoices. The FBI issued a warning about this type of phishing scheme in March 2026. The scammers impersonate city or county officials and fraudulently request fees associated with planning and zoning permits. Because the criminals behind the scheme use detailed, accurate information about planning and zoning requests, including property addresses, case numbers, and the real names of city or county officials, they can appear legitimate. 

These tips from the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) can help you protect yourself: 

For more information, read the FBI alert.

As the weather heats up, remember that screens aren’t enough to keep kids safe around open windows. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission lists windows as one of the top five hidden hazards in our homes because window falls injure or kill thousands of children each year. Two- to 5-year-olds are particularly at risk. 

To shut down the risk and keep kids safer, follow these tips: 

• Supervise small children around open windows. 
• Open windows no more than 4 inches. 
• Open windows from the top down, if possible. 
• Move furniture away from windows. 
• Install window stops or releasable child-safety window guards. 

Learn more: https://kingcounty.gov/window-safety

May is Water Safety Month. As we head into warmer weather, it’s a good time to refresh safe habits around the water. 

A few simple reminders: 

• Always wear a life jacket. 
• Don’t swim alone — bring a friend. 
• Have a designated “kid watcher” whose only job is to keep eyes on the kids in the water.
• Stick to designated swim areas.
• Don’t follow friends out beyond your ability.

Let’s make it a safe and fun season on the water.

There’s still time to register for the Kirkland Heat Pump Workshop! The City of Kirkland and Energy Smart Eastside are hosting the event on Monday, May 18, 2026 from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Peter Kirk Community Center (352 Kirkland Ave.). You’ll learn about a greener (and often more cost-effective!) way of heating and cooling your home, plus qualify for a special discount from AirGanic, a local heat pump contractor.

More than half (51%) of Kirkland’s greenhouse gas emissions come from energy use in residential and commercial buildings, and the single biggest driver is the heating and cooling of these spaces. With heat pumps, residents can improve the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their carbon footprint. Not only are heat pumps cleaner compared to traditional gas furnaces, they offer both heating and air conditioning as well as filter inside air.

Heat pumps can also reduce a household’s energy bills. To offset the costs of installation, Energy Smart Eastside has special rebates for residents of Kirkland and the program’s five other participating cities. These rebates can be combined with other utility incentives for thousands of dollars in savings on heat pumps.

To register for the workshop, visit https://tinyurl.com/KirklandHeatPumps and complete the simple form to let us know you’re coming.

For more information about heat pumps and Energy Smart Eastside, visit https://www.energysmarteastside.org/learn.

The City of Kirkland is seeking participants for a focus group to provide insights about natural yard care practices at home. Insights gathered through this process will directly inform future City programs, outreach strategies, and educational initiatives. These efforts are intended to support environmentally sustainable, safe, and practical yard care solutions that are accessible, realistic, and aligned with the needs and priorities of the Kirkland community. 

The focus group will help provide a better understanding of how residents currently care for and maintain their yards and lawns, including the use of fertilizers and pesticides, watering habits, landscaping choices, and overall approaches to outdoor maintenance. Through this effort, the City aims to identify current behaviors, challenges, motivations, and barriers residents may experience when considering more sustainable yard care practices. 

Participants who complete the required activities will receive a $100 Visa gift card as a token of appreciation for their time and participation. Responses are due May 27, 2026. A full job description for focus group participants can be found at www.kirklandwa.gov/stormwater. Interested individuals can fill out the potential participant questionnaire at www.surveymonkey.com/r/KirklandFocusGroup. Comments and questions can be provided via e-mail to stormwater@kirklandwa.gov.

Discover what’s blooming in your local parks and forests while making a positive impact. From weeding to mulching to caring for new plantings, there’s a role for everyone. No experience needed — just bring your enthusiasm! We’ll provide the tools and training. Visit the Green Kirkland calendar to find an event near you.

May Stewardship events 

Sunday, May 17 | 1-3 p.m. - Kingsgate Park 

Wednesday, May 20 | 4-6 p.m. - Highlands Open Space #1 

Saturday, May 23 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. - North Rose Hill Woodlands Park 

Sunday, May 24 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. - South Norway Hill Park 

Saturday, May 30 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Rose Hill Meadows Park 

Saturday, May 30 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. - Juanita Bay Park (main lot)

Join the City of Kirkland as a Mail Clerk and become an essential part of the team that keeps City services connected, organized, and running smoothly every day!

In this role, you will SERVE the community by helping City departments stay informed and organized through the timely handling and distribution of mail and materials. Your work directly supports employees across the organization, enabling them to deliver important services to the residents of Kirkland.

As a Mail Clerk, you will BELONG to a collaborative and supportive workplace where teamwork, reliability, and attention to detail are truly valued. You will build connections with colleagues from various departments and become a trusted part of the daily operations that keep the City functioning seamlessly behind the scenes.

This is a great opportunity for someone who THRIVES on organization, consistency, and staying active throughout the day.

While you’re making a positive impact, we’ll support you with:

Learn more and apply today at kirklandwa.gov/jobs.

Imagine the warm Hawaiian sand between your toes as a thank you for saving lives in the Pacific Northwest! In gratitude for your blood donation in May, you can enter to win roundtrip airfare for two plus a three-night stay in a lush oceanview room at Oahu’s beautiful Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort. Your donation makes a real impact in our local hospitals and could turn into the getaway of your dreams.

Sign up to Donate Blood in Kirkland:

• Monday, May 18 – EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Bloodmobile in Silver Lot 
• Wednesday, May 20 – Plaza Yarrow Bay - Bloodmobile 
• Wednesday, May 27 – North Kirkland Community Center

Then go to https://www.bloodworksnw.org/win and enter to win!

(1) NE 85th Street: Shared Use Pathway 

NE 85th Street continues to usher a single lane of traffic in each direction, between I-405 and 6th Street while a Kirkland contractor builds a shared-use pathway that parallels NE 85th Street.

This traffic control ends at WSDOT’s new roundabout, and that change is dramatic for drivers.

(2) NE 85th Street Eastbound 3rd Lane Project

Drivers can expect night construction to continue east of I-405 on NE 85th Street. Traffic control begins by 9 p.m. and ends by 5 a.m. to avoid disruption to NE 85th Street. Street repairs, grind and overlay along with concrete repairs are expected to continue throughout the spring.

(3) 116th Avenue NE Water Check Valve

Drivers will encounter alternating traffic controlled by flaggers on 116th Avenue NE between NE 100th Street and NE 95th Street. Traffic control is expected between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.

(4) I-405 Southbound Closure in Kirkland

Southbound I-405 in Kirkland will be closed from NE 124th Street to NE 70th Place starting at 11 p.m. Friday, May 15. The start of the southbound I-405 closure will move south to NE 85th Street at 6 a.m. on Saturday, May 16. A signed detour will be in place. All southbound lanes of I-405 will reopen by 4 a.m. Monday, May 18.

For project updates, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/capitalprojects.

Spring Recycling Collection Event

Date: Saturday, May 16 

Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s South Parking Lot 

Just in time for spring cleaning, the City of Kirkland is hosting a Recycling Collection Event! Kirkland residents can bring hard-to-recycle items, like scrap metal, electronics, Styrofoam, and tires (with exceptions). Bring exact cash for items with a drop-off fee. Find the full list of accepted items and fees here. 

Clean Sweep 2026 

Date: Sunday, May 17 

Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. OR 12:30-3:30 p.m. 

Location: Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, 15 Lake St. South, Kirkland

Kirkland Downtown Association’s annual Clean Sweep is back on Sunday, May 17, 2026, and community members of all ages are invited to be part of this energizing tradition. Powered every year by incredible volunteers from church groups and student clubs to co-workers and book clubs, Clean Sweep is a chance to come together and give back in a hands‑on, meaningful way.

This year’s effort will focus on the downtown business district, where volunteers will help with weeding, scrubbing, sweeping, gardening, and boosting the overall vibrancy of the spaces where our community gathers. Whether you join with friends, family, or come solo and meet new neighbors, you’ll be contributing to a brighter, cleaner, more welcoming Kirkland. 

Two volunteer shifts are available so you can choose what works best for your schedule: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Help us keep Kirkland beautiful. Your time truly makes a difference. Learn more and sign up here.

Gun Safety Class 

Date: Wednesday, May 20 

Time: 5-7 p.m.

Location: Kirkland Police Department, 11750 NE 118th St.

The Kirkland Police Department is hosting an informative presentation to learn about personal gun safety in the home, including secure firearm storage and firearm laws. Participants will hear from Kirkland Police Officers as they teach about firearms safety and proper storage techniques. The class will be held in the Totem Lake Room, which is adjacent to the Police Department Lobby. Attendees must be 21+ years old and reside within the City of Kirkland. Space will be limited to 20 participants. Note: We ask that attendees DO NOT bring their personal firearms to the class, as there will be inert training aids utilized as part of the presentation.

Sign up here. For more information, please email Sergeant James Hill at jhill@kirklandwa.gov.

Crabby Old Pharts Pea Patch Ribbon Cutting

Date: Thursday, May 21

Time: 12-1 p.m.

Location: Rose Hill Meadows Park, 8046 124th Ave NE, Kirkland 

Join us for a ribbon cutting to celebrate the newest community gardens in the City of Kirkland parks system on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at noon. The Crabby Old Pharts Pea Patch at Rose Hill Meadows was made possible by the generous land donation of Larry Miller.

An enthusiastic gardener, Mr. Miller often invited neighbors to use his land for gardening as well. Mr. Miller donated the property to the City of Kirkland with the vision of expanding it into a community garden, and he even requested the unique name for the garden.

The space includes 40 standard plots and six ADA-accessible plots with water and on-site composting. There’s limited on-site parking with two ADA parking stalls. Street parking is available on 124th Avenue. More information.

7 Hills of Kirkland Bike Ride 

Date: Monday, May 25 

Time: 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

Location: Marina Park, 25 Lakeshore Plz., Kirkland 

For over 20 years, the 7 Hills of Kirkland has been a beloved Memorial Day tradition, offering cyclists a picturesque and challenging road bike ride. This fundraising event is essential for supporting housing and vital services for those in need on the Eastside. Join hundreds of your closest friends and challenge yourself to complete one of three routes: the Metric Century 62-mile route, the Traditional 38-mile route, or the Strawberry Shortcut at 20.2 miles. Each route promises the hills your heart desires. At the finish line, celebrate your achievement with refreshing strawberry shortcake, waiting just for you. More information.

For more events from the City, visit our Community Events page. For up-to-date happenings around Kirkland, visit ExploreKirkland.com/Events.

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