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May 15, 2025
Can a bike ride do more than get you from point A to B?
In this week’s episode, we ride along with Blair Daly, Transportation Program Coordinator, to learn how May’s Bike Everywhere Month is more than commuting. From celebration stations to Kirkland Bike Bingo, Blair shares how biking builds connection, supports sustainability, and brings serious fun.
Check it out.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, May 20, 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 rezoning the former Houghton Park and Ride and an acquired Finn Hill parcel to park zone.
- Council will review a community-initiated amendment request and zoning code amendment for Juanita.
- Council will consider updates to Park and Fire Impact fees.
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 from the Regional Crisis Response Agency
- And a preview of the new Downtown and Waterfront Live Parking Data Webmap
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 20 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.
This week, we join communities across the country in recognizing National Police Week, a time to honor the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. They are gone but not forgotten; each name a story of bravery, service, and love for community.
We also honor those who continue to serve—officers who show up each day with a commitment to keeping our communities safe. To the officers of the Kirkland Police Department—and to your families—thank you. We are grateful for your service and your dedication to serving with honor, integrity, and courage.
The Kirkland Police Department is hosting a Guns for Gift Cards event this Saturday, May 17, offering community members a voluntary and anonymous opportunity to safely dispose of unwanted firearms. The event will take place at the Kirkland Justice Center, 11740 NE 118th Street from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This initiative is part of the City of Kirkland's ongoing commitment to reducing gun violence in our community. By removing unwanted firearms from homes, the event aims to lower the chances of accidental injuries, suicides, and thefts that could lead to violent crimes.
In exchange for each unwanted gun, participants will receive a Visa gift card. No registration is required. However, proof of Kirkland residency, such as a utility bill, is required to participate. Officers will visually confirm an address but will not collect or log any personal information, ensuring anonymity throughout the process.
More event details are available on the event's webpage: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Community-Resources/Guns-for-Gift-Cards.
Last week was Drinking Water Week - a time to celebrate the essential role of safe water in our lives, highlight the expertise of our staff at City of Kirkland, and explore the science behind delivering high-quality tap water to our community.
Drinking water quality is essential for public health, encompassing the physical, chemical, and microbiological attributes related to its safety for consumption.
The City of Kirkland, a member of the Cascade Water Alliance along with other cities like Bellevue and Redmond, ensures the provision of safe, clean, and reliable water in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way.
According to the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act and Washington State Department of Health standards, Kirkland annually reports on its water's origin and quality, with 2024 tests confirming Kirkland’s drinking water met or exceeded all state and federal drinking water standards.
Residents in Finn Hill, North Juanita, and Kingsgate should contact their respective districts, Northshore Utility or Woodinville Water District, for specific water quality reports.
The environmental impact of single-use coffee cups is significant, with 50 billion cups discarded annually. To combat this, the Department of Ecology has launched a "Bring Your Own Cup" campaign this month that encourages individuals to reduce waste through three simple actions.
First, participants can pledge to bring their reusable cups, committing to lessen waste and potentially win a $25 gift card to a local coffee shop.
Second, an interactive map on the campaign's website helps locate coffee shops that accept reusable cups, many of which offer discounts and rewards.
Lastly, integrating a clean, reusable cup into your daily routine by setting reminders or keeping it handy can make sustainable coffee consumption effortless.
Many thanks to the local coffee shops in Kirkland that are again participating in this great campaign to help promote reuse!
Bicycle theft is often a crime of opportunity, but with the right precautions, you can keep your bike safe:
- Don’t leave your bike unattended in your yard, even for a moment
- Don’t rely on hiding your bike—secure it properly
- Always lock your bike with a strong U-lock or hardened steel chain and padlock in a well-lit, visible spot
- Lock quick-release parts like wheels and seats
- Take removable accessories (lights, bags) with you when you leave your bike
More tips: kirklandwa.gov/crimeprevention
This Bike Everywhere Month, let's help support safer, more sustainable ways to get around by keeping our roads safe.
As more people choose to bike and walk during these warmer months, it’s especially important for drivers to stay alert and share the road responsibly. Most crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists are caused by two things: distracted driving and failure to yield. But with just a little awareness, we can all help prevent injuries and save lives.
Here are a few simple but powerful reminders:
- Stop for people in crosswalks. Marked or unmarked, it’s the law.
- Put the phone down. Texting and talking while driving puts everyone at risk.
- Look twice before turning. Especially near schools, parks, and busy shopping areas.
- Stick to the speed limit. Even a few miles per hour over can make a big difference in an emergency.
Let’s make Kirkland safer for everyone—on wheels or on foot. This Bike Everywhere Month, thanks for doing your part to share the road.
Float deadline coming up!
Get your group signed up asap!
Let’s make this year the most joyful, creative, and community-filled yet.
Submit your parade entry here.
Parade Day is coming up fast and we still need YOUR help!
Sign up for a fun, quick shift and get a front-row view of the action.
Sign up to volunteer here.
Volunteer positions include:
- Parade Route Leads, Monitors
- Veteran’s Parade/Reception
- Kid’s Pavilion & Parade
- Grandstand & Midway Stations
- Parade Movers
- Banner Holders
- Street Décor Team Day Prior (7/3)
- General Set-up, Clean-Up
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Kirkland Performance Center for an unforgettable evening celebrating our community and all the people who make Kirkland such a special place.
Mayor Kelli Curtis delivered the 2025 State of the City address, highlighting the progress we’ve made together from public safety and park investments, transportation improvements, expanded affordable housing, and supporting a thriving local economy. Her message was clear: Kirkland’s strength is its people, and together, we’re building a city that’s safe, sustainable, and welcoming for all.
The evening also shined a spotlight on our incredible volunteers and community partners, whose generosity and commitment help shape the heart of our city. From board and commission members to park stewards, neighborhood leaders to emergency preparedness champions: your service does not go unnoticed.
🎭 The celebration continued with live performances, adding energy and joy to a night all about community connection.
👏 Thank you to every community member who shows up, speaks up, and lifts up Kirkland. Here’s to another year of working—and growing—together.
To read the State of the City speech, visit: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/News/State-of-the-City-Address-2025
For more information about volunteering, visit the City website: https://kirklandwa.gov/volunteer
Date: Saturday, May 17
Time: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology, 11605 132nd Ave NE
Join us for a free event focused on paper shredding and paint disposal. Check out the event website for more details.
Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 9 a.m. - 3p.m.
Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology, 11605 132nd Ave NE
Don't miss our larger recycling collection event, accepting batteries, tires, scrap metal, CFC appliances, the highly-asked-about Styrofoam and more. Please note that fees apply, and this is a cash-only event. Check out the event website for more details.
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Missed it? Catch the highlights from Tuesday’s State of the City & Community Appreciation Night in a minute!