|
The Kirkland City Council met on November 5, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
The Council held two public hearings. The first will was on the 2025-2026 mid-biennial budget update, 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program update, and 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program update. The second was on the preliminary 2026 property tax levy
Council reviewed the Transportation Safety Action Plan and speed limit setting policy and provided direction to staff.
Council received an update on options for draft code amendments for two community-initiated amendment requests for the Michael's and Goodwill properties in Juanita.
Council received an update on the Development Plan for Houghton Village and provided direction to staff on next steps.
Council proclaimed an emergency related to acute and worsening food insecurity and directed the City Manager to issue a Proclamation of Emergency and authorize the acts of City departments and staff to be taken in connection with the emergency.
Prior to the Business Agenda, the Study Session included areview of the 2025-2026 mid-biennial budget and the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program.
How to watch: Kirkland City Council meetings are streamed live and can be watched after the fact on the City's:
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 November 18, 2025.
Environmental Education & Outreach Specialist Kate Schmiett tells us all about how managing leaves can mean healthier streams, safer streets, and happy plants and pollinators. Plus, how to access a 640-gallon perk you won't want to miss out on. Tune in for that and more >> Check it out.
If you are in Kirkland or East King County, here are some local resources to access food services:
Additional food resources and supports information can be found at the Kirkland Human Services webpage: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-and-Community-Services/Human-Services
City administrative offices are closed on Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. Fire, police, and other critical services will remain fully operational. City services normally accessible through email, the Our Kirkland service portal, and over the phone will resume 8 a.m., Wednesday, November 12.
For 2025 City Hall closures, visit the City’s website.
When someone experiences cardiac arrest, every second counts. Early, effective CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. Join us on Wednesday, November 12 for a free, hands-only CPR, AED and First Aid basics class led by certified CPR instructors.
You’ll learn how to:
- Recognize cardiac arrest and call 9-1-1 quickly
- Perform hands-only chest compressions with proper rate and depth
- Use an AED safely and confidently until first responders arrive
Learn more and register: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Fire-Department/Public-Education/CPR-Class
With the end of Daylight Saving Time, evenings are darker earlier — and that can make drivers feel more tired than usual. As you adjust to the change, Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (Nov. 2–8) is a good reminder to get enough rest to stay alert behind the wheel.
Fatigue slows reaction time and impairs judgment, much like alcohol. If you’ve been awake for 18 hours, your alertness can drop to the same level as a driver with a 0.05% blood alcohol concentration.
Signs you’re too tired to drive:
- Drifting from your lane or missing exits
- Blinking or yawning often
- Forgetting the last few miles
Stay alert by:
- Getting 7–9 hours of sleep each night
- Taking breaks every two hours or 100 miles
- Pulling over to rest if you feel drowsy
Rest first, drive alert, and make it home safely.
Last week, Kirkland Public Works crews spent the day getting ready for winter weather. From snow and ice to downed trees, crews are ready for respond and keep Kirkland moving safely.
The hands-on training day included refreshers on snowplow operations, backhoe and skid steer maneuvering, and safe chainsaw and chipper use for clearing storm debris. These annual exercises help ensure that every crew member can safely and efficiently respond when needed.
When snow or ice blanket our roads, Public Works crews work to clear priority routes first — the main roads and emergency access routes that connect neighborhoods to essential services. Read more about Kirkland's snow response and view the snow plow route map: kirklandwa.gov/snow.
While crews are gearing up, it’s also a great time for residents to get ready at home. Make sure you have an emergency kit, know how to stay informed during storms, and have a plan for power outages or icy conditions. Visit Winter Weather – City of Kirkland for tips and resources from Kirkland’s Office of Emergency Management.
From the Golden State to the Evergreen State: Meet Daniel
For Daniel, serving the community isn’t just a role – it's a purpose that has guided every step of his career. Beginning in Parks and Recreation in California, Daniel built a foundation rooted in service, connection, and creativity before expanding into communications and community engagement. When the opportunity arose to join the City of Kirkland as the Senior Community Engagement Coordinator, he made the bold decision to relocate from California to Washington, drawn by the City’s strong commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and quality of life.
Moving to Kirkland became both a personal and professional turning point. As a queer Filipino American, Daniel was drawn to the City’s culture of collaboration, acceptance, and belonging – a place where authenticity is celebrated and community well-being is prioritized. “I’m so grateful to work in a city that accepts me for my authentic self,” Daniel shared. Here in Kirkland, he has found a workplace where he can Serve with purpose, Belong as his true self, and Thrive in a career that continues to grow and evolve.
If you are looking to thrive in your career and serve your community like Daniel, check out our job openings by visiting our jobs page at www.kirklandwa.gov/jobs.
Temperatures are dropping, and so are leaves. Be-leaf it or not, for the month of November, single-family residences can put out up to five 32-gallon bags of yard waste extras each week at no additional cost. Keeping leaves in check helps prevent flooding. Thanks also for helping to keep storm drains clear of leaves and debris. The trees are doing their thing – now it's our turn!
The City of Kirkland invites the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration for Fisk Family Park on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 11 a.m. Join City leaders, partners, and community members to celebrate this new neighborhood park located at 212 6th Street South, Kirkland, WA 98033, next to the Cross Kirkland Corridor.
In September 2023, the City purchased the 0.42-acre property, which features a stream and natural open space. The park is named Fisk Family Park to honor James G. Fisk and his family’s contribution to the community. The park purchase was made possible in part through donations from the Kirkland Community Foundation.
To learn more about Fisk Family Park and Kirkland’s park system, visit www.kirklandwa.gov/parks.
Donate before Nov 24, 2025 to see your gift in action for 2026!
Ignite Kirkland is a community-powered, place-based giving campaign hosted by the Kirkland Community Foundation. Each fall, the Foundation curates a digital catalog of Kirkland nonprofit projects — from youth programs and arts initiatives to park improvements and mental-health services — and invites residents to explore, learn, and give. Learn more at kirklandcommunity.org/ignite-kirkland-giving.
Thank you for being part of Kirkland’s place-based, all-community giving movement.
1. 100th Avenue Northeast
Drivers will encounter traffic control at various locations along 100th Avenue Northeast while OMA Construction completes a variety of ‘punch-list’ tasks. The field office has been removed and this project is nearly finished. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
2. 124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for project updates on Thursdays.
3. Northeast 85th Street: 122th Avenue Northeast to 120nd Avenue Northeast
On Northeast 85th Street east of I-405, daytime work will close a westbound lane on the north side of Northeast 85th Street between 120th Avenue Northeast and 122nd Avenue Northeast. Daytime work will reduce eastbound traffic to one lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
4. Northeast 85th Street: I-405 to Sixth Street
Northeast 85th Street continues to usher a single lane of traffic in each direction, between Interstate 405 and Sixth Street while a Kirkland contractor builds a shared-use pathway that parallel’s Northeast 85th Street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
5. Lake Street & Kirkland Avenue (Pedestrian Scramble)
The Lake Street and Kirkland Avenue intersection is now fully functioning as an all-way pedestrian scramble. Pedestrians can cross the intersection in any direction they choose while the pedestrian phase is active. Meanwhile, the contractor will continue next week to alternate traffic while its crews embed traffic-counting loops in the pavement. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Lake-Street-Pedestrian-Scramble for weekly updates.
6. Kirkland Way Park & Ride Closed
Kirkland Way P&R is closed as a PSE gas line replacement project uses the space to store equipment.
Additional Construction Projects
Find out about additional construction projects here.
Turkey Trot November 16
The annual Kirkland Turkey Trot is Sunday, November 16, 2025, at Juanita Beach Park. A course map is available at kirklandturkeytrot.com. 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.
Roads will be impacted from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. or when the last runner finishes. Additionally, the following closures will be in place:
- From 8 to 11:30 a.m., eastbound Juanita Drive from 93rd Avenue NE to 98th Avenue NE will be closed with a detour in place.
- From 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the entrance to Juanita Beach Park’s main parking lot will be closed to vehicles.
Event organizers expect 1,000 athletes will participate in the race/walk which includes 10K, 5K, and Kids Dash courses. The event raises money in support of the Lake Washington High School Booster Club. The club’s mission is to pursue the support and development of student athletic teams and other interscholastic activities.
Event goers are encouraged to carpool and plan for their parking in advance. For bus transportation, see the King County Metro Trip Planner. For event information, see ExploreKirkland.com.
Green Kirkland Stewardship and Restoration Events
Date: November 8 & 9
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: various, see below
Join the Green Kirkland Partnership this November and be part of something lasting: planting the next generation of forests and wildlife habitat in your local parks. Enjoy fall colors, fresh air, and community spirit! No experience needed. Tools, gloves, and training are provided. Events are open to all ages (following the youth and event guidelines). Sign up today on the Green Kirkland Event Calendar and help baby trees find their forever home! Click on an event below for more details:
Business Workshop with OneEastside
Date: November 12, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Location:Kirkland City Hall, 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, 98033
How prepared are you to optimize the holiday-spending season, including Black Friday and Small Business Saturday? Leverage this holiday season into more success and profit. Learn how to promote your business, incentivize customers, and create an experience that inspires repeat buyers.
Speaker Shawn Palmer will cover topics such as competition and differentiation, customer segmentation, price points, sales/promotions, capturing consumer data, staffing, inventory management, return and shipping policies, cost control and cash flow management. Learn more and register here.
For more events from the City, visit our Community Events page. For up to date happenings around Kirkland, visit ExploreKirkland.com/Events.
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
Are you prepared for an emergency, disruption or disaster? Let’s chat about steps you can take to be prepared no matter the circumstances.
|