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When the ground moves, instincts take over. But not all instincts keep you safe. As part of today's Great ShakeOut, hear from Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Carly Pacekonis as she breaks down what to do when the next earthquake starts. Check it out.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
The Council will consider a resolution to direct staff to prepare project options that would increase water pressure to customers of Upper Highlands and continue adapting the financial assistance program for affected water customers.
Council will receive a report on the fiscal impacts of the City's Multifamily Tax Exemption program.
Council receive on update about the NE 85th Street Station Area, including a briefing about options for achieving denser residential development in the Station Area and a summary of recent efforts to activate the Station Area.
Council will review and provide feedback on the draft legislative priorities for the upcoming 2026 state legislative session.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will discuss proposed alternatives for adjusting the water pressure gradient of the Upper Highlands neighborhood.
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 October 21 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:
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.
Do you have an idea to improve walkability, crossings, or traffic calmers in your neighborhood? You can submit a project idea anytime via Our Kirkland under the category “Suggest a Project.” These project ideas get reviewed by staff and by your Neighborhood’s Project Coordinator.
Interested in how it all comes together?
Come to the Neighborhood Safety Program Kick-Off Meeting Tuesday, Oct 28, 7–8 p.m., City Hall. Let’s turn ideas into safer streets.
More info: www.kirklandwa.gov/nsp
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.
For more opportunities to provide feedback to the City, please visit our Community Conversations page.
Over the last few weeks, Kirkland City Councilmembers have been out “user testing” some of the new safety projects across town. From upgraded crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons to greenways and bike/pedestrian improvements, these projects add up to make it easier and safer to get around Kirkland whether you’re walking, biking, rolling, taking transit, or driving.
See the latest on the City’s construction projects here.
October is Pedestrian Safety Month.
Primary factors that contribute to pedestrian and bicyclist injuries are failure to yield to other roadway users and distracted driving such as talking or texting while behind the wheel.
Safety tips for drivers to save lives:
- Stop for people in crosswalks. Whether marked or unmarked, it’s the law.
- Do not use your phone while driving. Talking &/or talking on your phone seriously impairs your driving ability. It will also cost you if you get a ticket.
- Do not drive while impaired or sleep deprived. These can reduce your ability to see, decide, and react in time.
- Before turning, look, then look again. Pedestrians and bicyclists can be anywhere but are more likely to be near schools, senior centers, community centers, and shopping districts.
- Drive at the posted speed limit. Just a few mph over could end up being the difference between life and death.
- Use your lights. Make using your daylight running lights a habit. It makes your vehicle more visible.
- Get to know the safety tips and pedestrian laws that help keep Washington walkers safe.
For more visit: WSDOT’s webpage on pedestrian laws and safety.
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The Lake Washington Half Marathon is Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Juanita Beach Park. A course map is available at OrcaRunning.com. Drivers should expect traffic delays and parking restrictions in the area. Please note: vehicles parked on the course will be towed prior to the event.
From 7 to 11:30 a.m., eastbound NE Juanita Drive from 93rd Avenue NE to 98th Avenue NE will be closed with a detour in place.
From 8 to 10 a.m., southbound Lakeshore Plaza will be closed.
The City Boat Launch will remain open with minor delays. Lakeshore Plaza parking lot will remain accessible via Kirkland Avenue.
Event organizers expect 1,000 athletes will participate in the 13.1-mile race/walk which benefits charity partner, Rise Up and Read. The organization strives to ease toxic stress in refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeking children by fostering literacy and emotional connection through shared reading.
Event goers are encouraged to carpool and plan their parking in advance. For bus transportation, see the King County Metro Trip Planner. For event information, see ExploreKirkland.com. For permit information, contact Sudie Elkayssi, Special Projects Coordinator, City of Kirkland Parks & Community Services, at 425-587-3347 or email selkayssi@kirklandwa.gov.
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To support the Lake Washington Half Marathon this weekend, the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail will open from NE 85th Street to NE 87th Street Friday evening through Monday morning. Work remains on schedule for the NE 85th Street Shared Use Pathway project, building a wide sidewalk up NE 85th Street for walking and biking. The project (and the trail closure) are expected to continue into spring.
The CKC will ALSO reopen for the half marathon between NE 52nd Street and 108th Avenue NE this weekend. Fencing will be set up to keep trail users away from the assembled above-ground pipe and construction materials. On Monday, the CKC will close again, and King County crews will continue assembling the above-ground diversion pipe.
At 10:16 a.m., millions across Washington participated in the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. Wherever you are, home, work, or school, take a moment to practice what to do when the ground shakes:
Drop, Cover, and Hold On. If you’re driving, pull over safely. If you’re outside, get low and protect your head and neck. When the shaking stops, check for injuries and hazards before moving.
Share this reminder with friends, family, and coworkers. Together, we can spread knowledge of preparedness and make a difference WHEN the big one hits! Learn more.
To improve voter’s experience and safety in Kirkland, the ballot drop box previously located at City Hall has been moved to the Wester Lot. The prior location next to City Hall required voters to get out of their cars to cast their ballot. This created conflicts between cars and pedestrians, and it also placed a burden on voters with mobility challenges. The new “drive up and drop” design allows voters to submit ballots right from their vehicles, improving safety, accessibility, and efficiency. For those who live nearby, walk-up access remains, with safe sidewalk routes that don’t cross vehicle traffic lanes.
King County Elections owns and operates ballot drop boxes across the county. They have approved the Wester Lot as a location that better serves Kirkland voters.
For more information about ballot boxes and elections, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
Join us for two fire station grand re-openings! The events kick off at 10:30 a.m. with remarks and a ribbon cutting, followed by an open house where you can tour the newly remodeled station, meet your neighborhood firefighters, and check out the fire trucks up close. Thank you Kirkland voters for funding this remodel by passing Fire Prop 1 in 2020!
Bring the whole family and help us celebrate these exciting community milestones!
Fire Station 26 Grand Re-Opening
Date: Saturday, October 18
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: 9930 124th Ave NE
Fire Station 21 Grand Re-Opening
Date: October 25
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m
Location: 9816 Forbes Creek Dr.
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The City Council proclaimed October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the City of Kirkland. Each October, National Domestic Violence Awareness Month brings attention to domestic violence and ways people affected by domestic violence can increase and sustain safety for themselves, their children, and their communities.
In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Totem Lake Connector Bridge's lights will shine purple at night. Each year, neighbors show their support by replacing their porch lights with purple lights.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or visit thehotline.org.
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The City’s Human Resources Department recently hosted the annual Employee Benefits Fair, bringing together vendors to share resources that support the health, wellness, and financial security of our employees.
This is one of the many ways we Serve our employees – by connecting them with tools and benefits that make a real difference. It’s a chance for the City to show our employees that they Belong and celebrate the support that helps them Thrive both at work and in life.
Ready to join a workplace that invests in your whole self? Our employees receive:
- 100% City-paid medical, dental & vision premiums
- Retirement & generous paid leave
- Growth & training opportunities
- A collaborative team that values your work
Learn more and apply today at kirklandwa.gov/jobs
Celebrate togetherness and remembrance at Kirkland’s Día de Los Muertos festival Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Peter Kirk Community Center (352 Kirkland Ave). Join us for a family-friendly event featuring hands-on arts and crafts, captivating performances, and delicious light refreshments for everyone to enjoy. Read more about the event on the City's website.
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Join us October 18–26, 2025, as we kick off planting season and celebrate the volunteers who help care for Kirkland’s forests and natural areas.
Get involved!
Find a volunteer event near you and pitch in. Plant, weed, or mulch to help restore our urban forests. No experience needed; all tools, gloves, and training provided.
Everyone’s welcome!
Explore events and sign up at the Green Kirkland Event Calendar.
Green Kirkland Week Volunteer Events 2025
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Juanita Open Space #1
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Edith Moulton Park
Sunday, October 19, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Rose Hill Meadows Park
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Everest Park
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Juanita Bay Park (main lot)
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - McAuliffe Park
Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 1 to 3 p.m. - Kingsgate Park
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1. Lake Street & Kirkland Avenue (Scramble)
Night work began Monday, October 13 at 9 p.m. for up to three weeks. Crews will be alternating traffic with uniformed police officers controlling the intersections. Work will install new signal poles at Lake Street and Kirkland Avenue, and the removal of existing signals. The all-way’s crossing phase is coming soon to this downtown intersection. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/Lake-Street-Pedestrian-Scramble for weekly updates.
2. Central Way Street Preservation
The Central Way Paving Project is nearly complete. Final tasks remain, including ensuring all pavement markings (arrows, crosswalks, stop bars, bike lanes, etc.) are applied. Drivers will encounter lane shifts as work crews move along Central Way. Uniformed Police Officers (UPO’s) will be used at intersections as Lakeside Industries crews finish the final tasks. We’re working with our contractor to remove the no-parking signs as quickly as they can while ensuring the work zone is clear to complete final tasks. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/overlay for weekly updates.
3. Market Street @ 9th Avenue
Work on the Stores to Shores Greenway project will have intermittent traffic control on Market Street around 9th Street to build the greenway facilities. This project is also working at Northeast 87th Street/112th Avenue Northeast in Highlands neighborhood on the Stores to Shores Greenway route. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/storestoshores for project updates on Thursdays.
4. 100th Avenue Northeast
Drivers will encounter traffic control at various locations along 100th Avenue Northeast for work on bike lanes, sidewalks, driveways, and plantings. Utility adjustments are occurring and will have lane shifts as those crews work along 100th Avenue Northeast.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
5. Northeast 85th Street: I-405 to 6th Street
Northeast 85th Street is a single lane in each direction from I-405 to 6th Street for the NE 85th Street shared-use pathway project. The Cross Kirkland Corridor is open this weekend (10/17-10/20) at Northeast 85th Street to Northeast 87th Street. Work continues on wall construction, the stormwater system near 6th Street, and bridge foundations for the pedestrian bridge over the CKC.
Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
6. 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. Overnight, traffic will be impacted from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. as Kirkland’s contractor upgrades the stormwater facilities and other utility work. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
7. 124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Signal switchover is expected, with Uniformed Police Officers controlling the intersection during this work. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for yes, project updates on Thursdays.
8. Kirkland Way Park & Ride Closed
Kirkland Way P&R is closed through the end of October, as a PSE gas line replacement project uses the space to store equipment.
October at KTUB
It's spooky season!
KTUB has lots of spooky-themed activities throughout the month of October for teens to enjoy. Be ready to check out a Halloween-ified space that'll be sure to get you in a ghoulish mood.
Teen Night - Zombie Prom
Drop by in your ghouliest attire and dance the night away - undead style. We'll have food, music, and makeup artists for a fun, frightful night.
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 7 - 9:30 p.m.
Fee: Free
Activity Code: 22653 at kirklandparks.net
Pumpkin, Spice, & Everything Nice
Let's make some memorable dishes with this iconic vegetable. You'll learn how to transform a simple pumpkin recipe into a wonderful treat!
Basic ingredients provided.
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 12 - 3 p.m.
Fee: R $41, NR $49
Activity Code: 22602 at kirklandparks.net
Fall Recycling Collection Event
Date: October 18, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology - S. Parking Lot, 11605 132nd Ave NE
Do you have hard-to-recycle items piling up at home? Not sure what to do with them? Well, the Fall Recycling Collection Event can help you get rid of many of those items legally, safely, and without sending them to a landfill. Bring items like batteries, electronics, paper for shredding, scrap metal, and scrap wood for no charge. Other select items will be accepted for small fee.
For more information, visit this page.
Pee Wee Monster Bash
Date: Friday, October 31
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Fee: $16 per child
Location: North Kirkland Community Center at 12421 103rd Ave NE
Join us for a Bootastic Time at the Pee Wee Halloween Monster Bash sponsored by Lake Washington Pediatric Dentistry!
The ultimate preschool party, this event is perfect for little ones aged 1-5 and is packed with fun, games, and treats for your tiny terrors.
What to Expect:
👻- Creepy cool crafts
🧟- Monster Ball Bowling
🧛- Little Vamp Skee Ball (a fang-tastic game!)
🐊- Swamp Fishing
👹- Meet the Rock Monster
🍪- Monster Munch Cookie Stroll
🕸️- And much more!
Costumes encouraged! Bring your cutest little goblins, witches, and monsters for a morning of magical spooky fun (but no scares!)
Spaces are limited, so sign up now!
Visit Kirklandparks.net or call 425-587-3336 before this Monster Bash vanishes into the mist. Don’t miss out on a fa-Boo-lous time!
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.
The Great ShakeOut is today, and asks: what would YOU do when the Big One hits? Watch our Great Shakeout 2025 - Get Prepared video for tips and info.
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