October 30, 2025 - This Week in Kirkland - Text Version
Published on October 31, 2025
This Week: Council Recap | Food Resources | Free CPR Class | Ignite Kirkland | Don't Drowse and Drive
City of Kirkland Washington sent this bulletin 0/30/2025 4:11 PM PDT
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October 30, 2025
We’re joined by Fire Chief Joe Sanford to celebrate a major milestone: every promise of Fire Prop 1 is now complete. Tune in for that and more >> check it out.
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Wednesday, November 5. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items on the Business Agenda, which starts at 7:30 p.m.:
Council will hold two public hearings. The first will be on the 2025-2026 mid-biennial budget update, 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program update, and 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program update. The second will be on the preliminary 2026 property tax levy.
Council will review the Transportation Safety Action Plan and speed limit setting policy.
Council will discuss and consider approval of the 2026 NORCOM budget. NORCOM is a consolidated 911 call-taking and dispatching communications center founded in 2007 by twenty public safety organizations in the northeast region of King County.
Council will receive an update on options for draft code amendments for two community-initiated amendment requests for the Michael's and Goodwill properties in Juanita.
Council will receive an update on the Development Plan for Houghton Village.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council will also hold a Study Session starting at 5:30 p.m., where they will hold a first review of the 2025-2026 mid-biennial budget and a second review of the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
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 November 5 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.
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While most smartphones and computers automatically make the transition from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time, there are always a few strays. I'm looking at you, stove, coffee pot, and car.
The good news is that this return to Standard Time means you get an additional hour to sleep, so set your clocks back before you go to bed and enjoy that extra hour of rest.
And remember, the end of Daylight Saving Time is a great time to change the batteries in your smoke alarms, as well as check your emergency supplies including food and water storage you may need to refresh.
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This week, we observed National First Responders Day, recognizing the essential role of our police officers, firefighters, crisis responders, public works teams, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers. First responders serve at the front lines of community safety, often under intense pressure and with great personal sacrifice. They run toward danger, bring calm to chaos, and stand watch so the rest of us can rest easy. Your courage, commitment, and service inspire us every day. Thank you for your service!
- Rake debris: Use a rake to clear leaves and debris from storm drains and roadways.
- Dispose properly: Place leaves and branches in your gray yard waste cart. Be sure to separate trash from yard waste.
- Avoid street deposits: Don't rake or blow leaves into the street. It's illegal and can contribute to flooding.
November offer: 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. This is a great opportunity to manage leaf litter responsibly!
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Our Street Crew is hard at work clearing leaves from our roads!
You may have noticed our Street Crew on a mission to remove leaves from our roads. Our 3 street sweepers are currently running 6 days a week. AND we’ve got a 5-person crew, two dump trucks, and flatbed pickups to clear out as many leaves from the right-of-way as possible.
We’re sweeping in south to north rotations, focusing on areas prone to urban flooding. Covering the entire city—660 lane miles—takes about 1 to 2 months per cycle. We sweep the city at least 7 times a year, totaling 4,620 miles, while arterials get extra attention with 15 to 20 sweeps annually.
Thanks, Street Crew!
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Ready to grow your career in finance or purchasing? The City of Kirkland is hiring for three key roles that keep our organization running strong and our community thriving.
Financial Operations Supervisor ($102,297.31 - $133,474.79 Annually): Think numbers are boring? Not here! You’ll serve by leading a team that keeps our financial heartbeat strong — tackling challenges, finding efficiencies, and making sure everything adds up. You’ll belong to a collaborative, purpose-driven workplace that values innovation, and thrive with opportunities to grow and make a lasting impact.
Senior Procurement Specialist ($101,742.16 - $119,681.95 Annually): We’re shopping for a deal-seeker extraordinaire! You’ll serve the community by ensuring every dollar counts, belong to a team that celebrates creativity and teamwork, and thrive while mastering bids, contracts, and strategic purchasing that keeps the City moving.
Procurement Specialist ($81,034.93 - $95,335.14 Annually): You’re the behind-the-scenes hero who keeps things running smoothly. From tracking down top-notch vendors to solving purchasing puzzles, you’ll serve City departments with expertise and care, belong to a workplace that values connection and inclusion, and thrive through growth, development, and the satisfaction of making a difference every day.
While you’re making a positive impact on our community, we’ll support you with:
- 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
Halloween is a favorite night for many families - costumes, candy, and spooky fun! As you head out for trick-or-treating or welcome visitors to your door, here are a few tips to help keep everyone safe.
Pedestrian Safety
- Be visible: Drivers may have a harder time seeing trick-or-treaters after dark. Add reflective tape to costumes and carry a flashlight or glow stick.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks: Walk on well-lit streets and cross at corners.
- Slow down in neighborhoods: If you’re driving, keep speeds low and stay alert for kids who may dart into the street.
Home Safety
- Clear your walkway: Remove tripping hazards like hoses, bikes, or decorations that block the path.
- Light the way: Keep porches and driveways well-lit so visitors can see where they’re going.
- Use battery-operated candles: They’re a safer alternative to open flames in jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations.
Pet Safety
- Keep candy out of reach: Chocolate and artificial sweeteners can be toxic to pets.
- Create a quiet and secure space: Doorbells and costumes can cause stress - give pets a calm and secure place to retreat so they don't dash out the door.
- Don't forget the tag: Keep your pet’s license current and tag visible. It’s the best way to bring them home if they get spooked and run off.
Have a fun and safe Halloween!
When the lights go out, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few key ways to stay safe and comfortable during a power outage:
- Stock up ahead of time. Keep at least three days' worth of food and water for your household, and make sure you know how to prepare meals without using electric appliances.
- Stay powered and protected. Keep flashlights and batteries handy, and install carbon monoxide detectors. Never use generators, charcoal grills, or gas stoves indoors - they produce deadly carbon monoxide.
- Keep food safe. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. When in doubt about food safety, throw it out.
Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Fire-Department/Office-of-Emergency-Management/Know-Your-Hazards/Power-Outage for more tips, including what to do about refrigerated medications, how to report downed trees, and where to go to stay warm or cool if temperatures become extreme.
October is National Crime Prevention Month, and one of the easiest ways to protect yourself is by keeping your personal information secure. Identity theft can happen in a moment, but a few simple habits can help you stay protected:
Keep your information private
- Shred financial documents, mail, and paperwork containing personal information.
- Keep your personal records in a secure place at home, and carry only what you need when you go out.
- Don’t give out personal details over the phone, through the mail, or online unless you’ve initiated the contact.
- Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card in your wallet.
Stay alert online
- Avoid obvious passwords like your birthdate or mother’s maiden name.
- Enter credit card information only on secure websites - look for the padlock icon and “https” in the address bar.
- Never click on links from unsolicited emails and keep your computer’s antivirus software up to date.
Watch your accounts
- Pick up new checks directly from your bank instead of having them mailed.
- Use a locked mailbox and deposit outgoing mail at the post office.
- Review financial statements each month and check your credit reports regularly — you can do this for free once a year from each of the three major credit bureaus.
Learn more: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Community-Resources/Crime-Prevention-Tips
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People traveling on the Eastside should plan for a full closure of southbound I-405 in Renton and overnight lane reductions on northbound I-405 in Kirkland from Oct. 31 – Nov. 3.
Southbound I-405 in Renton will be closed from North Southport Drive/Sunset Boulevard Northeast to State Route 167 from11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31 to 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3.Asigned detour routewill be in place.
Up to three lanes of northbound I-405 in Kirkland will be reduced overnight from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 160th Street from11 p.m. to 8 a.m., beginning Friday, Oct. 31 to Sunday, Nov. 2 and 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2 to 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3.
ViewWSDOT's recent travel advisoryfor more details.
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1. 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.
2. Market Street @ Ninth Avenue
Kirkland’s Stores to Shores Greenways contractor is planning lane-closures next week at Market Street’s intersection with Ninth Avenue while its crews establish the intersection’s new lanes. During the closure, OMA Construction will detour traffic. The closure is weather-dependent. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/storestoshores for project updates on Thursdays.
3. 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. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign 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. 124th Avenue Northeast
Work continues on 124th Avenue Northeast, between Northeast 116th Street and Northeast 124th Street. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue for yes, 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. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Eastbound-3rd-Lane for project updates on Thursdays.
7. 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.
Find out about additional construction projects here.
Election Day is November 4, 2025
Don't forget to turn in your ballot! Please note that the ballot box at Kirkland City Hall has been moved to the Wester Lot to improve voter experience and safety. The prior location next to City Hall required voters to get out of their cars to cast their ballot. The new “drive up and drop” design allows voters to submit ballots right from their vehicles, improving safety, accessibility, and efficiency. You can also walk up to the box from the neighborhood using safe sidewalk routes that don’t cross vehicle traffic lanes.
King County Elections owns and operates ballot drop boxes across the county. For more information about the election and ballot box locations, visit www.kingcounty.gov/elections.
Blood Drive
Date: November 5 & 6
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: City Hall, 123 5th Ave, Peter Kirk Conference Room
Donating blood can take you to the heart of music and history, ROME in 2026! Let Bloodworks fly you and a guest from either the Rose City or the Emerald City to the Eternal City!
Win a trip to Rome for two, with direct flights from Seattle or Portland provided by Delta Air Lines, a 3-night hotel stay at Hassler Rome, and concert tickets. Sign up to donate blood at Kirkland City Hall November 5 or 6 and complete your entry at www.bloodworksnw.org/win.
Green Kirkland Stewardship and Restoration Events
Date: October 31, November 1, 8, & 9
Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Location: locations vary – see below
Help baby trees take root this fall! 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:
10/31, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Juanita Bay Park (East) Habitat Stewardship Day
11/1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Carillon Woods Park Forest Restoration Day
11/1, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Highlands Open Space #1 Park Stewardship Day
11/,8 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Windsor Vista Park Habitat Stewardship on Juanita Creek
11/9, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Neal-Landguth Wetland Park Stewardship Event
Civic Lift - KCLS Event
Date: Sunday, November 2
Time: 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Kingsgate Library
Join neighbors, strangers, and friends to dream about the community we want, and do our part to help make it so. This event uses a structured approach to identify personal strengths and values, leading to an individual action plan. Light refreshments provided.
Sponsored by Friends of the Kingsgate Library.
In partnership with local Citizen University Civic Fellows led by Erika Olson. Civic Lift is a secular, nonpartisan gathering.
For adults and teens ages 15 and up.
For more information, visit this page
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.
In honor of First Responders Day, check out our recap of the2025 National Night festivities.