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September 4, 2025
City Hall for All is more than just an event, it’s a celebration of belonging. From food trucks and a 50+ vendor Pop Up Market, to sustainability fun and the fan-favorite Truck-a-Palooza, there’s something for everyone! In this week's podcast, we’re joined by the event team who shares why you won’t want to miss it.
Check it out.
The Kirkland City Council met on September 2, 2025. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council received an update on the draft speed limit setting policy, a deliverable of the Kirkland Transportation Safety Action Plan.
- Council reviewed and provided direction on the scope of work for a transit needs study.
- Council reviewed the human services grants rapid response plan and approved the related fiscal note to fund local nonprofits in response to growing impacts of federal level policy changes.
- Council provided direction on the addition of two new positions - a Human Services Supervisor and a Housing Case Manager - to expand and sustain the City's coordinated homelessness response.
- The Mayor Proclaimed Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, National Recovery Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Welcoming Week in Kirkland. To read more, visit the City’s website.
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
- Draft code amendments for two community-initiated amendment requests for the Michael's and Goodwill properties in Juanita.
- Proposed updates to 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 September 16, 2025.
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.
The Kirkland Salary Commission will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The meeting will begin at 5:00pm in the Kirkland Council Chamber and via Zoom. Members of the public can also call in Toll Free at 1-888-475-4499
Meeting ID: 886 4023 4194
Link: https://kirklandwa-gov.zoom.us/j/88640234194
Any person requiring a disability accommodation should contact the City in advance at 425-587-3190. Emilee Ferguson, City Clerk
Vehicle Crashes into Store in Bridle Trails
On Sunday, Kirkland Fire and Police personnel responded to calls about a vehicle that had driven into the front of the Grocery Outlet in the Bridle Trails neighborhood. Read more.
Juanita Beach Re-Opened for Water Activities
Juanita Beach has been reopened as of September 3 for swimming, wading, and other water activities, by recommendation of Public Health – Seattle & King County. Read more.
City Hall for All is back! On Saturday, September 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kirkland City Hall (123 5th Ave.), community members and neighbors from across the region are invited to join this free, family-friendly celebration of belonging.
This year’s event is especially meaningful as Kirkland celebrates becoming the first city in Washington recognized as a Certified Welcoming Place by Welcoming America.
What to Expect
City Hall for All features four main elements: Community, Sustainability, Pop-Up Market, and Trucks.
- Community Booths: Explore more than 40 City departments and partners offering interactive activities, giveaways, and program information. Meet City Councilmembers, and stop by the This Week in Kirkland podcast live recording, complete with trivia, goodies, and a post-show mixer.
- Sustainability Showcase: Learn eco-friendly tips through reuse demonstrations, crafts, games, and even take an electric bike for a test ride.
- Eastside Made Pop-Up Market: In partnership with One Eastside Spark, shop from over 50 local artisans, small businesses, and food trucks.
- Truck-a-Palooza: Get up close to more than 16 vehicles, including the Fire Department’s ladder truck with its popular Parachute Drop. Bloodworks Northwest will also be onsite with its mobile donation unit (appointments recommended).
Inside City Hall
Access City services on a Saturday, including passports (by appointment), pet licenses, and utility bill payments.
Enjoy Story Time with the Mayor and Library Board, plus a free children’s book swap.
Kids can snap a Future Mayor photo in Council Chambers.
Visit the Fixer Fair by Seattle Reconomy to repair clothes or small appliances.
Stroll through the Young Palette Art Exhibit showcasing work from local K-12 students.
Getting There
City Hall is accessible by bike, bus, car, and walking/rolling. Free bike valet will be available, along with validated 4-hour parking at Kirkland Urban. ADA spaces will be reserved on 1st Street and in the Lower Wester Lot.
Volunteer Opportunities
Want to help? Volunteers are needed for setup, booth support, waste sorting, bike valet, and more. Sign up on the City Hall for All webpage.
For the full schedule, event map, and details, visit the City Hall for All webpage.
Don’t miss your chance to join the Green Kirkland Steward team! Orientation begins Thursday, Sept 18. Sign up now to attend all three free sessions. Learn restoration skills, connect with your community, and help care for Kirkland’s green spaces.
Register at greenkirkland.org
September marks National Preparedness Month, an annual reminder that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep you, your family, and your community safe. This year’s theme is “Preparedness Starts at Home.” Talking about bad things that could happen like a disaster or emergency isn’t always easy, but starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare.
By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:
- Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed.
- Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.
- Ask questions like, “Do you know what kinds of hazards are common where we live, work, and travel?” “When emergencies strike, how will we stay connected and get information?” or “Do you know where we and our pets will go if we are told to evacuate if an emergency or disaster happens?”
- It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic.
The City of Kirkland Office of Emergency Management works in partnership with the community to provide useful information for readiness, response, and recovery for all hazards. Find resources for building an emergency kit, making emergency plans, signing up for alerts, and getting training on the City’s website, starting with www.kirklandwa.gov/makeaplan
Find more information and tips on how to protect yourself and your family before, during and after emergencies and disasters by visiting www.ready.gov/be-informed.
There’s so much happening in Kirkland and so many ways to follow along! From parks and recreation to city planning, from volunteering to business news, we’ve got a channel just for you.
Newsletters for Every Interest
Parks & Community Services – Discover upcoming recreation programs, family events, and park updates.
Green Kirkland Partnership – Learn about nature stewardship and how you can help care for Kirkland’s natural spaces.
Volunteer Opportunities – Stay informed about ways to give back and strengthen community connections.
Kirkland Conserves – Get eco-friendly tips, sustainability news, and updates on green projects.
Business News – Get resources and updates for our business community.
Neighborhood Projects – Get alerts about the projects happening right where you live.
Emergency Preparedness – Learn preparedness tips, upcoming classes, and more to help keep your family and community safe.
Planning Commission & City Council Agendas – Be part of local decision-making by staying up to date on meetings and policy discussions.
Events Guide – Plan your adventures with a line-up of upcoming events for the month.
And more – check out the full list at https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Subscribe-to-Kirkland-Email-Lists
Stay Connected on Social
Want more real-time updates? Connect with Kirkland on social media:
Kirkland Police Department – Safety updates, crime prevention tips, and community news.
Kirkland Fire Department – Emergency preparedness, fire safety, and community outreach.
Kirkland Conserves – Tips and news for greener living.
Parks & Community Services – Recreation programs, events, and park updates.
Kirkland Teen Union Building – Youth programs, events, and opportunities for teens.
With so many ways to stay connected, it’s easy to find the channels to what matters most to you.
Once unhoused and battling addiction, Meli has now been in recovery for 14 years. Today, she uses her lived experience serving as Kirkland’s Homeless Outreach Coordinator in our Parks & Community Services Department.
Meli’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and hope. From her early work at The Sophia Way to now leading outreach for the City of Kirkland, she’s dedicated to serving others and restoring dignity in people’s hardest moments.
Whether it’s connecting neighbors to housing, offering a compassionate ear, or working alongside colleagues to provide shelter during extreme cold weather, Meli embodies the heart of public service. Her journey is proof that when we serve, belong, and thrive, we build a stronger, more compassionate community together.
If you are looking to thrive in your career and serve your community like Meli, check out our job openings by visiting our jobs page at www.kirklandwa.gov/jobs.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in our blood drives last week! Your generosity makes a real difference in strengthening our local blood supply.
Here’s what we accomplished together:
Wednesday, August 27: 21 units collected, and 1 first-time donor.
Thursday, August 28: 31 units collected, and 5 first-time donors!
To the first-time donors on Thursday, welcome to the donor community! Every unit collected helps save lives, and your efforts will have a positive impact as we head into September.
The Bloodworks Northwest team will be back soon:
- September 8 at North Kirkland Community Center
- September 13 at City Hall for All
- October at City Hall for the Wellness Fair
- November 5–6 for our next indoor drive
Book your appointment at https://www.bloodworksnw.org
Thank you again for showing up for our community in such a meaningful way.
Fresh flowers, local produce, and those market-day vibes ✨ Summer isn’t over yet! Juanita Friday Market is still going strong, but only for a few more weeks. Swing by, stock up on fresh goodies, and soak up the best of the season before it’s gone. 🥕🍅🍓
School Zones
School has resumed around Kirkland. Please drive alertly with caution as areas around schools will have increased activity as the school year begins.
Central Way Street Preservation
Grinding of Central Way is expected to begin September 8. Night paving will follow, as early as the week of September 15. Drivers can expect lane shifts as Lakeside Industries crews prepare the street for overlay. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/overlay for project updates on Thursdays.
Market Street @ 9th Avenue
Work on the Stores to Shores Greenway project may temporarily close one direction of Market Street around 9th Street to build the greenway facilities. Short detours will be posted onsite. Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/storestoshores for project updates on Thursdays.
100th Avenue Northeast
Drivers will encounter daytime work to raise utility access along the freshly paved section of 100th Avenue Northeast south of Simonds Road Northeast. Final paving north of Simonds Road Northeast is expected in September.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign for project updates on Thursdays.
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 closed at Northeast 85th Street to Northeast 87th Street. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/NE-85th-Street-Shared-Use-Pathway for project updates on Thursdays.
Northeast 85th Street: 122th Avenue Northeast to 120nd Avenue Northeast
On Northeast 85th Street east of I-405, daytime work has begun to build the soldier pile wall 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.
Goat Hill
Kirkland's contractor will continue roadway demolishing and paving over the next few weeks. Residents should follow onsite traffic control for the most up to date information. As always, visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill for project updates on Thursdays.
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.
Slater Avenue Northeast/132nd Avenue Northeast at Cross Kirkland Corridor
Installation of the long-lead items is expected in early 2026. Trail users will detour to the intersection of Northeast 124th Street as we do not have a working, signalized crossing at this busy location. Visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Works-Department/Construction-Projects/CKC-to-Eastrail-Crossing-at-Slater-Ave-NE-132nd-Ave-NE for project updates on Thursdays.
Senior Resource Fair
Date: Thursday, September 18
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Location: Peter Kirk Community Center, 352 Kirkland Ave
Age: 50+ and their families
Cost: Free
Join us for this free, drop-in event. The Senior Resource Fair is a fun and informative fair offering a wide variety of community resources for older adults and their families!
Whether you're exploring options for health, housing, caregiving, or just looking to connect with local services, this event is your one-stop shop for information, support, and friendly faces.
No registration needed. Just stop by, browse, and enjoy!
Wheels and Reels
Get cozied up with your friends and family at our 2025 Fall Drive-In Movie Series at Juanita Beach Park! Watch each movie on our giant LED movie screen under the stars.
- September 20: Moana 2 (PG)
- October 18: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG-13)
The movies will be shown rain or shine. The cost is $20 per vehicle, registration is required. Please register for this event based on the size of your vehicle to help insure the best possible viewing for all. The parking lot opens at 6pm and the movie starts at 7pm.
To register please visit https://bit.ly/3RB5fHV or for more information visit www.kirklandwa.gov/communitybuildingevents
Want a monthly Events Guide delivered to your inbox? Sign up for our Events Newsletter.
City Hall for All is almost here and we can’t wait to see you! From activities to connection, there’s something for everyone. Watch last year’s highlight video to get inspired!