February 20, 2025 - This Week in Kirkland - Text Version

Published on February 21, 2025

This Week: Council Recap | Homelessness Forum | Recycling Event | Pet Tips

City of Kirkland Washington sent this bulletin at 02/20/2025 04:56 PM PST

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February 20, 2025


Coyotes, Peacocks, & Turtles—Oh My! Kirkland’s Wild Side Revealed

Animal Control Officer Angela Arnold joins this week's podcast to uncover the wild side of Kirkland—responsible pet ownership, unexpected wild animal encounters, and her most memorable calls. Tune in for all the details!

City Council Meeting Recap

The Kirkland City Council met on February 18, 2025, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting: 

  • Council received an update on the 2025 Legislative Session.
  • Council adopted an ordinance extending term for the Parkplace Project, currently known as the Kirkland Urban Project.
  • The Mayor Proclaimed Day of Remembrance of Japanese American Incarceration 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 the King County Metro RapidRide K Line project.


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. 

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 March 4, 2025. 

Community Conversations

Cleaner Water Starts With Us

Stormwater pollution is one of the biggest impacts to Kirkland’s waterways. The City sets its efforts to engage with the community, clean pollution spills, prevent runoff, and more in an annual management plan. We need your input to make it even better. Share your thoughts on water quality and flood prevention by Feb. 24!

You can find the plan at www.kirklandwa.gov/stormwater and share your thoughts via email to stormwater@kirklandwa.gov.


Deadline Extended to Join a Board or Commission

Whatever you're passionate about—parks, the arts, libraries, transportation, human services, or city planning—there’s a seat for you! This is your chance to lend your voice and shape Kirkland’s future.

Seats Available:

• Civil Service Commission

• Cultural Arts Commission (adult and youth appointment)

• Design Review Board

• Human Services Commission (adult and youth appointment)

• King County Landmarks & Heritage Commission

• Library Board (youth appointment)

• Park Board (adult and youth appointment)

• Transportation Commission

Make an impact—learn more and apply today: Boards and Commissions webpage.

Extended deadline is Friday, February 21, 2025 at 4 p.m.


Got questions? We’ve got answers!

The City of Kirkland is here to help! The best way to reach us with questions, requests, or suggestions is through Our Kirkland—our online and mobile service portal. Using Our Kirkland ensures your message gets to the right team for follow-up.

Looking for more ways to share feedback? Check out our Community Conversations page. 

Get Involved in Shaping Kirkland’s Homelessness Response

Have thoughts on the City’s response to homelessness? Join us on February 26, from 5-7 p.m. at Lake Washington Institute of Technology for a community forum. Your voice matters. Be part of small group conversations with Councilmembers, City staff, and neighbors, and help shape the future of Kirkland’s response. This will be the start of a broad community engagement process happening over the coming months.

Get engaged and make a difference.

Be a part of the conversation – register today!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-forums-on-homelessness-in-kirkland-tickets-1234965417809

Learn more: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Homelessness

Being a Great Pet Owner is More Than Just Belly Rubs—Here’s How

February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month, a time to celebrate the bond between pets and their owners while promoting good practices for pet care and safety. Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or considering adopting a new furry friend, this month is a great reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership.

Being a responsible pet owner involves ensuring your pet’s health and safety, providing proper training, and being mindful of your pet's behavior in the community. This includes:

  • Keeping your pet's vaccinations up to date
  • Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine
  • Ensuring your pet's microchip and Kirkland pet license are up to date

If you're a Kirkland resident, remember to keep your pet on a leash in public spaces and clean up after them.

Learn about Kirkland's Animal Control Services: https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/Departments/Police-Department/Animal-Services/Animal-Control

Kirkland Goes to Olympia

Mayor Curtis, Deputy Mayor Arnold, and Councilmembers Black, Falcone, and Tymczyszyn were down in Olympia yesterday and today as part of the Association of Washington Cities “Action Days”. 

This annual event includes presentations by AWC with guest speakers from the House, Senate, and Governor’s Office.

Our Council split into teams for direct meetings with Kirkland’s State Senators and Representatives to advocate for Kirkland’s adopted legislative agenda. Read the latest on the legislative agenda here

Thanks for making the trek and promoting Kirkland’s interests in Olympia!

What To Do With Your Hard-to-Recycle Items

The City of Kirkland coordinates four recycling collection events each year to help community members dispose of hard-to-recycle items. These events, typically held in spring, summer, and fall, accept items like electronics, shredding, appliances, and more. The first event of 2025 is coming up in April—stay tuned for details in March posted on the recycling events webpage. Sign up for recycling event announcement emails here.

Did you know, many items such as textiles, electronics, batteries, paint, and more can be recycled year-round at various locations? Check out the City’s Recycling Beyond the Cart webpage to find drop-off options near you.

Want to learn what happens to your recycling once it leaves your bin? Join a virtual tour of the Cascade Recycling Center on Friday, February 28 to see the sorting process in action and discover how materials are processed for reuse. Register today!

Community Appreciation Night Returns Bigger Than Ever

The event you won’t want to miss is back! Community Appreciation Night 2025 is set for May 13, 2025, and this year, we’re adding something special—the Mayor’s State of the City address!

Join us as we come together to celebrate the incredible volunteers, Boards and Commissions, and community members who make Kirkland such a wonderful place to live, work, and play. It’s a night of gratitude, connection, and appreciation for all who help shape our city.

Mark your calendars—more details coming soon!

Make This Month a Lucky One For Our Community

After a Northwest rain, a rainbow appears. For our community, the pot at the end of the rainbow becomes fuller with each blood donation. All donors in March can enter to win a dream trip to Kauai. Talk about luck. Make an appointment to donate blood at the North Kirkland Community Center on Monday, March 10

Your New Favorite Way to Travel Kirkland Is Just a Tap Away

Discover the convenience of Metro Flex on-demand transit service!

For the same fare as a bus ride, you can hop in a comfortable minivan and get to shopping, dining, parks, and more—right in your neighborhood. Simply enter your pickup and drop-off locations, and the app will provide a nearby pickup spot and estimated arrival time.

Enjoy a flexible and efficient way to navigate Kirkland with Metro Flex.

Book your ride today: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/travel-options/metro-flex

Here's a Chance to Make an Impact for the Planet

Food equity. Sustainable gardening. Composting systems. Stormwater management. 

Do those topics get your blood pumping? Then you should become a Soil & Water Steward! Join forces with community builders, changemakers, and climate activists in Tilth Alliance’s comprehensive, eight-month training. Turn knowledge into action through impactful projects with community partners. Apply now! Applications accepted until March 5. 

Learn more at tilthalliance.org/stewardship 

Traffic Alerts

I-405/Brickyard to SR 527

Join representatives from WSDOT, Sound Transit, and Skanska for the next I-405/Brickyard to SR 527 Improvement Project quarterly update meeting. Learn more about the project, hear about upcoming construction work, ask questions and find out how to stay informed. The meeting will be held via Zoom from 1 - 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26. 

Register here: bit.ly/4hlR7wf 

Construction Projects

Find out about construction projects around Kirkland here.

Upcoming Events

Wheels and Reels

Wheels and Reels Drive-In Movies are back this winter and spring!

Enjoy a night out under the stars and a fun family-friendly outing.

  • Saturday, February 22 - Strange World (PG)
  • Saturday, March 22 - Inside Out 2 (PG)
  • Saturday, April 12 - Gran Turismo (PG-13)

Time: 6 - 9 p.m.

Location: Juanita Beach Park

Registration required. Register and learn more on the event 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.  


Video Spotlight

Behind the bench - see how Kirkland’s court team serves the community.