November 21, 2024
A heartfelt thank you to the incredible crews working tirelessly to clean up and keep our community safe after this week’s storm.
Here's what to keep in mind as we recover from the storm:
- When inclement weather creates treacherous road conditions, it’s important to use 9-1-1 only for true emergencies.
- To report a road blocked by trees, please provide information through Our Kirkland (https://kirklandwa.qscend.com/ourkirkland/) or call 425-587-3900. City of Kirkland staff will respond to your request as resources become available.
- To report a tree down on a power line, please contact Puget Sound Energy at 1-888-225-5773 or at www.pse.com.
- Reminder that when you come to a dark traffic signal, treat it as an all-way stop. Please use caution and stay safe on the roads.
- Find out if your bus route is impacted by weather here: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/rider-tools/service-advisories
- Check street conditions with the City’s 30 real-time traffic cameras: https://trafficmap.kirklandwa.gov/
- For road conditions beyond Kirkland: https://wsdot.com/travel/real-time/
- Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume downed power lines are live and pose a serious safety risk.
- Always operate generators outside with proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
For the latest updates on road closures, service announcements, and safety information, visit our November 2024 Wind Storm Event webpage.
Thanks and continue to be stay safe out there, Kirkland!
Get ready for Small Business Saturday with Christian Switzer, Special Projects Coordinator, and hear ways you can shop local and help our community thrive.
The Kirkland City Council met on November 19, 2024, in a hybrid meeting. Here’s a brief overview of some of the items from the meeting:
- Council adopted the 2025 property tax levy
- Council provided feedback on the 2025-2026 City Budget
- Council adopted the Transportation Strategic Plan
Prior to the above business agenda, the Council held a Study Session, where they discussed:
- The final draft 2044 Comprehensive Plan
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 December 10, 2024.
Test Your Budget Knowledge and Enter to Win
How does Kirkland fund safe streets, clean parks, and a thriving community? It’s all about the budget!
Want to know more and have your say? Take our quick quiz to learn how we prioritize spending, test your knowledge, and enter to win a prize!
Get involved: https://kirklandwa.gov/budget
Shaping Kirkland’s Future: Final Steps in the Comp Plan Update
We’re nearing the finish line for Kirkland’s 2044 Comprehensive Plan. This plan serves as a guide for the city for the next 20 years, and your input has been invaluable in shaping it. Thank you!
Here’s what’s next:
Thank you for staying engaged as we work together to shape Kirkland’s future! Learn more: kirklandwa.gov/K2044
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.
Even before the storm, our Street Crew has been hard at work clearing our roads or leaves and debris!
Our 3 street sweepers are currently running 6 days a week. AND we’ve got a 5-person crew, a backhoe, 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 for the hard work, Street Crew!
Reminder - Free Extra Yard Waste Collection in November!
Because of the storm event, you can now place out up to 8 paper bags of yard waste extras each week for FREE, through the end of November.
Help prevent flooding by keeping storm drains clear:
- Remove leaves and debris near your home or business.
- Don’t rake or blow leaves into the street.
- Keep storm drain grates in place for safety.
For severe flooding, call our 24/7 hotline at 425-587-3900.
Get ready to make magical memories! This winter, our community is coming alive with holiday cheer through a lineup of festive events for all ages. From sparkling light displays and holiday markets to music performances and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Cereal with Santa
- Snowflake Ball
- Community Bonfires
- Holiday D'Lights (50+)
- Holiday with the Hawks (50+)
- Teens-Giving Feast (Teens)
- Holiday Escape Room & Cocoa Bar (Teens)
Learn more at https://www.KirklandParks.net.
Small Business Saturday is the perfect reminder of the fantastic shopping opportunities available right in our own communities. Local businesses where we work, live, and play offer a wide array of thoughtful, high-quality gift options and are ready to help you check off your holiday shopping list.
On Saturday, November 30, 2024, join the Shop Small movement and support your local favorites, whether you’re visiting their stores in person or shopping online. This one-day event continues to grow each year, and local business owners are ready to welcome you with great deals and unique finds.
Shop small. Support local. Make a big impact this Small Business Saturday!
City administrative offices are closed on November 28 and 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. 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 at 8 a.m., Monday, December 2.
For 2024 City Hall closures, visit the City’s website.
On November 19, the Mayor, on behalf of the City Council, proclaimed November 29 as Native American Heritage Day in Kirkland. In celebration of Native American Heritage Day, the City invited Snoqualmie Council Member Jolene Williams to speak on her experience in the community. Her strong upbringing with her elders, grandparents, and family guided and helped her to become a good example for future generations who will follow behind her.
For the City of Kirkland, we acknowledge that the Southern Salish Sea region lies on the unceded and ancestral land of the Coast Salish peoples, the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Snohomish, Suquamish and Tulalip tribes and other tribes of the Puget Sound Salish people, and that present-day City of Kirkland is in the traditional heartland of the Lake People and the River People. We honor with gratitude the land itself, the First People – who have reserved treaty rights and continue to live here since time immemorial – and their ancestral heritage.
For more information, visit https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Government/City-Managers-Office/Local-Land-Acknowledgement.
Responders ahead? Reduce your speed as you proceed. When you see flashing lights or bright vests ahead, it means first responders are working hard to keep everyone safe. Whether it's police, fire, EMS, tow truck drivers, or roadside workers, do your part to keep them safe:
- Slow down as you approach.
- Move over if it's safe to do so.
- Stay alert and give them room to work.
This Crash Responder Safety Week, we honor the dedicated Kirkland staff and all responders who work tirelessly to keep us safe and our roads moving. Thank you.
Kirkland's Recreation Scholarship Fund changes lives by opening doors for youth, adults, and seniors to participate in programs they couldn’t otherwise afford. Your generosity can send a child to swim lessons, summer camp, or sports programs, giving them confidence and joy. It can provide a senior with the chance to explore the region on a fun day trip or help a teen discover the beauty of the outdoors through adventure programs.
These experiences build community, connection, and lasting memories for our neighbors in need. Join us in making a difference—every gift, no matter the size, creates opportunities that truly matter.
Donate today at www.kirklandparks.net under the "Scholarship Fund" tab or call 425-587-3336 to contribute. Thank you for supporting a thriving, inclusive community! Together, we can make Kirkland brighter for all.
Wheels and Reels - Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Date: Saturday, November 23
Time: Parking lot opens at 6 p.m., movie begins at 7 p.m.
Location: Houghton Park & Play (6920 NE 70th Pl)
🎬 Roll into Wheels and Reels Drive-In for
"Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" (PG-13) on Nov 23!
📍 New location: Houghton Park & Play (6920 NE 70th Pl).
Grab your spot now—head to kirklandparks.net and search "Wheels and Reels".
Upcoming KCLS Events
After School Hangout
Wednesdays at Kingsgate Library
Play games, work on homework or hang out.
Free snacks provided by the Friends of the Kingsgate Library. More info.
Reading with Rover
Saturday, December 7 at Kingsgate Library
Build reading skills and confidence by reading aloud to a certified therapy dog. More info.
LEGO Block Party
Wednesday, December 4 at Kirkland Library
Create, play and share with fellow builders. The library provides engineering toys, you provide imagination! More info.
Sew Woodland Critters
Tuesday, December 3 at Kirkland Library
Work with felt to make cute creatures and other woodland trimmings to turn into a garland or ornaments. More info.
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Did You Know? 🌧️ Stormwater Edition!
"3 Things You Didn’t Know About Stormwater (But Probably Should!)"
Check out our 1-minute video for facts that impact Kirkland every day. Watch now for the full scoop!