October 24, 2024
Special guest Sergeant John Ness talks about the Pink Patch Project and lends his insight about cop shows in our first ever Battle of the Brackets!
The next meeting of the Kirkland City Council is on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. More information about the meeting will be included in next week’s edition of ‘This Week in Kirkland.’
Help the City Reduce Commutes
The City works with our largest Kirkland employers to reduce the number of single-occupant vehicle trips generated by their worksites. Not only is it helpful and relieves traffic, it's also required by state law!
Washington’s Commute Trip Reduction law is about reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion on the state's busiest commute routes. Review Kirkland’s draft 2025-2029 Commute Trip Reduction Plan and provide comments using this webform by October 31. Read more about the Commute Trip Reduction law and program on the Washington State Department of Transportation website.
Share Your Budget Input
Budget planning for 2025 & 2026 is underway! Want to have your say on how Kirkland’s programs and services are funded? Here are some ways to get engaged:
- Review the Preliminary 2025-2026 Budget.
- Take a 10-question city budget quiz and be entered into a drawing to win $60 Kirkland Ca$h.
- Provide feedback through Our Kirkland.
- Email us at budgetfeedback@kirklandwa.gov with your feedback about the budget.
- Sign up for This Week in Kirkland for weekly updates about City Council decisions and other important City of Kirkland information.
Find the quiz and more info at www.kirklandwa.gov/budget
Help Design an Official Kirkland Flag
Whether you live in Kirkland or just happen to love Kirkland, you have an opportunity to help create an official Kirkland flag. Submit a design between now and November 15, 2024, and be a part of Kirkland’s history.
Tips, design criteria, rules, and the link to submit your design can be found at kirklandwa.gov/flag.
Let that creativity fly!
Follow Along the K2044 Process
Interested in Kirkland's 20 year forward looking comprehensive plan?
Deep dive at kirklandwa.gov/2044 and find upcoming ways to get involved including upcoming public meetings.
Subscribe to the K2044 newsletter to get updates right to your inbox!
Unlock More Business for Your Business
The City of Kirkland and the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (OMWBE) are hosting three State certification workshops for local small businesses.
The series continues virtually on Tuesday, November 12 from 5 - 7 p.m. and Wednesday, December 4 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Registration is required for these virtual workshops.
For more information about doing business with City, visit the City website.
For questions about this certification series, contact Daniel Lazo at dlazo@kirklandwa.gov
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.
The City of Kirkland is excited to host its annual Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Peter Kirk Community Center (352 Kirkland Ave).
“This vibrant event offers our community a unique opportunity to experience and learn about this cherished tradition from Latino cultures,” said Kirkland Deputy Mayor Jay Arnold. “Come take part in the variety of arts and crafts activities, lively entertainment, and delicious refreshments. We hope you’ll join the festivities to honor and remember loved ones who have passed.”
Read more.
To help ensure a safe experience for all, the City of Kirkland is installing AEDs (automated external defibrillator) at popular Kirkland parks. Thanks to a generous donation from Project 100, an AED was recently installed at Kirkland’s Crestwoods Park. Join Kirkland City Council and Project 100 on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Community members can also learn CPR and how to use an AED.
“Seconds matter in a cardiac emergency,” said Councilmember John Tymczyszyn. “We’re grateful to Project 100 for this donation, which will help make Crestwoods safer for all park visitors and may potentially save lives.”
Read more.
Kirkland Councilmember Amy Falcone was recently appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to serve on Washington State’s Affordable Housing Advisory Board. This board advises the Department of Commerce on housing and housing-related issues. Councilmember Falcone’s term began October 11, 2024, and expires January 26, 2028.
“I am honored to serve on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and represent our community’s priorities at the state level,” said Kirkland Councilmember Amy Falcone. “Affordable housing is essential for building resilient and vibrant communities, and I look forward to collaborating with partners across the state to address our state’s housing challenges. Together, we can create meaningful, sustainable solutions to ensure that all residents—regardless of income—have access to safe and stable housing.”
Read more.
The City of Kirkland has released its preliminary 2025-2026 biennial budget, titled "A Sound Budget for a Flourishing City." The budget is now available for community review on the City’s website. The preliminary budget sustains essential services, funds high priority programs, and invests in key infrastructure projects over the next two years.
“The Council has received the preliminary budget prepared by the City Manager,” said Kirkland Mayor Kelli Curtis. “We look forward to reviewing and discussing it beginning this Thursday, October 24, and continuing over the next several weeks. Please join the Council in its deliberation of this critical document that will set levels of service for Kirkland for the next two years.”
Read more.
In October, Kirkland Police Officers wear pink patches and badges to raise awareness and support for Footprints of Fight, a local pediatric cancer organization.
Footprints Of Fight was founded by a former Kirkland resident whose child underwent cancer treatment. The organization supports families in Washington who are either starting or in the midst of treatment pediatric cancer treatment.
Currently, Footprints of Fight serves over 200 families across Washington State, with 98% of their funds directly helping those families.
This year's Pink Patch design includes a purple ribbon to also raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is observed in October. Community members interested in supporting the cause can purchase commemorative pink patches and stickers.
We are still looking for more players in our Girls 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, and 5th/6th Grade Youth Basketball Leagues.
Your child will get the opportunity to learn the importance of good sportsmanship and fair play in competition. Our league has certified officials, which allows our players and coaches to have a better game experience throughout the season. All gender identities and gender expressions are welcome in our league.
Please register by your child's grade level and gender league preference. Teams are formed by school, grade, and gender and order of registration. We do not take coach or teammate requests.
Registration is closing soon! Registration for our league is $160.00 for Kirkland Residents and includes practices, games, and a jersey that the player can keep! Registration closes on November 5th. To register please visit KirklandParks.net or call 425-587-3336.
Are you looking for an opportunity to get together with friends & family and help keep the City of Kirkland clean? Are you looking for a way to advertise your business or honor a loved one? Then this is your chance. The City of Kirkland currently has 6 Routes available for adoption!
The Adopt-A-Road program is a roadside clean-up program that promotes pride and local ownership in Kirkland’s Roads. Sponsors get their personalized recognition sign posted at their sponsorship area.
For more information on Adopt-A-Road contact Kari Waller at 425.587.3900 or kwaller@kirklandwa.gov or visit the City's website.
One lucky winner of our Pet Tag Photo Contest, picked at random, will receive a $50 Kirkland Ca$h redeemable at participating business in Kirkland.
To enter, show off your pet(s)’s family friendly Halloween costume, post on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter/X, and include #KirklandPetTags.
Make sure those pet tags are visible! If you need a pet license, drop by Kirkland City Hall, the Kirkland Justice Center, or visit www.Kirklandwa.gov/petlicense to renew or sign up for a pet license, and get $15 in Kirkland Ca$h redeemable at participating business in Kirkland.
Halloween can be a lot of activity for pets. Follow these tips to help keep them safe:
- Pets often react to the sound of doorbells, so try to get them used to the sound before Halloween night. You can also cover your doorbell with a Halloween decoration or a sign asking to knock so that visitors will avoid ringing the doorbell.
- Be mindful of your pet’s stress level with extra visitors and chaos. Consider putting them in a safe, cozy room if the action gets too much.
- Keep cats indoors to ensure they stay happy and healthy.
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month. Everyone shares in the responsibility for road safety. To achieve this, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges drivers to slow down and be alert for pedestrians.
Together we can create safer roads. Know the laws, yield to pedestrians, and prioritize safety for all.
The Kirkland Salary Commission will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. 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: 839 4369 2381
Meeting Link: https://kirklandwa-gov.zoom.us/j/83943692381
Any person requiring an accommodation should contact the City in advance at 425-587-3190.
Learn more about the Salary Commission on the City's website.
124th Avenue Northeast
Kirkland’s contractor will shift both northbound and southbound traffic to the west side of 124th Avenue Northeast on Monday, Oct. 28 as the project begins work on the east side of the street. Drivers exiting businesses will encounter “Right Turn Only” access to 124th Avenue Northeast.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/124thavenue
116th Avenue Northeast
116th Avenue Northeast is reduced to a single lane from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. north of Northeast 70th Street as Kirkland's contractor builds sidewalks and stormwater improvements for the first Transportation Benefit District funded project.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/tbd
Goat Hill
Goat Hill residents should expect daytime road closures this week on Northeast 116th Place.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/goathill
Juanita Drive
Juanita Drive will be reduced to one lane periodically this week between 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Northeast 124th Street to Northeast 128th Street with flaggers controlling the flow of traffic.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/juanitadrivecorridor
100th Avenue Northeast
OMA Construction is alternating traffic at various locations between Northeast 137th and 145th streets. The legal speed limit through the construction zone is 25 miles per hour.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/100thavedesign
Eighth Avenue West and Fifth Street West
Water services are being installed along 8th Avenue West between 4th Street West and Market Street. Flaggers are located at the intersections to allow for emergency vehicles.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/eighthavenuewestupgrade
Kirkland Avenue and Lake Street
Lake Street’s intersection with Kirkland Avenue is now open, and minor impacts to traffic flow are expected for delivery of materials throughout the remainder of construction. Pedestrian access changes, so please follow the pedestrian detour routes. Businesses remain open during construction.
Visit www.kirklandwa.gov/lakestreetpedscramble
Kirkland Arbor Day
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Location: Everest Park, 500 8th St S.
Green Kirkland Week culminates with the Kirkland Arbor Day celebration on Saturday, October 26th.
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Volunteer with Green Kirkland Stewards and help plant, mulch, remove weeds, and care for the natural areas at Everest park. Registration required.
12 – 1 p.m.
Ceremonial Tree Planting. Join Mayor Kelli Curtis, and your neighbors, to celebrate trees and the benefits they give our community with a ceremonial tree planting in the park. Help us plant a tree that will give us shade, clean air, and clean water for years to come! No registration required.
More information on the event page.
Did you know…Global forests removed about one-third of fossil fuel emissions annually from 1990 to 2007 (source: U.S. Forest Service)
Blood Drive
Date: November 6 and 7
Time: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: City Hall, 123 5th Ave, Peter Kirk Community Room
After casting your vote, it’s time for another crucial act of civic duty: Donate blood to support your neighbors in need. Your community needs you.
Just like a blood donation, every election is powered by those who participate.
Two ways you can impact your community this week. Make a plan to Vote and Donate Blood. Schedule your appointment today.
Kirkland Teen Union Building - Open House
Date: Tuesday, November 12
Time: 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Location: Kirkland Teen Union Building - 348 Kirkland Avenue
Ages: All Ages
Cost: FREE
The Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB) invites all community members to our ALL-AGES, OPEN HOUSE!
Grab some light snacks and refreshments, then tour the building, receive information and resources from community partners, register your teens for our recreational programs, and get to know the KTUB team.
BTW: This is one of the only ways that Adults can see the NEW inside of KTUB!
Learn more about KTUB at www.kirklandwa.gov/KTUB.
Wheels and Reels Drive In Movies
Date: Saturday, November 23
Time: Movie starts at 7 p.m.
Location: Juanita Beach Park (NW parking lot) - 9703 NE Juanita Dr, Kirkland
Ages: All ages
Cost: $20 per vehicle per movie pre-registration required!
Join us at our drive-in movie series. We will be showing The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes on our giant LED screen!
Register online now at https://tinyurl.com/4dz9b5km or call 425-587-3336 or visit kirklandwa.gov/CommunityBuildingEvents for more information.
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Let’s chat about the best steps to take when earthquakes occur. Watch our Earthquake Preparedness video to learn more.