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2 days ago

Kirkland planning commission hears update on urban forest management plan City staff briefed the Planning Commission on a citywide urban forest management plan update, presenting canopy data, species-vulnerability research and outreach plans; staff emphasized no code changes now, a May community survey and a return to the commission in August with draft goals.

Kirkland is redefining its Urban Forest Management Plan with fresh data and community input to ensure a cooler, greener future—are you ready to get involved?

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #KirklandUrbanForest #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #ClimateResilience #UrbanGreening

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1 month ago

EnergySmart Eastside: up to $10,000 in instant rebates available for home heat pumps, community engagement specialist says On the March 5 City of Kirkland podcast, Kurt Hellman of EnergySmart Eastside explained how the six-city program and utility partners offer a menu of incentives — some income-qualified — that can stack to “upwards of $10,000” to help residents buy heat pumps and electrify home heating and cooling.

Unlock up to $10,000 in instant rebates for energy-efficient home heat pumps and start saving on your utility bills today!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #SustainableTechnology #CitizenPortal #EnergyEfficiency #HomeHeating #KirklandEnergy

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1 month ago

Cross Kirkland Corridor south end reopens after pipe repairs; WSDOT schedules full weekend SR 522 closures King County has completed pipe repairs beneath the Cross Kirkland Corridor between NE 52nd Street and 108th Avenue NE and the city says the CKC south end is fully open; the podcast also relayed a planned full closure of SR 522 at I-405 from 10 p.m. Feb. 27 to 4 a.m. March 2 for ramp removal.

The south end of the Cross Kirkland Corridor is now open after essential pipe repairs, but stay alert for ongoing work and upcoming road closures!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #KirklandTrails #CommunityUpdates #InfrastructureRepairs #TransportationNotices

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1 month ago

East-side cities launch regional 'East Side Safe Streets' patrols to target reckless driving Kirkland Police Chief Mike St. Jean said a new regional task force—partnering with Issaquah, Redmond and Bellevue—will rotate directed Saturday-evening patrols focused on speeding, modified exhaust and reckless driving; St. Jean tied the effort to community complaints and falling crime trends.

Kirkland's new East Side Safe Streets task force is tackling reckless driving with a collaborative approach across city lines to keep our roads safer on Saturday nights!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CommunityEngagement #KirklandSafeStreets #TrafficSafety #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety

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1 month ago

Kirkland planning commission reviews draft rules to implement Senate Bill 5184, flags ADA and bike‑parking issues Planning commissioners reviewed staff proposals to implement Senate Bill 5184, including an early‑action ordinance that would remove parking minimums in much of the 85th Street station area and allow certain commercial expansions without extra parking. Commissioners urged protections for ADA access, neighborhood spillover management and robust bicycle‑parking standards.

Kirkland's Planning Commission is set to reshape local development by potentially eliminating parking minimums in the 85th Street station area, but are they doing enough to protect ADA access and manage neighborhood spillover?

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1 month ago

Kirkland council weighs early adoption of state parking law to speed development near 85th Street station Councilors discussed implementing Senate Bill 5184 early to reduce minimum parking requirements citywide or in targeted station-area zones, with several members urging an early-action ordinance to help small businesses and catalyze development.

Kirkland's council is considering a groundbreaking move to ease parking requirements, potentially unlocking new development and supporting local businesses near the 85th Street station—will they take action before the deadline?

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1 month ago

Kirkland officials back faster steps to boost swim lessons, direct design work on Peter Kirk Pool After months of debate over an enclosed aquatics center, Kirkland officials authorized design work to expand swim lessons at Peter Kirk Pool, approving an activity-pool renovation and an extended season pilot while directing staff to return with enclosure cost options and funding scenarios.

Kirkland officials are taking swift action to expand swim lessons at Peter Kirk Pool, addressing equity and safety concerns with innovative plans for increased capacity!

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2 months ago

Kirkland City Council adopts minor Houghton Village zoning amendments, directs property sale in 2026 At its Feb. 3 meeting the Kirkland City Council adopted minor zoning code amendments tied to the Houghton Village development plan (allowing up to five stories under the adopted plan), directed the city manager to put the Houghton Village property up for sale in 2026 and received updates on transportation and municipal court matters.

Kirkland City Council is set to transform Houghton Village with new zoning amendments, paving the way for a potential sale in 2026!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #KirklandHoughtonVillage #TransportationPlanning

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2 months ago

Council adopts zoning amendments for Houghton Village and authorizes sale of the site Council adopted minor zoning code amendments implementing the already‑adopted Houghton Village development plan (Ordinance O‑49‑24) and passed Resolution 57‑19 authorizing the city manager to solicit and return viable offers for the Houghton Village property to repay an interfund loan; votes were unanimous 7–0.

Kirkland City Council has made key zoning changes for Houghton Village and is now ready to sell the property to pay back a loan—what's next for this pivotal development?

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #ZoningAmendments #KirklandHoughtonVillage

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2 months ago

Council shifts stance on state mixed‑use bill — will support only with modifications After testimony from the legislative review team, Kirkland’s council changed its position on House Bill 24‑80 / Senate Bill 60‑26 from 'oppose' to 'support only with modifications' so long as local authority to require ground‑floor retail in regional neighborhood centers, and protections for groceries and dealerships, are preserved.

Kirkland's council has made a pivotal shift, now supporting a controversial mixed-use housing bill—if vital local protections are secured!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #ZoningReform #LocalGovernance #KirklandHousing

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2 months ago

Kirkland staff outline permit intake, review timelines, upcoming dashboard and AI exploration Planning & Building Department staff gave a detailed study session on permit intake and review, completeness rules, fee timing, the forthcoming permit dashboard, exploration of AI tools to reduce incomplete submittals, and the department’s 2025–27 work program including Totem Lake, Juanita and faith‑owned housing work.

Kirkland's Planning & Building Department is revolutionizing the permit process with a new dashboard and AI tools to enhance efficiency and transparency!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #PermitTransparency #KirklandPlanning #AIInnovation #CitizenPortal #UrbanDevelopment

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2 months ago

Kirkland council hears 2026 session update; moves to support bills restricting 3D-printed ghost guns Interim government-affairs manager Anuranna Campbell briefed Council on the early short session and staff bill reviews; Council voted to sign in support of bills targeting 3D-printed firearms (HB2320/HB2321) and discussed concerns about SB6026 (limiting local requirement for ground-floor retail) and public-defense caseload legislation.

Kirkland's council is taking a stand against 3D-printed firearms while raising concerns about new legislation that could reshape local retail and community development.

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #HousingAffordability #KirklandCouncil #EconomicDevelopment #PublicSafety

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2 months ago

Six-month KCARC pilot: 43 survivors served in Kirkland; police referrals and outreach highlighted King County Resource Center CEO Kate Garvey and Kirkland-based advocate Hwa Goldstein told Council the six-month pilot (July–Dec) served 43 survivors, nearly half were under 18, and 90% of survivors reported feeling supported; Kirkland Police Department was cited as the primary referral source.

In just six months, the KCARC pilot program has reached 43 survivors in Kirkland, with an astonishing 90% reporting they felt supported—discover how this initiative is transforming lives!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CommunitySupport #CrisisIntervention #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal

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2 months ago

Woodinville Wine Country promotes regional tourism, partners with Kirkland and offers two passport‑to‑taste giveaways Adam Ocampoor of Woodinville Wine Country described the region’s 100+ wineries, partnership work with Kirkland tourism and announced two 2026 passport‑to‑taste prizes (about $500 each). Listeners can enter by emailing communications@kirklandwa.gov by noon Jan. 21.

Discover how Woodinville Wine Country is transforming the region into a wine tourism hotspot with exciting experiences and a chance to win a $500 tasting passport!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #EconomicDevelopment #CulturalEvents #ResponsibleTravel #CitizenPortal #KirklandWineTourism

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3 months ago

Kirkland Council Adopts Multi‑Part School Zone Safety Package: Beacons, Remote Connectivity, Crosswalk Signs The council approved staff recommendations for school speed signage (20 mph windows/always‑on), targeted flashing beacons on higher‑speed streets, citywide remote connectivity for beacon controls, in‑street crosswalk signs and gated crosswalk signage. One item (school zone stubs) passed 5‑2.

Kirkland's City Council just approved a groundbreaking school zone safety package, including 20 mph speed limits and advanced flashing beacons to protect our kids!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #TransportationInnovation #PublicSafety #KirklandSchools #CitizenPortal #CommunityEquity

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3 months ago

Council Endorses Green Loop Outreach Plan; staff to contact roughly 70 private landowners before public release After a lengthy presentation and public comment from neighborhood groups, the council approved staff’s recommendation to begin targeted outreach to private landowners within Phase 2 hatched areas and to hold a public meeting before April 1, 2026, with flexibility for staff on dates.

Kirkland's Green Loop project is set to transform community access to nature, but it needs your voice to shape its future!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CommunityOutreach #TrailAccess #WildlifeHabitat #CitizenPortal #KirklandParks

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3 months ago

Kirkland Authorizes IFIT Amendment to Add Seattle, Requires Staff Report on Resource Impacts Council authorized an amendment to the King County IFIT interlocal agreement to add Seattle as a member and added a requirement that the city manager and police chief report back by Dec. 31, 2026 on IFIT activations and the resource impacts on Kirkland.

Kirkland City Council just took a significant step by adding Seattle to the Independent Force Investigation Team, aiming to share the investigative load while ensuring transparency for the future.

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #LawEnforcementReform #KirklandIFIT #PublicSafety

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4 months ago

Kirkland Council Approved Park Purchase; Council Eyes Kraken Partnership, Planning Items on Dec. 9 Hosts summarized the Nov. 18 City Council meeting: approval of a property purchase to expand Juanita Bay Park, updates on a potential Kraken community center/Iceplex for Dec. 9 consideration, a public hearing on Houghton Village plan and several other council actions and directions.

Kirkland is paving the way for a greener future with a new park expansion and a potential partnership with the Seattle Kraken for a community center—changes that could reshape our city!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicPartnership #KirklandParks #UrbanPlanning

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5 months ago

Kirkland outlines fall leaf collection and street‑sweeping operations; council to review budgets Nov. 5 City hosts described leaf‑collection plans and street‑sweeping operations, and previewed the Wednesday, Nov. 5 Kirkland City Council meeting that will include the 2025–26 mid‑biennial budget, the 2025–30 capital improvement program and the 2026 Norcom dispatch budget.

Get ready for a busy November in Kirkland as the city gears up for leaf collection, budget reviews, and exciting community events!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #KirklandCommunity #UrbanFlooding #CommunityEvents

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5 months ago

Kirkland planners weigh larger stream buffers and a Riparian Management Zone; debate centers on nonconforming homes and speed of environmental gains Staff and the Planning Commission presented alternatives for Chapter 90 (streams and wetlands) and related Critical Areas updates, including a Planning Commission preference for a Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) that focuses restoration, tree retention and low‑impact development standards in an expanded outer buffer rather than a simple straight 100

Kirkland's proposed updates to critical areas could reshape property rights and environmental recovery—will homeowners face tougher regulations or gain faster ecological benefits?

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #KirklandEnvironment #EcologicalRestoration

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5 months ago

Council weighs two paths for Juanita Business District rezones; staff offers 60‑foot base zoning plus incentives to secure near‑term development After multiple hearings and months of public comment, planning staff presented a city‑manager‑initiated alternate path for the JBD4 (Goodwill and Michaels) rezones: a 60‑foot base neighborhood center zone with the option to reach 75 feet via incentives or a development agreement. The Planning Commission previously recommended a more permissive 75‑f

Kirkland's council is at a crossroads, debating whether to embrace a 60-foot zoning plan with incentives or a more ambitious 75-foot baseline that could redefine the Juanita Business District for generations.

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5 months ago

Kirkland moves to finalize Houghton Village development plan; council to explore sale and financing options Staff told council a draft development plan for the Houghton Village site would be ready for a public hearing; appraisals at three and five stories suggest sale could repay the city’s interfund loan. Council directed staff to pursue a development plan and to explore market interest and sale options while keeping alternatives (retention and short‑

Kirkland is taking bold steps to reshape the Houghton Village site, potentially transforming it into a vibrant hub with affordable housing and community spaces!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CommunitySpaces #KirklandDevelopment #AffordableHousing

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5 months ago

Kirkland staff warn of smaller surpluses, project $9.5M ongoing gap for 2027–28; propose mid‑biennium service packages Finance staff presented the 2025–26 mid‑biennial update showing revenues flattening compared with recent years, personnel savings helping near term positions, and a forecasted $9.5 million ongoing deficit in the 2027–28 biennium. Staff proposed a series of one‑time and ongoing service packages and CIP adjustments and recommended conservative fiscal

Kirkland's latest financial forecast reveals a projected $9.5 million gap for 2027-28, raising concerns as revenues flatten and critical service packages are proposed.

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #EconomicForecasting #PublicInvestment

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5 months ago

Kirkland marks completion of 2020 Proposition 1: new and renovated fire stations, safety upgrades finished Kirkland officials and Fire Chief Joe Sanford said the city has completed voter‑approved Proposition 1 projects from 2020, including a new Station 27, renovations to multiple stations, new safety systems and the hiring of 20 firefighters to create dedicated aid units. Officials said the upgrades aim to reduce response times and reduce firefighter‑c

Kirkland has completed major fire station upgrades and safety enhancements, ensuring faster response times and better protection for firefighters!

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #FirefighterWellness #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #KirklandFireStations #EmergencyResponse

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5 months ago

Council directs staff to finalize Houghton Village development plan and explore sale options With two development proposals on file and city appraisals showing higher value for a five‑story entitlements scenario, council instructed staff to prepare a development plan for the city‑owned Houghton Village parcel and to explore sale and short‑term financing options while preserving flexibility.

The Kirkland council is set to shape the future of the Houghton Village property, exploring development plans and potential sale options that could impact city financial priorities.

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #UrbanPlanning #KirklandDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment

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5 months ago

Council debates new approach for Juanita Business District zoning; staff to return Nov. 18 with amendments Council reviewed planning commission recommendations and a city‑manager‑proposed 'base neighborhood center' zoning option for JBD‑4 (Goodwill and Michael sites). Opinions split: some members favored the planning commission’s more prescriptive, incentive‑based code; others preferred the manager’s 60‑foot base‑zoning approach plus a later negotiated,

The debate over zoning changes in the Juanita Business District is heating up, with council members torn between ambitious designs for public benefits and the urgency of unlocking development now.

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal #KirklandBusinessDistrict

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5 months ago

Kirkland refines Transportation Safety Action Plan; proposes 20 mph default on local streets Council reviewed a consultant‑backed Transportation Safety Action Plan that recommends a 20 mph default on local streets and a policy preference for 30 mph on arterials; staff will return with an ordinance and an implementation/phasing plan in early 2026.

Kirkland is taking a bold step towards safer streets by proposing a default 20 mph speed limit on local roads—will this change save lives?

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #KirklandTransportation #UrbanDesign #VulnerableRoadUsers

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5 months ago

Council hears contentious update to critical‑areas rules; staff proposes riparian management zone to boost habitat and water quality Planning staff presented proposed updates to the critical‑areas code, with major debate over buffer sizing for streams and wetlands. Staff proposed a Riparian Management Zone (RMZ) approach — combined tree protections and expanded outer buffer — aimed at improving ecological functions while limiting sudden mass nonconforming outcomes for private‑l​

Kirkland's planning staff is proposing a groundbreaking Riparian Management Zone aimed at enhancing water quality and habitat while minimizing impacts on property owners—are you ready to see how this could change your neighborhood?

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5 months ago

Kirkland planning commission backs critical-area code updates, favors riparian management zone approach The Kirkland Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend updates to the citys critical-area ordinance (KMC chapters 5, 85, 90 and 95), endorsing staffs draft and allowing limited post-recommendation edits to address state-agency comments. The discussion centered on stream-buffer widths, a proposed riparian management zone (RMZ), and state-

Kirkland's Planning Commission has made a bold move to protect vital habitats by recommending new critical-area ordinance updates that balance environmental needs with property owner flexibility.

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#KirklandKingCounty #WA #CitizenPortal #KirklandEnvironment #RiparianManagement

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5 months ago

Council discusses townhomes and density near NE 80th Station; staff recommends temporary restrictions while incentives are developed Following review of a recent townhome permit at the former Crescent Lighting site, council directed staff to prepare options to protect 80th Street station‑area capacity. Staff proposed several alternatives — from minimum FAR or height to an outright ban on new townhomes in the station area — and recommended a quick ordinance option while the city:

Kirkland's council is poised to reshape the NE 80th Bus Rapid Transit area, aiming to block low-rise townhomes and pave the way for vibrant, mixed-use developments instead.

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