The most significant change for residents this week is the start of multiple highway lane closures in Puyallup for maintenance work. Northbound I-5 lane closure and ramp shutdown begin Saturday, August 15, between Samish Way and Iowa Street, while I-405 and I-5 closures begin Monday, August 10, for maintenance and paving work with specific timeframes and locations.
Kirkland Police Department is offering a free eight-week Community Police Academy starting September 16 for residents 21+ with no felony convictions. The academy will also host a gun safety class on August 25 focused on home firearm safety, storage, and state laws, limited to 20 Kirkland residents.
Bellevue is expanding its automated traffic safety program with four new speed camera locations near schools and hospitals this August. The city is also hosting a park design meeting on August 27 and September 3 for an eight-acre site in BelRed, inviting community feedback on conceptual park designs.
Puyallup City updated its online procurement portal for businesses to access bids, RFPs, and business support services. Mercer Island implemented a Stage 2 burn ban effective August 6, prohibiting all recreational outdoor fires due to heightened wildfire risk.
King County received a $15 million public safety grant to fund intervention training, behavioral health responders, and gun violence prevention programs. State income tax revenue analysis shows high-earner tax could generate hundreds of millions more than expected if voters approve it in November.
What to watch next: The I-5 and I-405 lane closures will continue through August 16, impacting regional travel. The Kirkland Police Academy applications and the park design meeting in BelRed will provide opportunities for community engagement in the coming weeks.