Neighborhood Safety Program
Neighborhood Safety Program
The Neighborhood Safety Program (NSP) was started by the City of Kirkland in 2014. Every year Kirkland neighborhoods have an opportunity to identify pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements and submit one or two project ideas to the city. There is a maximum of $50,000 per project, and a panel of neighborhood representatives work with city staff to choose which projects to complete.
How can I suggest a project?
You can suggest a project idea at any time during the year. Using the city’s interactive map, click the blue “I want to” button and then select “submit a project idea”. The site will prompt you to identify the location and describe other details about your project. The City reviews and responds to all suggestions and will let you know if your project meets the NSP parameters.
Below are some project examples to get you started. If there is a location you think is unsafe or is difficult to access in Highlands but aren’t sure what type of infrastructure would help please reach out to us. We are a resource for you and want to help you get your idea submitted.
- Bicycle facility: Bike lanes or trails.
- Crosswalks: New crosswalks, improved crosswalk ramps (ADA), crosswalk islands, and rapid flashing beacons.
- Intersection Improvement: Signage, parking, and pedestrian “bump outs.”
- Traffic Calming: Traffic islands, speed cushions, pedestrian “bump outs,” signage, and radar signs.
- Walkway/Sidewalk and Trail: Gravel trails, steps, curb, traffic delineators, and sidewalks.
- Street Light: On existing utility pole or installing a light new pole.
How does Highlands decide on a project?
In the fall the City sends each Neighborhood Association a list of potential projects. Highlands gets feedback from the community at our meetings and online. The Highlands board selects a representative to advocate for our final project choice. Based on the neighborhood’s feedback and discussions with city staff the Highlands board will decide on a final project choice and our representative will submit the application to the city.
Emailing us is another step you can take to make sure everyone is aware of your project. We want to hear from you if you see or experience transportation safety issues in our neighborhood.
Timeline
The exact dates change each year, but we hope this gives you an idea of when key steps in the program take place.
- Aug/Sept: Last chance to email us about your project idea and submit it to the city using the interactive map.
- Oct/Nov: Highlands gathers community feedback and narrows the list of potential projects.
- Dec: Our Highlands representative submits the final project choice to the city.
- Feb/Mar: City staff review projects from all neighborhoods and give each one a technical score. Representatives from each neighborhood meet and tour the potential project sites. The representatives meet to discuss all project submissions and make a final decision on which projects should be selected.
- April: City Council reviews and approves the projects.
When do the projects get built?
Project bidding and construction begin in the fall and continue through spring. Projects are typically completed by June of the following year.
Where can I get more info?
You can reach out to the Highlands board by email with questions, comments or project ideas. You can find additional details from the City of Kirkland on their website.