Kenmore Daily Brief: Saturday, February 7, 2026

School funding vote just days away

Ballots are out for Tuesday’s special election, where Northshore voters will decide three school funding measures: a renewal of the classroom operations levy, a capital bond for building projects, and a renewed technology levy.

The combined tax rate for the package is projected to stay roughly in line with what voters approved in 2022, even as the district looks to modernize facilities and keep one-to-one student technology in place. For a typical Kenmore homeowner, that means a steady but significant slice of the annual property tax bill.

Kenmore’s City Council has already gone on record in support of the trio of measures after a late‑January briefing on classroom space, safety upgrades, and field access. If you still have a ballot at home, this weekend is a good time to look it over and make a plan to return it by Election Day. (citizenportal.ai)

Business notes: banners, Oktoberfest and cameras

On the business side, the Kenmore Business Alliance used its January strategy session to decide how to spend this year’s business registration revenue. Members backed new decorative light‑pole banners along State Route 522 and renewed support for the 2026 Kenmore Oktoberfest, continuing the push to make the corridor feel more walkable and distinct.

The city also reports strong results from last month’s digital Holiday Savings Pass, which drew hundreds of residents into local shops. That program will return as a World Cup‑themed pass this summer, giving businesses another chance to capture game‑day traffic.

Looking ahead, one long‑time anchor is getting ready to celebrate. Kenmore Camera is promoting a three‑day anniversary sale February 13–15, with visiting brand representatives, free classes and store‑wide discounts aimed at photographers from beginners to pros.

Things to do today and tonight

It’s a busy Saturday around Kenmore and the north lake communities, with plenty of options if you want to get out of the house.

• Juanita Beach Park hosts a drive‑in screening of “Twisters” at 7 p.m., a short hop south of town and an easy family outing if you don’t mind a little February drizzle.
• Local Meetup groups are organizing hikes and walks that many Kenmore residents join, including morning outings to Heather Lake and the Washington Park Arboretum for those willing to drive a bit.
• Closer to home, Saint Edward State Park remains a go‑to backdrop for casual runs, walks and informal pickleball meetups, especially with a midday beginner‑friendly session on the calendar today.

City hall outlook

City government is relatively quiet this weekend, but things pick back up Monday with Coffee with Council at 7:30 a.m. and a regular evening council meeting, both at City Hall with hybrid options expected. It’s an easy way to raise concerns or just listen in on 2026 priorities.

Those priorities include housing and land‑use work that has been building for several years. A fee‑in‑lieu option for middle‑housing affordability, adopted in 2025 and effective January 1, now sets per‑square‑foot charges for projects in certain residential zones, shaping how new duplexes, townhomes and cottages may pencil out in the city. (citizenportal.ai)

Sources

• https://citizenportal.ai/articles/7347476/washington/king-county/kenmore/kenmore-council-unanimously-backs-three-northshore-school-district-measures-for-february-ballot
• https://www.nsd.org/our-district/overview/bond-levies
• https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WAKENMORE/bulletins/402de81
• https://www.kirklandwa.gov/Whats-Happening/News/February-5-2026-This-Week-in-Kirkland-Text-Version
• https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kenmore-camera-anniversary-sale-tickets-1980206484902
• https://www.meetup.com/cities/us/wa/kenmore/events/photography/
• https://www.kenmorewa.gov/government/city-council