Kenmore Sound

Infrastructure · Nov 17, 2025

Kenmore council to consider accepting $3.5M in state funding for 61st Ave NE sidewalk project

A Nov. 17, 2025 City Council consent agenda item would accept $3.5 million in Move Ahead Washington pedestrian-and-bicycle funding for the 61st Avenue NE Sidewalk Replacement project and authorize the City Manager to sign agreements with WSDOT 1.

What the records say

The agenda for the Kenmore City Council's Nov. 17, 2025 regular meeting included a consent agenda item to accept $3.5 million in Move Ahead Washington – Tier Pedestrian & Bicycle Program funding, utilizing Climate Commitment Act funds, for the 61st Ave NE Sidewalk Replacement project, and to authorize the City Manager to execute the appropriate agreements with the Washington State Department of Transportation 1. The state notified the city on July 8, 2025 that the $3.5 million award was granted after a 2023 funding request to the legislature 1. The project runs on 61st Ave NE between NE 181st St and NE 190th St and would construct new sidewalk, curb and gutter, and bike lanes on the east side of the street, with existing sidewalks relocated for additional separation from the creek corridor 1. Staff anticipated design beginning in spring 2026 and construction starting in spring 2028 1.

  • The consent agenda item would accept $3.5 million in Move Ahead Washington – Tier Pedestrian & Bicycle Program funding (Climate Commitment Act funds) for the 61st Ave NE Sidewalk Replacement project and authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with WSDOT.
  • The project spans 61st Ave NE between NE 181st St and NE 190th St, adding sidewalk, curb and gutter, and bike lanes on the east side, plus a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at 61st Ave NE & 58th Ave NE and stream corridor enhancements.
  • Staff anticipated design beginning in spring 2026 and construction starting in spring 2028; the item was scheduled for the Nov. 17, 2025 meeting and the outcome is not part of this record.

Why it matters

The state grant covers most of the project cost, with roughly 10% coming from local sources — Kenmore Automated Photo Enforcement funds for the grind and overlay and REET for initial setup 1. Residents who walk or bike along 61st Ave NE would see new sidewalks, bike lanes, a flashing beacon at 61st Ave NE & 58th Ave NE, and removal of the center two-way left turn lane between NE 190th St and NE 181st St 1. The available records do not establish whether the council approved the item 1.

What changed / what's next

  • If approved, the city would accept $3.5 million in state funding for the 61st Ave NE sidewalk project and the City Manager could sign the WSDOT agreements 1.
  • The full agenda bill text, including the funding split and project highlights, was included in the packet, but the record does not show whether the council took up or approved the consent item 1.
  • The available records do not establish the meeting's outcome.