The following items can also be found in the Jan. 24 edition of the This Week in Kirkland newsletter.

Housing solutions

The Kirkland City Council formed a Housing Strategy Advisory Group in March 2017 to explore what tasks the city might undertake over time to implement the current Housing Goals and Policies.

Individuals seeking affordable housing in King County can contribute feedback to the advisory group by answering three questionnaires found on the group’s website.

King County is also exploring the topic of affordable housing through the Regional Affordable Housing Task Force. This task force will be hosting a public meeting on Jan. 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 7054 32nd Ave S, Seattle. The purpose of the meeting is to receive public comment about residents’ struggles with affordable housing in the region.

For more information, visit the task force website.

Public art concepts

A free event at the Kirkland Performance Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. will be previewing the four artist concepts that use salvaged pieces of the historic Kalakala ferry in a piece of public art.

There will be an opportunity to meet with the artists and explore their concepts at the event. It is encouraged to register by visiting the Eventbrite page.

In 2015, the City purchased pieces of the Kalakala, the world’s first streamlined passenger vessel. The Kalakala was built in 1935 at the Lake Washington Ship Yard in what is now Kirkland’s Carillon Point.

Recycling event

Local residents will have the opportunity to recycle Styrofoam, plastic bags and more at StyroFest on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kirkland Public Works Maintenance Center.

All materials must be clean and dry. Participants are encouraged to remove tape and labels and sort materials before attending.

For a full list of allowed materials, and to see all of 2018’s event dates, visit this PDF handout on the Kirkland Conserves webpage.

Mardi Gras Luncheon

Peter Kirk Community Center will be hosting the Mardi Gras Luncheon on Tuesday, Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will feature entertainment provided by Lindi Moo followed by a southern-style luncheon of Creole Jambalaya, rice, salad and pie. This masquerade program is intended for adults 50 and over, but all ages are welcome.

The event costs $9. Registration closes Monday, Feb. 5.

To reserve a space, register at www.kirklandparks.net or call 425-587-3336.

Business workshops

Kirkland is a partner in Startup 425, a collaborative effort to expand entrepreneurship opportunities across Eastside communities.

Startup 425 is hosting a series of workshops designed to prepare business owners for international business development.

The winter series includes Internationalizing Your Tech Business on Thursday, Feb. 8, and International Pitch on Thursday, Feb. 15. Both workshops are held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, and are in partnership with the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle and the Washington State Department of Commerce.

For more information, visit the Startup 425 website.

Economic forecast conference

The Economic Development Council of Seattle and King County will be hosting its 46th Annual Economic Forecast Conference on Thursday, March 8 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Westin Seattle Hotel.

Northwest community and business leaders will be in attendance. Guests will have the opportunity to get a look at Puget Sound region’s ‪economic future. Tickets are $200.

To register, visit the event page online. The City of Kirkland is a partner with the Economic Development Council of Seattle & King County.