びびなび : シアトル : (アメリカ合衆国) Seattle

Happy Friday!





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2025 Mayor Newsletter Header




March 7, 2025 






State of the City

State of the City [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/kent-mayor/state-of-the-city-2024?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Happy Friday, Kent!

We are just a few short weeks away from my State of the City address.

We hope you will join us *Thursday, March 20 at Kent-Meridian High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. address starts at 7 p.m.*

I'm looking forward to sharing stories of our success, what we've accomplished and what's on the horizon.

Hope you enjoy the update and have a great weekend.

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor






Weekly Roundup

employee appreciation

Just wanted to wish all of our City of Kent employees a Happy Employee Appreciation Day!

I hold all of our staff in high regard, and I am so thankful for the incredible work they do to serve our community each and every day. 





march womens month

 

Appreciate and celebrate women and their accomplishments every day! When women succeed, our community succeeds. 





mayors conf [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&v=XpAvLofmCy0 ]

I was honored to join mayors from across the country in this *video from the United States Conference of Mayors* [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&v=XpAvLofmCy0 ], highlighting the importance of strong local-federal partnerships in driving economic growth, improving infrastructure, and enhancing public safety.

Our cities are the backbone of this nation, and together, we’re building a stronger future. Watch the video and see why cities matter!





mayor reading

Tuesday was Read Across America Day and Horizon Elementary invited guest readers to help celebrate.

I read "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore" to 4th grade students.

 

The book had a great message reminding us that we are the authors of our own stories, and every story deserves to be read.

Thank you, Horizon, for the invitation and for being fantastic listeners.





chamber lunch

I had a great time at the Kent Chamber of Commerce 2025 State of the City business edition luncheon at Green River College-Kent.

It was an incredible opportunity to preview my upcoming State of the City address with business leaders and community members.



Annual Diaper Drive
diaper drive

Help us collect diapers and wipes for the 11th Annual March for Diapers Drive. During March, donate diapers and wipes at Kent City Hall during business hours.

Every year, the City of Kent joins other South King County cities in collecting diapers and wipes for babies in need.

We have set up a diaper corral in City Hall lobby to collect donations until March 28. We are asking for any child diapers preemie to size 6, as well as pullups and baby wipes. We will take half used packages too!

Two outstanding organizations that serve Kent that will receive donations from this drive are: Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN) & Kent's Pediatric Interim Care Center (PICC



cider and ale trail

The Cider and Ale Trail is back with some of the best cideries, breweries and distilleries for a fantastic night of tasting, live music, dining and shopping in historic downtown Kent.

?? Tonight, March 7
⌚ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
??   Historic Downtown Kent 

*Get your tickets now! [ https://www.downtownkentwa.com/event/kent-cider-ale-trail/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*







kent kids art day [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/kent-kids-arts-day?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Bring the kids to Kent Kids' Arts Day at the Kent Commons Community Center on Saturday, March 8!

Young artists from Pre-K to Grade 4 are invited to join the Kent Parks team for a day full of arts & crafts fun.

Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, onsite food trucks, and projects led by professional, local artists. Cost is $10 per child. Tickets can be purchased at the door! Adults and kids 2 and under are FREE.

?? Tomorrow, March 8
⏰ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
?? Kent Commons Community Center





kent 101

We had another great class of Kent 101 last night! Our Economic and Community Development staff talked about the comprehensive plan, and the important work they do telling Kent's business stories and connecting people and businesses with resources. 





recycling [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/public-works/environmental/talking-trash-recycle-and-clean-up-events-for-residents/recycling-collection-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

We had an amazing turnout at Hogan Park with 883 cars dropping off materials and 131 people purchasing a rain barrel or compost bin!

We sold 101 rain barrels and 49 compost bins—our first time offering them in over a decade!

Missed out? We’ll have them available again at our June 7 Recycling Event at Canyon Ridge Middle School.





multimodal meeker

Multimodal improvements extending Meeker streetscape amenities to Kent Elementary School and the 64th Ave intersection continue!

Crews finished new storm improvements on the south side last week with curb and gutter work underway this week. *bit.ly/4dGIUAr* [ https://l.facebook.com/l.php?__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT2YZV04pBIGTieMKZMjLIQA9lm_Oz0Qmp4z5ZrVjDzXGIQu3-832X4Yu1Xij0zFFdzT-kdKa12ZMxyEcnaUvDS_mkS4pCCL7uGgyvMr8OCX-WJ54tanlebYJJL5EIl214yASykXfLByTFF_5264Du7mq5-ctWgg7NTV5Qtmxu91dZgK8h1-i8JQPkbveZvVP0pcXSzUD138Zhl0YGCQd1zpu7E&h=AT1FvBG9rVYUJm7v5MFFbZqoak_43bGpvkkvUScXD-6UUY76_OYRtSSOBqc1n6kbVatp68jzBrJJ8umgz00ZMzzTNtILOXOcW2sqLzAin-U25QjABCHP5wVLTx8CUKkSgw&u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F4dGIUAr%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1xhYgxnU4A1J1H5cwm8EHoU4O2TGMk5GELccwsYmhp8Kiskmv_xh6WD3Y_aem_FnxFWjZs6bwS2VIVBQTQ8w%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

When complete, traffic lanes on Meeker will decrease from two to one and a multimodal promenade will be constructed including a new midblock raised crosswalk.

The city will install rapid flashing beacons, traffic islands, a two-way shared use path, streetscape amenities, a wider sidewalk, street trees and vegetated buffers, pedestrian signals, and lighting. Construction is anticipated to be completed this fall.





Coffee chief

Thank you to everyone who attended Coffee with the Chief this week at Cutters Point Coffee. You asked great questions, and all our KPD staff had a good time.

A special thank you to Councilmembers Troutner and Boyd who also attended.







neighborhood [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/neighborhood-grant-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program application is open! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/neighborhood-grant-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

This offers matching funds on a competitive basis to recognized neighborhood councils to develop and implement projects which will enhance the livability of their communities.



Kent City Council

Here's the recap on what the Kent City Council has been working on! 

council re [ https://kentwa.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]cow march [ https://kentwa.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*As a reminder, you can view meeting agendas, minutes and live stream recordings here. [ https://kentwa.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



cookie hooky [ https://www.accessoshowarecenter.com/events/2025/cookie-hooky?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*Cookie Hooky* [ https://www.accessoshowarecenter.com/events/2025/cookie-hooky?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] is the sweetest way to shake up your workday, and is hosted at accesso ShoWare Center May 8th from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

This fun-filled fundraiser is all about raising money for the Community Events Fund which will support local non-profits by providing the opportunity for kids and families to enjoy events in the greater Kent area.





birds [ https://chl.ca/whl-thunderbirds/schedule/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

 

Catch the next Thunderbirds game Saturday night against the Portland Winterhawks! The game begins at 6:05 p.m. at the accesso ShoWare Center. Go Birds!





cert [ http://pugetsoundfire.org/emergency-management/community-emergency-response-team-cert/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

The next session of FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training starts Wednesday March 19th. 

This free eight-week program meets on Wednesdays from either 1-4:30 p.m. (Afternoon Class) or 6 pm – 9:30 pm (Evening Class) and taught by Puget Sound Fire staff. 

Make sure that yourself and your family will be prepared for a major disaster and able to care for yourself, your family and your neighbors until help arrives.  The 8-week program provides instruction on disaster preparedness, disaster first aid, triage, fire safety, search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization and finished with a simulation exercise to practice all the skills they have learned.

Here's more information about the program. *CERT Online Registration and Information [ http://pugetsoundfire.org/emergency-management/community-emergency-response-team-cert/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



Apply for Boards and Commissions

KBAB [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*Our Bicycle Advisory Board is accepting applications for new members. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

Members advise the council, mayor and staff on projects, policies and programs that affect cycling conditions in Kent!



parks [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Do you want to get more involved with our Parks department? *Apply to serve on our Kent Parks & Recreation Commission!  [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*Commissioners work directly with the Kent Parks Department to provide input on strategic planning efforts that influence our parks system.





DEI board [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Applications are now being accepted for the city's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Board!

The goal of the board is to increase engagement, integration, and access to city services for all cultural communities in Kent.

You can learn about the city's work in these areas and the Equity Strategic Plan at *KentWA.gov/Race-Equity* [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/race-equity?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* and* *apply to be on the board here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*







Sidewalk Sessions

Sidewalk Sessions [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/sidewalk-sessions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

We’re thrilled to launch Sidewalk Sessions—a brand-new way for our Public Works team and me to connect with you directly in your neighborhood!

Public Works is the backbone of our community. From smooth roads and safe sidewalks to reliable utilities, their work keeps Kent running strong. We’ll visit neighborhoods across the city to share updates, answer questions, and hear what’s important to you.

This is your chance to learn more about the incredible work happening behind the scenes to maintain and improve Kent’s infrastructure—and how it all impacts your daily life.
*Sign up to bring Sidewalk Sessions to your neighborhood! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/sidewalk-sessions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*





curbside clean up [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/public-works/environmental/talking-trash-recycle-and-clean-up-events-for-residents/spring-fall-curbside-clean-up?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

It's almost curbside clean-up time! 

With Kent's annual "Spring and Fall Curbside Clean-up" programs, residents may rid themselves of extra yard waste and garbage.

The events are free to all residential households living in the Kent city limits. Simply place your extra garbage and yard waste at the curb on your regular yard waste pick-up day. *Here's all the info! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/public-works/environmental/talking-trash-recycle-and-clean-up-events-for-residents/spring-fall-curbside-clean-up?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*





block watch

Interested in starting a Neighborhood Block Watch or revitalizing an old one?  Come learn how to start a Block Watch from Kent PD's Community Education Unit and Neighborhood Response Team! 

To Register email:
West Hill/Valley Sara Wood swood@kentwa.gov  
East Hill Stacy Judd sjudd@kentwa.gov

?? Tuesday, March 11
⌚ 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.
?? Kent City Hall 







Kent Parks and Recreation





park shelter [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/Rentals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Park Shelter Rentals are now open for the 2025 season! Park Shelters are available to reserve from May 1 - September 30. The shelter at West Fenwick Park is available to reserve for groups to 25!

Learn more about all of the available rentals AND how you can now check shelter availability online at *MyKentParks.com/Rentals*! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/Rentals?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

As a reminder, all reservations must be completed in person at the Kent Commons Community Center. Call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100 if you have any questions.

 




tossball [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/sports-athletics/youth-sports?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Registration is now closed for all Spring sports.

If you would still like to sign your child up for T-Ball/Tossball, Soccer, or Volleyball, late registrations will be taken on a space-available basis.

Call the Kent Commons Community Center at 253-856-5100 to inquire about availability and register over the phone! " "




lifeguard [ https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/cityofkent/External/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

We are looking for trained, certificated lifeguards to join our team for the 2025 Summer season! Apply today and help make beach season at Lake Meridian Park safe & fun for everyone! 

Interested applicants must be 16+ and have the required certifications.*For more information, or to apply click here! [ https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/cityofkent/External/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*






Kent Parks Spring/Summer Guide

parks guide [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Our 2025 Spring/Summer Recreation Guides mailed out today and will be arriving in your mailbox soon.

Registration for Spring and Summer programs will open on Tuesday, March 11 at 8am. Registration for Adaptive Recreation opens Wednesday, March 12 at 8am.

Browse a digital copy of the new guide online now at MyKentParks.com/Register! [ http://mykentparks.com/register?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Our Parks team has assembled another amazing line-up of programs, events, and more for you to enjoy. From day camps and FREE summer concerts to youth sports and programs for Adults age 50 and older, there is truly something for everyone.



jobs of the month [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/human-resources/career-opportunities?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

 

We're hiring! Check out our featured jobs and find great opportunities on our hiring page at *jobs.kentwa.gov [ https://jobs.kentwa.gov/jobs?page_number=2&page_size=10&sort_by=headline&sort_order=ASC&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*





kent works app [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/public-works?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

The KentWorks app lets you access information and improve your neighborhood and community by reporting *non-emergency issues* to the city. You can request a service, report a problem and find information about the City of Kent all from your mobile device in just a few taps!







kentnow [ https://open.spotify.com/show/36b7AAD35koKHGn8d4FTIm?si=3adff7653f4641f1&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Join Tracy, Josh and Kyle as they update you on the important, fun, and interesting things happening in the City of Kent!

This week on the pod, the team talks to City of Kent Parks Marketing and Engagement Coordinator Haleigh Elliott to talk about the Parks Spring/Summer guide coming out soon. Don't miss the latest in city business and find out what's happening in Kent this weekend!

Listen now on:
?? Apple Podcasts *apple.co/3J2UMkd [ https://t.co/kiMUAwAMdU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Spotify *spoti.fi/3GNCeli [ https://t.co/MccBJhOIlp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Amazon Music *amzn.to/3jjaOvU [ https://amzn.to/3jjaOvU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



parks spotlight [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/spotlight-series?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

Join us on Friday, March 21 for Lúnasa.

Formed in 1997, Lúnasa has long been one of contemporary Irish music’s leading voices. They have performed more than 2,000 shows across 36 countries - grab your tickets and catch them while they're here with us in Kent!

*Get your tickets for the last 2025 Spotlight Series show now! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/spotlight-series?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*






Translations A/文





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*ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਅਨੁਵਾਦ*




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City of Kent, Washington

KentWA.gov [ https://www.kentwa.gov?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]  |  253-856-5200

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