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Mayor Ralph's Weekly Update

Happy Friday!



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Mayor's Update



January 19, 2024




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House Bill 2211 

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mayor testify

Happy Friday, Kent! 

On Tuesday morning, I, along with Council President Boyce, Councilmember Kaur and Councilmember Michaud, testified on House Bill 2211. This would allow our council to vote on a dedicated sales tax - 3 pennies on a $10 purchase - to fund public safety. This is Kent's number one priority this legislative session.

I would also like to thank RFA Chief Brian Carson, Gwen Allen-Carston and Randall Smith for testifying in support of this much needed funding.

*Here is my testimony -*

"Good morning committee members, my name is Dana Ralph, Mayor for the City of Kent, testifying in strong support for HB 2211. I want to express great thanks to Rep. Chris Stearns for sponsoring this proposal.

We have been trying to address the rising crime in our community through accountable and transparent policing for some time– we’ve invested in alternative responses, community court, body cameras, are implementing dash cameras, and more. But we are at the end of what we can do with our existing resources.

We are putting in the work with the resources we have and yet, we have fallen short. Crime is getting worse. In 2023, there were 19 homicides in Kent compared to 4 in 2019. There were 176 aggravated assaults in 23, compared to 74 in 2019. This is not drug possession or property crime – these are serious crimes where people’s lives are lost. Residents don’t feel safe. I hear from my community members daily that this is the number one concern.

People are repeatedly attending our city council meetings and asking the City Council, to “just do something” but without state authorization to increase our resources, there is not much we can do.

I want to highlight that this bill is about funding the entire system – it does not just allow us to hire officers, it also allows to increase our co-responder programs and community court, public defense and programs that help reduce an individual’s interactions with the criminal justice system.

We need a more urgent solution. This bill will allow us to begin hiring more officers and expanding programs by year end.

We urge the Legislature to provide this temporary authority to provide the City Council and the tools to fund public safety – please act NOW in 2024.

Please pass HB 2211 out of committee - Thank you for your time."

*If you would like to learn more about this bill, visit the legislature's website. [ https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2211&Initiative=false&Year=2023&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

There's a lot of wonderful things happening in Kent coming up! Hope you enjoy this week's update and have a great weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor 

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mayor conf 2

Just as soon as we were done with our city council meeting on Tuesday, I jumped on a plane to Washington D.C.  to attend the United States Conference of Mayors. 

It has been a busy couple of days at the annual meeting.



I've attended a few panels and work sessions around infrastructure, economic development, energy grants, AI, fentanyl, mental health and belonging and homelessness.

It is great to learn from cities around the country as well as share what we are doing on these important topics.

mayor conf 1

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mayor conf 3

Thank you, Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin, for inviting Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone and me to meet with Senator Maria Cantwell today.

We had an opportunity to share the impacts of Fentanyl on our communities and discuss solutions and ways the Fedeal government can support our cities.



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Last Saturday, the Washington State Korean-American Day Foundation hosted their 17th annual celebration at the Highline Performing Arts Center. The event showcased a wide variety of performances and speakers to celebrate the rich and diverse culture.

Cities from around the area were invited to write proclamations in honor of Korean American Day on January 13, which Kent happily participated in.

Congratulations to the Washington State Korean American Foundation on another successful event!

korean american day proc

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rotary

At Tuesday night's Kent City Council meeting, I presented a proclamation to the Kent Rotary Club to celebrate its 65th Anniversary.

Kent Rotary has established and contributed to numerous programs which benefit our community, and we are grateful for the work they have done!



I also proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Special thanks to King County Sheriff Deputy Andy Conner, a representative from the Genesis Project, for accepting the proclamation and recognizing the significance of human trafficking and how it’s impacting all of our communities.

The Genesis Project is a non-profit dedicated to helping survivors of trafficking and exploitation. *genesisnow.org [ http://www.genesisnow.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

human traffic month

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*The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program application is now 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.

neighborhood

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Kent City Council 

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

cow
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workshop
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kent council 1

*You can also see the full meeting agendas, minutes and livestream recordings on our website. [ https://kentwa.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

As a reminder, the council has switched back to the Committee of the Whole format, so business that was previously discussed at meetings throughout the week is back to being before our regularly scheduled Workshop and council meetings.

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hockey

Catch the action this weekend when the T-Birds take on the Tri-Cities Americans at 6:05 p.m. Saturday night, and the Wenatchee Wild Sunday night at 5:05 p.m.at accesso ShoWare Center!  



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Coffee with the Chief 

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coffee with the chief

Join Chief Padilla and the Kent Police Department for Coffee with the Chief!

?? Thursday, February 29
?? 8 - 10 a.m.
?? Maggie's on Meeker (307 W. Meeker St)

The KPD staff will also be on hand to answer any questions.
We look forward to seeing you there!

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cider and ale trail

Beer & cider lovers, this one’s for you!

The Kent Downtown Partnership 2024 Cider & Ale Trail is set for Friday, March 8, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m. There will be some of the best beer and cider brewers, and distilleries together for a fantastic night of tasting, live music, dining and shopping in historic downtown Kent. *Get your tickets now! [ https://www.downtownkentwa.com/event/cider-ale-trail-2/?fbclid=IwAR2MdMDjyDWNu2Tg6RQs_y7vx7OGOcmNjeAaRjaKkX7tsmqr0Ultel7z-2w&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Kent 101

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new kent 101 spring

Kent 101 is a free program that offers residents the opportunity to better understand how local government works through civics classes, interactive activities and tours. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.

It covers the roles and work of city leadership, staff and departments and more! This program is perfect for:


* High school students looking for career inspiration.
* College students who need more experience before joining the work force
* Working adults who want to have a stronger understanding about government work.
* Retirees looking to be more involved in their community.

The Spring 2023 Session will be February 8, 2024 - April 4, 2024, with classes every Thursday at Kent City Hall Chambers from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

*Learn more and apply on our website at KentWA.gov/Kent101! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/kent-101?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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kent works app

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!



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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 ]*


jobs of the month

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tball

Registration is now open for all Spring Youth Sports.
Learn more about Volleyball, Soccer, T-Ball, Tossball, and more online at MyKentParks.com/Register.



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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.

Park and Rec Commission

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KBAB

Do you want to be more involved in your city? Consider joining the Bicycle Advisory Board, which advises our City Council, Mayor and staff on projects, policies and programs that affect bicycling conditions. *Learn more on how to get involved here!* [ https://www.kentwa.gov/government/boards-commissions?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]



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Spotlight Series 

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Spotlight series

The 2023-2024 Spotlight Series has been such a hit so far, and the next performance in the line-up is one you will not want to miss!

The next show is *Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles *on Friday, January 26, 2024. Get tickets and *see the line-up of performances for the 2024 season online! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/spotlight-series?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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The Kent Parks ShoWalk program is a free, indoor walking program offering a warm and dry place to walk and stay active during the cold, wet months.

*Check out the schedule here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/programs-activities/adult-fitness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*


showalk

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parks guide

There's still time to register for one of our Winter programs!

From preschool classes to offerings for adults 50+ and everything in between, our Parks team offers something for everyone to enjoy. 

Browse a digital copy or register online or register* online* [ https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/wakentwt.wsc/splash.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] or by phone, mail, or fax. Participants can also register by walking into the Kent Commons or Senior Center during regular operating hours.



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Exciting news for Kent's vibrant business community! The City of Kent, in partnership with Business Impact NW, is excited to announce a three-year initiative designed to empower our local entrepreneurs.

If you are a small business operating in Kent, you will benefit from a network of connections and resources that are not only extensive but also easy to navigate, ensuring that businesses can focus on growth and long-term sustainability. To learn more and sign up for services, visit *Business Impact NW - City of Kent [ https://businessimpactnw.org/cityofkent/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*


Business Impact NW

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raskc

Get your furry friends licensed with *Regional Animal Services of King County [ https://kingcounty.gov/depts/regional-animal-services.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* to help get them back to you if they're ever lost! 

Your license also helps fund RASKC's life-saving animal shelter work. They reunite lost pets 24/7 and provide shelter pet care 365 days a year.




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Don't forget to check out the KentNOW podcast! I join Kyle, Josh and Tracy to discuss the progress report and our legislative agenda! Check out the new season now!
?? 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 ]*


KentNow

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Translations A/文

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translations

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