Mayor Ralph's Weekly Update

Happy Friday, Kent!

It's looking like we're heading into a warm weekend so soak up the sun while you can!

I have a lot of important updates for you this week about events and opportunities happening all around the city, including some great news on the COVID-19 front.

I hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Dana Ralph, Mayor

COVID-19 Update

🔍 Use the Vaccine Locator tool to find vaccine appointments near you.

As of yesterday, anyone age 16 or older is eligible to receive the vaccine!

Other important updates:

• Johnson & Johnson vaccine has been paused in Washington State
• Phase Finder tool has been removed, just use the vaccine locator tool now
• Statewide eviction moratorium extended through June 20
• Utility shutoff moratorium extended through July 31
• Visitations for long-term care facilities and nursing home may resume immediately
• Debt garnishment on federal pandemic payments still prohibited

The state has also determined that with health and safety measures in place, schools can safely provide in-person learning opportunities.

• On Monday, the governor signed an emergency proclamation requiring K-12 schools to provide opportunities for both remote and in-person instruction.
  • April 5: All students in kindergarten through fifth or sixth grade (depending on the school district) must be offered a hybrid option
  • April 19: All remaining K-12 students must be offered a hybrid option
• The proclamation also directs the state Health Care Authority and Department of Health to work on recommendations for supporting behavioral needs of children and youth.

🔍 Use the Vaccine Locator tool to find vaccine appointments near you.

Kent City Council Update

The Kent City Council met on Tuesday for their biweekly workshop and council meeting. We heard from staff, speakers and residents on a variety of programs, services and policies. Check out the highlights!

If you'd like to see past meeting agendas or watch the live recording, go to our website.

April Mask Giveaway Event

We have another free mask event happening this weekend!

Come on out to the accesso ShoWare Center this Sunday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for free face masks and hand sanitizer.

This month we're giving out the Don't Mess With Kent masks! I know a lot of you have been wanting to get your hands on these since our February event was canceled, so be sure to come through!

We're also giving out chicken nugget masks with every bag, so be sure to drive through and add them both to your collection!

Welcome Back to School!

Kent School District welcomed K-6 elementary school students, staff and families back to school for hybrid and in-person learning this week!

I had the opportunity to stop by East Hill Elementary with Council President Troutner Monday morning to welcome back our Blazer Bees. 🐝

I am so glad that our students are returning to school as our community continues to recover from this pandemic.

I saw so many kids that were excited to see their friends and favorite teachers, it really just warmed my heart.

If you have questions about schedules or hybrid learning for Kent School District, visit their website to learn more.

Fun Fact Friday

I just have to say that I love how we are sharing these fun facts. Turns out turtles are in fact slow, and we have a lot of roads that our Kent Public Works crews work hard to maintain on a regular basis. 🐢 

If you ever see our street crews out there, a thank you or nod of the head really goes a long way, they appreciate it.

Blood Drives at Kent Station

We've gotten word that in recent weeks, there has been a decline in blood donations due to vaccine recipients thinking they are not eligible to donate.

This is not true and we’re working to reverse that trend! Even if you have recently been vaccinated, you are still eligible to donate blood if you were already eligible. 

While patient usage of blood has increased to 5% above normal, donations have actually decreased by 12% in the same time period, resulting in Bloodworks collecting 400 units below what they would normally expect.

We need your help to save lives, so if you are eligible, please donate blood!

No walk-ins, guests or people under the age of 16 are permitted to come in, and social distancing as well as mask requirements are still in place.

If you donate, you can also enjoy discounts at Kent Station, so schedule an appointment soon!

S 228th St. Overpass Ribbon Cutting

This morning we officially cut the ribbon at the S. 228th St. Overpass and it is now open to traffic!

This project has been in the works for several years and will now provide a regional connection between the nation's fourth largest warehouse, manufacturing and industrial center right here in Kent with the Ports of Seattle, Tacoma and Sea-Tac Airport.

You can expect reduced traffic delays and a safer route for freight haulers and commuters. The project includes sidewalks, bicycle and pedestrian connections to the Interurban Trail as well! 

I want to thank all of our funding partners, our state legislators, our staff and consultants for all their hard work and support in seeing this project through. 

Convos with Council

Later this month on Thursday, April 29 we are kicking off a new series called Convos with Council, starting with Council President Toni Troutner.

This is an opportunity for you to join a virtual meeting with a different Kent City Councilmember per month to ask questions and have an informal conversation about what the council is working on.

You can sign up for this month's event here.

Light Rail Link Extension

Wanted to share some photos with you of the girders going in at the Sound Transit light rail link extension project site of the future Kent/Des Moines Station!

The station is scheduled to open in 2024 as part of the extension of Central Link to the Federal Way Transit Center. Super excited to see progress on this project. We'll have more updates to share in the future!

Land Use & Planning Board

The Land Use & Planning Board is now accepting applications!

Board members make recommendations to the City Council on code updates, development regulations, comprehensive plan updates and more.

This is a great way to get involved in the community and work with local elected officials on important policies that affect our community.

If you're interested, I definitely encourage you to apply today!

Kent Library is Open

Just want to remind you that the King County Library System is still providing indoor visits at a limited capacity.

The location in Kent is open at 25% capacity for alternating hours. They have taken steps to keep things clean and safe, and regularly sanitize surfaces and ensure that tables and computers are adequately spaced apart. The library system continues to provide online services, as well as by phone and curbside. 

The library system is a great resource and they are open if you need them! The Kent library is located at 212 2nd Ave N, Kent, WA 98032.