Mayor Ralph's Weekly Update
 Happy Friday Kent,
As you have probably heard by now, an excessive heat warning is in effect from 2 p.m. today through 9 p.m. on Monday.
We're looking at dangerously hot conditions with with highs warming to the 90s and peaking above 100 degrees Sunday and Monday throughout much of Western Washington.
This unusual warmth and record high temperatures will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities and for the elderly and those without air conditioning.
We've partnered to open four different cooling center locations that are open to the public through the weekend, particularly for those that don't have air conditioning or are unhoused or homeless. Please help us spread the word by sharing our posts on Facebook and Twitter.
Cooling Center Locations
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Kent Library
- Friday and Saturday, 12: p.m. - 5 p.m.
212 2nd Ave N
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Kent Valley Ice Centre
- Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
6015 S 240th St
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Catholic Community Services Community Engagement Center
- Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Monday, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
1229 W Smith St
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Kent Memorial Park Building
- Sunday and Monday, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
850 Central Ave N
We're also opening up sprinkler parks for you and your friends, family and pets to enjoy! Please don't touch, turn, move or remove the sprinklers to make sure everyone who wants to can enjoy them. If you notice an issue, please be patient as our park maintenance staff will be monitoring the locations throughout the day.
Pop-Up Sprinkler Parks Locations
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Town Square Plaza Fountain
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Glenn Nelson Park
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Morrill Meadows Park
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Three Friends Fishing Hole
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Lake Meridian Park
Please try to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, stay hydrated, check on children, pets and older adults, and just be smart and stay safe from the heat.
Hope you enjoy the rest of this week's update, find it informative, and find some things that you may be interested in!
- Dana Ralph, Mayor
Quick Updates
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We're offering a free life vest loaner program this year! You can check-out a life vest for a single day or the entire summer season. Call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100 for more information. |
Just a reminder that our 4th of July Splash event is unfortunately cancelled this year. Although things are opening up quickly, this event requires lots of planning, and there was still a lot of uncertainty when we made the decision. Looking forward to it next year! |
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On Thursday the Governor's Office announced a bridge of the statewide eviction moratorium to fill the gap between the expiration date and the housing stability programs put in place by the Legislature. The bridge is effective July 1 through September 30. Learn more here. |
Kent City Council Update
 The Kent City Council met on Tuesday for their biweekly Committee of the Whole meeting. Here's the recap.
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Discussion of Ordinance Amending KCC 15.08.070 to Address Roosters
- The Kent City Council decided to keep the existing city code and monitor feedback from residents.
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City of Kent Q1 2021 Investment & April Financial Report
- Overview of year to year investments, portfolio compliance and April revenue and expenditures.
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Red Light Camera Update from Chief Padilla
- Cameras implemented in 2019 have successfully reduced collisions at intersections.
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PSRC Grant Acceptances for Traffic, Road & Flooding Improvements
- City receiving funds from competitive grant applications for various construction projects.
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Discussion on Boards & Commissions Ordinance
- Council discussed amendments to ordinance governing city boards and commissions, going to consent.
To see past meeting agendas or watch the live recording, go to our website.
Construction Projects Update
 This week we posted our first weekly Construction Projects Update on our social media accounts!
I receive a lot of questions about ongoing projects and how they are coming along, so we have decided to share these once a week so you can keep up on the major projects. You can also take a look at major ongoing construction at BuildKentWA.com!
Convos with Council: Brenda Fincher
 This month for Convos with Council, Councilmember Brenda Fincher will be available to answer questions and talk about what the city and council is working on!
You can sign up for this month's event by registering at the Zoom link here.
Once you're registered, join at 6 p.m. on July 15th for your opportunity to chat with Councilmember Fincher!
To learn more about Brenda, visit our website.
2021 Kent Summer Concerts
 Have you heard? Kent Summer Concerts, our free outdoor concert series, is returning this year!
With everything from country and rock rhythms to R&B and music for kids, this year’s concerts offer something for everyone.
Kent Summer Concerts are presented by Kent Parks, the City of Kent, and Kent Station. We can't wait to kick off this rockin' summer series!
Concerts are offered Wednesday afternoons at Morrill Meadows Park (new location for 2021), Wednesday evenings at Kent Station, and Thursday evenings at Lake Meridian Park.
Current COVID-19 guidelines will apply. Seating will begin one hour prior to concert time, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for each show.
Check out the full line-up online!
Kent Station Night Farmer's Market
We're partnering with Kent Station to host a night farmer's market along the main street on Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. starting July 14 through August 25!
These are the same evenings as the summer concerts, so it's a perfect time and place to come and hang out and enjoy an evening with friends or family.
I am so excited about all of the things this market represents – partnership, food access and community!
As we come out of the pandemic, it's important to find ways to get together again. The market will provide a gathering space, opportunity for farmers to bring healthy food to market and a fun evening at Kent Station
You can learn more at the Kent Station website.
2021 National Night Out Against Crime
 National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police and community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
On the first Tuesday of August (the 3rd this year), residents in neighborhoods throughout the City of Kent and across the nation are asked to turn on their outside lights and spend the evening outside with their neighbors!
All neighborhoods are encouraged to be a part of our National Night Out by registering their neighborhood event. Think about what kind of event will work for you and your neighborhood and invite people to join!
Examples of past events include things like barbecues, potlucks, appetizers, desserts, ice cream socials, baked potato bars, cookies and milk, pie eating contests, water fights, yard sales, tricycle races, cleaning up graffiti, parading though the neighborhood, games, crafts, mini-carnival, or simply set up tables and chairs for people to just visit.
The options are endless! Register your neighborhood to be a part of this event on our website.
We're getting our visiting teams together and are ready to meet you all at your events! We'll be all around the city at different neighborhood events hanging out, answering questions and just chatting!
Cruisin' Kent Car Show
 The Cruisin' Kent Car Show is returning this Saturday, August 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kent Station!
There will be vendor booths, live music and a dj booth, souvenirs, prizes and more! Sponsor show cars will be on Ramsay Way and all other cars will be in the lot behind MOD Pizza.
After the car show, the Relay for Life Ceremony and Celebration benefitting the American Cancer Society will begin in the plaza at 2:00 p.m. and go until 3:00 p.m.
Get more details online at the Kent Station website. This is going to be a great and super fun event, can't wait to be there!
Kent Historical Society Survey
 We're partnering with the Greater Kent Historical Society (GKHS) to better understand how Kent residents view the history of our city!
We're asking residents to take a quick survey - your feedback will help guide decisions on future programs, experiences and exhibits that celebrate our rich history here in Kent. The survey will take 10 minutes to complete and is available in 109 languages.
Complete the survey in just a few minutes today!
FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit
 The Federal Communications Commission has launched a temporary program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
If you're eligible, you can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.
You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit or by calling 833-511-0311.
Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance
 King County's Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance Program (EPRAP) is one of the ways King County is helping residents facing financial hardship and housing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working with community-based organizations, King County will be distributing federal funds for need-based rental assistance to tenants in the county.
This grant is intended to prevent evictions by paying past due and future rent. They will distribute funds equitably and will target limited resources to those with the greatest needs.
An “eligible household” is defined as a renter household where at least one or more individuals meets the following criteria:
- Residence within the King County geographical area
- A lease; or proof of regular recurring rent payments
- Household income at or below 50% of Area Median Income; households can use 2020 income or current income to prove eligibility
Learn more on their website.
PSE Bill Assistance Program
 If you haven't heard, Puget Sound Energy is making an additional $27.7 million in bill payment assistance available through its COVID Bill Assistance Program!
To qualify, customers’ net household monthly income must fall at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and have a past due balance. Customers can receive up to $2,500 per program year in additional bill assistance.
Customers who received energy assistance in the past may automatically receive a grant to forgive past balances due, up to the $2,500 annual limit.
For more information, visit their website.
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