Mayor Ralph's Weekly Update
Happy Friday Kent,
We've still got lots going on around the City and plenty of events, programs and opportunities you definitely need to take a look at!
Our Christmas Rush 5K/10K is happening tomorrow—I'm really looking forward to seeing some of the fun and festive costumes you all come up with for the race!
I'm also going live for a virtual town hall event, so mark your calendars for that and join me over the livestream to ask questions and learn more about what the City is working on. Have a great weekend!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
Live Town Hall with Mayor Ralph
 Join me for a virtual Town Hall event over Facebook, Twitter or Instagram Live this Thursday, December 16 at 7 p.m.
I'll be answering questions and sharing information on what the City is working on while baking some holiday cookies!
You can submit your questions for me to answer during the live event chat or to communications@kentwa.gov.
Kent City Council
The Kent City Council held two public committee meetings this week. As always, you can view the agendas, minutes and meeting recordings on our website.
12/07/21 Operations & Public Safety Committee
- Payment of Bills & Monthly Financial Report
- Presentation On Non-Represented Salary Study
- Information On New Conversations
- Consolidating Budget Adjustment Ordinance
- Ordinance Amending Chapter 5.01 KCC, Business Licensing
- Q3 Investment Report & October Financial Reportcheck out our website.
12/06/21 Public Works Committee
- Addendum to Interlocal Agreement for Watershed Basins in WRIA 8
- Transportation Improvement Board Urban Arterial Program Grant for Reith Road
- Transportation Improvement Board Urban Sidewalk Program Grant for Russell Road
- Transportation Improvement Board Urban Sidewalk Program Grant for S 240th Street
- Agreement for On-Call Garbage Cleanup Services for City Property
- Information on Solid Waste Rate Adjustments, Fencing Improvements
39th Annual Christmas Rush
Our 39th Annual Christmas Rush 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk is tomorrow, December 11 at 8 a.m. at Hogan Park on Russell Road!
The event includes a 5K and 10K walk and run along the scenic Green River.
You can still register at 8 a.m. Saturday morning at the race.
All registered participants will be required to show proof of vaccination and/or a negative COVID-19 test from a test provider, laboratory or health care provider within 72 hours of the race.
All details are on the Christmas Rush webpage and the RunSignUp website! Come on out with your friends and family and join us for a fun and festive holiday event.
Parks & Open Space Plan
The Kent Parks Planning & Development team is holding pop-up events throughout the remainder of the December so you can talk with them in person about the development of the new 6-year Parks & Open Space Plan!
Stop by to chat with our team and provide your input on the POSP at the following three events:
- Saturday, December 11
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Kent YMCA
- Tuesday, December 14
11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Kent Commons Community Center
- Saturday, December 18
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
West Fenwick Park
Check out the Kent Parks Facebook Events page for more details, then visit us online to learn more about the POSP!
Spotlight Series
 Thank you to everyone who has joined us for one (or more!) of this season’s Spotlight Series performances – it's been a rockin’ time so far.
The remaining six shows will take place in the New Year. The rest of the season kicks off with International Guitar Night on January 21! Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit KentArts.com.
Winter Parks Guide
If you haven't heard yet, registration is now open for all of the courses, programs and activities featured in our Kent Parks Winter Recreation Guide!
From yoga to softball, to piano and arts, there's something for everyone to participate in and enjoy this season. Take a look through our program guide online and be sure to register soon to secure your spot!
Blood Drives at Kent Station
 Bloodworks Northwest is still holding pop-up blood drives at Kent Station! It only takes an hour to save a life.
They have a special promotion going on right now to enter for a chance to win a 75’’ TV, so head over to their website to learn more about how you can enter and donate blood.
Ride Pingo to Transit
Ride Pingo to Transit is a new on-demand transit service by King County Metro that connects riders to and from Kent Station and the Kent Valley Transit Hub with any destination in the service area!
The service area includes parts of Kent East Hill and the Kent Valley. The goal of this new pilot program is to make transit around Kent easier and more accessible!
If you live, work or go to school within the service area, you can download the Ride Pingo app to request an on-demand shared ride.
You can also use Ride Pingo to Transit by calling 1-855-233-6043 to book a ride, and operators can help you book a trip or answer questions.
Just like in the app, customers who call will be able to indicate how they’d like to pay for their ride. The service costs the same as a Metro bus ride, and all Ride Pingo to Transit vehicles are wheelchair accessible.
You can learn more about the service on King County Metro's website.
2022 Legislative Priorities
As we prepare to head into the new year, we've been working on our most important priorities and requests from the State Legislature for the upcoming legislative session.
You can take a look at our updated 2022 Legislative Priorities on our website.
Kent / Des Moines Light Rail Station
Great progress is being made over on the West Hill at the site of the future Kent / Des Moines Light Rail Station set to open in 2024!
This station is a part of the larger Federal Way Link Extension project, which is extending the light rail from Angle Lake Station in the City of SeaTac to the Federal Way Transit Center.
The 7.8-mile extension includes three stations in Kent/Des Moines near Highline College, South 272nd Street and the Federal Way Transit Center. All three stations are adding parking for a total of 3,200 spaces along the route!
The area around the station will also be redeveloped by Sound Transit—the City of Kent is partnering with Sound Transit to ensure a vision for future development focused on the opportunities we can create through easy access to transit.
Bicycle Advisory Board
Our Bicycle Advisory Board is now accepting applications to fill vacancies!
Board members advise the City Council, Mayor and staff on projects, policies and programs that improve and affect bicycling conditions in Kent.
So if you're an avid cyclist or just want to get more involved in the community and with local government, this could be a great opportunity for you!
Learn more and apply on our website.
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