It was great to meet with PowerLight COO Bob Zak and other regional leaders to discuss the future of the air and space manufacturing industry in the Kent Valley.

Always a pleasure to better understand the challenges and opportunities that businesses are facing and how we can facilitate and empower our industries and workforce to thrive.

Coffee and Conversation is one of my favorite ways to connect. Thank you to all who joined me Wednesday afternoon at Cutters Point Coffee.

We talked about a variety of things including public safety and police staffing, investments in infrastructure like crosswalks and outcomes of the recent legislative session.

If you were unable to attend, keep an eye on our social media for upcoming dates and locations.

Applications are now being accepted for the Land Use and Planning Board! This board holds public hearings on city codes and ordinances, comprehensive plan updates, and matters typically associated with long range planning.

They advise the mayor and council on policy relating to land use decisions. Learn more and apply online.

Mark your calendar for the 2024 Winterfest Tree Lighting Festival! We're currently looking for businesses, clubs, and community organizations to walk (or drive!) in the 2024 Kent Winterfest parade on Saturday, December 7 at Town Square Plaza.

We would love to have your business or organization join in on the fun! Completed applications should be returned to the Kent Lions Club by email, mail, or fax. Applications must be received by November 27.

EMAIL: kentlions@gmail.com

MAIL: 2024 Kent Winterfest Parade Committee, PO Box 5094, Kent, WA 98064

WSDOT is hosting an online open house, giving an in-depth look at the State Route 509 construction projects that will transform the roadways in SeaTac, Burien, Kent, and Des Moines.

This resource is available until October 25 and provides comprehensive plans, visuals, and the opportunity to share feedback or ask questions.

The open house is designed to highlight the impacts on each community, so Kent residents can easily find the information that matters most to them.

We all know how quickly pets can escape through an open door or gate no matter how hard we try to keep them safe. 

A RASKC pet license helps by providing identification protecting pets 24/7 should they get lost.  It also helps fund our pet adoption center and field services in your community. Get your pet license here!

Kent’s Lodging Tax Advisory Committee is pleased to announce that its grant application window is now open through midnight on October 31.

Nonprofits that attract out-of-town, overnight visitors from more than 50 miles away are encouraged to apply.

This funding is available for a wide range of activities, including business events, conferences, and leisure activities that draw visitors and boost our local economy. We strongly encourage eligible nonprofits to take advantage of this opportunity.

Fall is here and the rain is back! Here's some quick tips for reducing localized flooding in your neighborhood.

• Clear leaves from storm drains
• Keep your curb clear of debris. 
• Throw out waste properly.
• Report areas of concern with KentWorks

The King County Library System is holding a free vaccine clinic where you can get your updated Covid-19 vaccine, pediatric influenza and routine childhood immunizations will be provided by GO-VAX Kids.

📅 Sunday, October 6
🕐 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Kent Library

Ages 6 months and older. Registration is recommended, but not required. Walk-ins welcome as space allows. Uninsured adults needing seasonal vaccines are also invited. For more information visit govaxkids.com.

The Kent Parks team is planning for an exciting project that includes adding a Spray Park at Uplands Playfields!

Through the initial engagement process, we gathered input from residents and developed some preliminary designs.

We now want to know what you, our residents, like about each design or which design is your favorite! Provide your feedback for the Uplands Playfields & Spray Park project online at EngageKentParks.com.

If you are looking to get more involved with the community, apply to join the City of Kent Parks & Recreation Commission! Learn more and apply online at KentWA.gov/BoardsAndCommissions.

The Drop-in Beginner Pickleball class has been such a great hit, our Parks team is extending the program through the end of October!

The class is open to all ages. Drop by the Kent Commons Community Center on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8-9 a.m. through October 30 and learn how to play the game that’s taking the nation by storm!

King County, and counties across the country, are facing behavioral health challenges including growing need for mental health and substance use care, a workforce shortage, and an overdose crisis, impacting residents all across the county, especially children and youth. 

King County recently released a new online survey to learn how the behavioral health system can better serve communities. Learn more and take the survey here.

King County is also hosting in-person listening sessions all across King County. What community members share at these listening sessions will help King County to prioritize how we invest in a system for mental health and substance use care that serves our communities.

Light snacks will be served, and gift cards will be provided as compensation to those who attend. Spanish and ASL interpretation will be available.

See dates and locations for the listening sessions, sign up and more here.

"Hello Mayor, outside of your social media platforms, how can I find out what events are happening around Kent?"

Thanks for your question!

We have a calendar of events that's updated frequently at kentwa.gov. There are some super fun things for every member of the family! 

And, if you're having an upcoming event that you would like to put on the calendar, the process it easy and you can do it right on the page!