Happy New Year!

Happy Friday, Kent! 

I wanted to wish you and your family a Happy New Year as we all look ahead to 2025 and reflect on these past twelve months. It has been a great year for Kent, and I am excited about what the future holds for our city.

This week's email newsletter is short with a few reminders, have a great weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor

This is just a reminder that Kent City Hall, the Centennial Center, Kent Commons, the Senior Activity Center, and Kent Municipal Court will be closed on Wednesday in observance of New Year's Day. Happy New Year!

Just a reminder that all forms of fireworks are illegal in Kent. You can report violations by calling our non-emergency line at 253-852-2121. Please do not use 911 to report fireworks unless there is an immediate safety concern.

Kent 101 is returning for a Spring Session in 2025! If you haven't heard about it before, Kent 101 is our fun and interactive 8-week civics course that deepens understanding about local government and how it all works. 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, or retirees looking to be more involved in their community. Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2025 session that starts in February! The deadline to apply is January 30, 2025.

Apply for Boards & Commissions 

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.

Interested in serving the Kent community? Applications for a Fire Department member position is available for the city's Disability Retirement Board. The board reviews medical and disability claims made by police officers and firefighters.

Drinks in the Driveway

We are now booking Spring and Summer dates for Drinks in the Driveway!

Our program brings city leaders to neighborhood councils/associations to discuss resident issues.

If you want to get on the list, sign up at bit.ly/3VLfKsh

Link Light Rail 

Transit changes are coming to south King County, and King County Metro want to hear from you. They are adding connections to future light rail stations, enhancing east-west routes, and more!

Give your feedback on proposed changes to transit services in South King County by attending a virtual open house or share your thoughts in a survey at bit.ly/3BiXJM8.

We recently updated our Winter Weather Plan, which has tips and best practices for preparing for winter weather. It explains the city’s capabilities and strategies for maintaining roadways, communication and public safety during rain, snow and ice. It also has our anti-icing and plowing routes as well as details on our roadway response priorities during weather events. Check it out at KentWA.gov/Winter.

Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Jeremy Perkins, our December Employee of the Month!

Jeremy was hired in 2018 as a Combination Building Inspector in the Economic and Community Development Department.

Jeremy performs a variety of work and site inspections related to the regulation of construction work and conditions involving the development, use, and maintenance of land and structures. He helps to secure compliance with pertinent State and City building, mechanical, plumbing, energy, and related construction codes and approved plans.

Jeremy was nominated because he has always shown respect and courtesy to fellow employees and to customers. He regularly works to improve himself and actively seeks opportunities to become more knowledgeable in his job duties. He is prompt, hardworking, self-motivated, and has become a leader in the building inspector group.

Jeremy is an amazing teacher and selflessly shares his time and knowledge with new hires. One of Jeremy’s coworkers said when he was first hired, Jeremy always answered his calls and would stop what he was doing to guide him to an answer.

Jeremy continuously embraces our values, and we celebrate him as December’s Employee of the Month. Thank you and congratulations, Jeremy!

Sign up for Drive Kent traffic alerts to stay ahead of the curve on road closures due to weather or construction.

Winter Parks Guide

A new season of FUN is here!

Registration for Kent Parks Winter programming is now open. From NEW Youth programs to outdoor adventures for Adults age 50+ and everything in between, our Parks team has curated another season of incredible offerings – there is something for everyone in the family!

If you still need a guide, copies are available at the Kent Commons Community Center and the Kent Senior Activity Center or browse a digital guide online. Register online today at MyKentParks.com/Register!

2024-25 Spotlight Series 

Tickets are now on sale for all shows. Read more about the performers, see ticket prices, and purchase tickets online at KentWA.gov/SpotlightSeries.

Indoor Park is back at the Kent Commons Community Center! On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:30-11am, drop by with your little one to experience a traditional playground brought indoors! No registration is required. Open to all kids 10 months to 4.5 years old. Cost is $2 per visit for the first child and $1 for each additional child. Come by and PLAY!

Campus Park Redevelopment Project 

Our Parks team is preparing to kick off the Campus Park Redevelopment project.

This park is currently a wooded natural area with steep walking paths but has the potential for so much more. We need you to provide the Parks team with your feedback to help guide this exciting project!

Activity boards are currently posted at the Kent Library, located at 212 2nd Ave N. Stop by now through January 6 to provide your input! 

If you can’t make it to the library, take the survey online at EngageKentParks.com! Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of Campus Park.

The Kent Parks ShoWalk program is back at accesso ShoWare Center! This free indoor walking program offers a warm, safe place to walk on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings during the cold, dark months of Winter. Learn more and check out program dates online!

Don't forget to check out the new episode of the KentNOW podcast!  Tracy, Josh and Kyle recap the year with some funny moments, and you get an inside look at my 2024 progress report! Listen to new and previous episodes on: 🔊 Apple Podcasts apple.co/3J2UMkd 🔊 Spotify spoti.fi/3GNCeli 🔊 Amazon Music amzn.to/3jjaOvU

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