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Remembering Jimmy Carter
Happy Friday, Kent!
Yesterday was a declared National Day of Mourning in remembrance of Jimmy Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981.
His funeral service took place at the National Cathedral in Washington D.C., and all city flags will be at half-staff through Wednesday, January 28 in his honor.
President Carter aspired to make government more "competent and compassionate," increased human and social services, and created the Department of Education.
He provided Americans with an ideal model of post-presidential life, volunteering his time, energy and resources with Habitat for Humanity working to provide housing worldwide.
His legacy reminds us of the importance of humility, service and humanitarian work, and his impact and achievements will inspire many for years to come.
I hope you enjoy this week's update, find it informative, and have a great weekend.
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
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I want to give a shout-out to Puget Sound Fire for sending over two fire engines with seven firefighters as part of a strike team to assist with the ongoing wildfires in Southern California.
Other departments part of this strike team include one engine company from Seattle Fire, one engine from South King Fire & Rescue, one engine from Valley Regional Fire Authority, and a command vehicle from Eastside Fire & Rescue.
Our hearts are with all those being affected by these devastating fires and we look forward to our firefighters returning home safely.
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The new Reith Road Roundabouts are now open to uphill and downhill traffic.
Crews continue to work on curbs, gutters and sidewalks at the southwest corner of Lake Fenwick and Reith Rd.
Glad to see this improvement take shape, which will improve safety at this intersection and improve the flow of traffic.
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Kent 101 is our fun and interactive 8-week civics course that deepens your understanding of 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. Learn more and apply on our website at KentWA.gov/Kent101!
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If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the city's Winter Weather Plan, which has tips and best practices for preparing for winter weather!
The guide 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.
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Kent Parks and Recreation |
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 Thanks to all who came out to our Christmas Tree Recycling event on Saturday at the Service Club Community Park & Ballfields!
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 Jazz at Lincoln Center presents New Orleans Songbook celebrates the composers and inspired songs of the Crescent City (the historic epicenter of jazz!) and will make for one amazing evening. Don’t miss out! Get your tickets for the 2025 Spotlight Series now!
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Our Parks team has kicked off the Campus Park Redevelopment project and need your help!
This park is currently a wooded natural area with steep walking paths but has the potential for so much more. The feedback we receive will help guide this exciting project!
A survey is available online at EngageKentParks.com to collect your input. The survey has been extended and will be up through Friday, February 14
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Applications are now being accepted for the city's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Board!
The goal of the board is to increase engagement, integration, and access to city services for all cultural communities in Kent.
You can learn about the city's work in these areas and the Equity Strategic Plan at KentWA.gov/Race-Equity and apply to be on the board here!
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We’re thrilled to launch Sidewalk Sessions—a brand-new way for our Public Works team and me to connect with you directly in your neighborhood!
Public Works is the backbone of our community. From smooth roads and safe sidewalks to reliable utilities, their work keeps Kent running strong. Through Sidewalk Sessions, we’ll visit neighborhoods across the city to share updates, answer your questions, and hear what’s important to you.
This is your chance to learn more about the incredible work happening behind the scenes to maintain and improve Kent’s infrastructure—and how it all impacts your daily life.
Sign up to bring Sidewalk Sessions to your neighborhood!
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The KentWorks app lets you access information and improve your neighborhood and community by reporting non-emergency issues to the city.
You can request a service, report a problem and find information about the City of Kent all from your mobile device in just a few taps!
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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.
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Transparency is important to us—that's why we have the Advance Kent performance dashboard!
It helps us track and measure our progress toward citywide goals using performance metrics, and it's all public. Check it out at Advance.KentWA.gov.
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