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 Happy Friday, Kent!
As the Vice-chair of Transportation and the New Economy for United States Conference of Mayors, I spent last week with more than 40 mayors gathered in Phoenix for the USCM’s 2025 Winter Leadership Meeting.
We discussed the most pressing issues facing our cities and strategized on ways to work with all levels of government to help our communities continue to thrive.
I had the opportunity to discuss the importance of direct funding for cities for transportation projects with Congressman Rick Larsen, Ranking Member of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Direct funding means cities can complete projects we know have the most benefit to our residents.
My focus will always be bringing resources to Kent.
Hope you enjoy the update and have a great weekend!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
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On Wednesday night, I attended Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus’ State of the City address! It was great to hear about Auburn’s accomplishments and the vision for what’s ahead.
I was happy to join King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell, Renton Mayor Armando Pavone, Algona Mayor Troy Linnell, and Tukwila Mayor Tom McLeod in supporting Mayor Backus and the Auburn community.
Our cities share many of the same challenges and opportunities, and working together ensures we’re building a stronger, more connected region for everyone.
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Earlier this week, aerospace and space industry leaders gathered for the Winter Quarterly Meeting of the Kent Valley Air & Space Manufacturing Roundtable, hosted by Orion Industries in Auburn.
The group is making significant strides in tackling shared challenges, from workforce development and testing facilities to supply chain resilience and industry advocacy.
Key discussions focused on strengthening connections between industry and education, including the development of a speakers bureau and efforts to align higher education curricula. Participants also explored opportunities for local joint ventures and securing stronger state and federal support.
With momentum building, the roundtable continues to drive collaboration and innovation, ensuring the Kent Valley remains a competitive hub for aerospace and space manufacturing. Stay tuned for updates as these efforts take shape!
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I would like to invite you to this year's State of the City address! The event will be on Thursday, March 20 at Kent-Meridian High School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
We've had a great year with so much to celebrate. I'll share stories of the city's success, what we've accomplished, and what's on the horizon.
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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The Kent Valley is one of the largest warehousing and distribution centers in Washington State and generates a significant portion of the State's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The City of Kent comprises a significant portion of the Kent Valley industrial center, so that means Kent receives ample sales taxes from all the economic activity, right?
Sadly, no.
Sales tax sourcing laws changed in 2008 from origin to destination-based, and the Kent community has suffered ever since while other cities benefit from our losses.
We are asking the Legislature to uplift Kent and are thankful to the legislators working on a solution. KentWA.gov/SST.
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Our Residential Recycling Event is tomorrow!
Instead of going to the landfill as trash, all collected items will be reused or recycled! Learn more about accepted items at KentWA.gov/Recycle
📅 Saturday, March 1
⌚ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Hogan Park (24400 Russell Road)
*Paint will not be accepted at our upcoming mini collection events.
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Congratulations to our February 2025 Employee of Month, Business and Capital Analyst KateLynn Jennings!
Katelynn was hired in 2018 by the Human Services Division of our Parks Department as an Accounting Services Assistant. She was amazing in that role and earned a promotion to her current position in 2024.
Her duties include assisting the Parks Planning and Development Division in our Recreation and Community Services Department by performing professional project fiscal duties.
KateLynn was nominated by her co-workers because of her exceptional work ethic, and her eagerness to help others. Her expansive knowledge base makes her a valuable resource for our Kent Parks, and she embodies our city’s values by her selfless approach to her duties.
Her co-workers heavily praised her consistent level of teamwork both in and outside her assigned work group. Her patience, expertise and mentorship have ensured a smooth year for the Parks Human Services Team and in their words, “we are incredibly grateful to have her on our team”.
KateLynn continuously embraces our city values, and we celebrate her as February’s Employee of the Month. Thank you KateLynn and congratulations!
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Join us for the next Coffee with the Chief!
📅 Wednesday, March 5
⌚ 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
📍 Cutters Point Coffee
Come mingle with the Chief and Kent PD staff and enjoy a cup of coffee!
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The Cider and Ale Trail is back with some of the best cideries, breweries and distilleries for a fantastic night of tasting, live music, dining and shopping in historic downtown Kent.
📅 Friday, March 7
⌚ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
📍 Historic Downtown Kent
Get your tickets now!
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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. We’ll visit neighborhoods across the city to share updates, answer 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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 Chief Padilla promoted two Kent Officers to the rank of Sergeant last week in a double ceremony witnessed by family, co-workers, and friends. Council President Kaur swore the Sergeants into their new duties as a private and public commitment to the department and the community.
Sergeant Jago was hired 6 years ago as a lateral officer after working for two years with Seattle PD. His service includes Patrol Officer, SWAT, Field Training Officer, (FTO), Traffic Officer, Firearms and Defensive Tactics Instructor, and Drone Operator. He has also held the additional leadership role as a board member for KPOA. “When I think of Greg, the traits that come to mind are, competent, subject matter expert, intelligent, dependable, invested, trustworthy, and genuine.” -Chief Padilla
Sergeant Silas was hired as a lateral officer after working for the City of Santa Cruz Police Department for just over six years as a Police Officer and Law Enforcement Park Ranger. His assignments have included Patrol Officer, FTO, Valley Civil Disturbance Unit, (VDCU), Drone Operator, CSI, and Peer Fitness Coach. Chief Padilla stated that when co-workers speak about Sergeant Silas, they list his attributes as quiet confidence, competent, natural leader, reliable, trustworthy, and invested in our mission.
Congratulations Sergeant Jago and Sergeant Silas!
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Chief Padilla had the honor of presenting the Chief’s Award for Citizen Commendation to Carlos Gomez, Victor Gonzalez Marquez, and Ruby Sanchez Mendoza for their quick actions that saved the life of a six-year-old boy.
Last December, the child was playing with his sibling, and they placed a zip tie around his neck. The zip tie tightened when they tried to remove it, causing the child to panic. The boy was struggling to breath, collapsed, and began to turn purple. Ruby, found Mr. Marquez and Mr. Gomez working nearby, and they ran to the child while calling 911 for help. It was dark outside, so they used a flashlight and a cutting tool to carefully cut the zip tie off his neck. The child immediately received CPR, which was continued by a KPD Officer, Fire Fighters and Medics. The child was transported for treatment and survived.
Mr. Marquez and Mr. Gomez were honored and received their awards in person at the Kent City Council meeting on February 18.. Without their quick lifesaving actions and Ruby’s call to the men for help, the little boy’s chances of survival would have been slim. Let's give a huge thank you to these Kent heroes who intervened to save this little boy’s life.
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Interested in starting a Neighborhood Block Watch or revitalizing an old one? Come learn how to start a Block Watch from Kent PD's Community Education Unit and Neighborhood Response Team!
To Register email:
West Hill/Valley Sara Wood swood@kentwa.gov
East Hill Stacy Judd sjudd@kentwa.gov
📅 Tuesday, March 11
⌚ 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.
📍 Kent City Hall
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Bring the kids to Kent Kids' Arts Day at the Kent Commons Community Center on Saturday, March 8!
Young artists from Pre-K to Grade 4 are invited to join the Kent Parks team for a day full of arts & crafts fun.
Attendees will enjoy live entertainment, onsite food trucks, and projects led by professional, local artists. Cost is $10 per child. Tickets can be purchased at the door! Adults and kids 2 and under are FREE.
📅 Saturday, March 8
⏰ 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 Kent Commons Community Center
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Kent Parks and Recreation |
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Last call to register for our Spring Soccer and Volleyball leagues!
REGISTRATION DEADLINES: - Soccer: Tuesday, March 4 - Volleyball: Tuesday, March 4 The deadline to register for T-Ball/Tossball was Tuesday, February 25. Registration is still being taken on a space-available basis.
Learn more about these programs (and more Kent Parks offerings!) by visiting MyKentParks.com/Register.
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Indoor Park is back at the Kent Commons Community Center! On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m., 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!
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A new season of fun is right around the corner!
The 2025 Spring/Summer Recreation Guides will land in mailboxes next week. Our Parks team has assembled another amazing line-up of programs, events, and more for you to enjoy. From day camps and FREE summer concerts to youth sports and programs for adults aged 50 and older, there is something for everyone.
Registration for Spring and Summer programs will open on Tuesday, March 11 at 8am. Registration for Adaptive Recreation opens Wednesday, March 12 at 8am.
We're hiring! Check out our featured jobs and find great opportunities on our hiring page at jobs.kentwa.gov
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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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 Join Tracy, Josh and Kyle as they update you on the important, fun, and interesting things happening in the City of Kent!
This week on the pod, the team talks to City of Kent Parks Marketing and Engagement Coordinator Haleigh Elliott to talk about the Parks Spring/Summer guide coming out soon. Don't miss the latest in city business and find out what's happening in Kent this weekend!
Listen now on:
🔊 Apple Podcasts apple.co/3J2UMkd
🔊 Spotify spoti.fi/3GNCeli
🔊 Amazon Music amzn.to/3jjaOvU
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 Our penultimate show of the season, Karla Bonoff, is SOLD OUT! Tickets are still available our FINAL show of the 2024-2025 line-up, but are selling quickly! Join us on Friday, March 21 for Lúnasa.
Formed in 1997, Lúnasa has long been one of contemporary Irish music’s leading voices. They have performed more than 2,000 shows across 36 countries - grab your tickets and catch them while they're here with us in Kent!
Get your tickets for the last 2025 Spotlight Series show now!
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