On Sunday, we commemorated the Grand Re-Opening of the Kent Commons Community Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony and free community event that activated all of the amazing new spaces inside the Kent Commons.

Hundreds of you came to join in on the festivities! It was a great way to celebrate the culmination of the building’s refresh.  

At Tuesday night's Kent city council meeting, I recognized  Bike Everywhere Month, which recognizes bicycling as a popular and economical mode of transport, supported by the city, and was accepted by KBAB Chair Wendy Graves and Julie Dunn.

Also, on Tuesday night, I presented Commander Michael Armstrong with the proclamation for National Corrections Officers Week (May 1-7), which recognizes corrections officers for their service and dedication as law enforcement professionals.

The final proclamation of Tuesday night's city council meeting was presented to Chief Padilla for National Police Week (May 11-17). This recognizes the Kent Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies for the hard work they do every day to keep our community safe.

Our next Green Kent is tomorrow! 

Volunteers will join Kent Parks staff at North Meridian Park from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. These volunteer conservation events are a great way to get more involved, connect with neighbors, and give back. And for students, they are a great way to earn valuable, hands-on volunteer hours! 

I cannot wait to see all that we accomplish this year through our Green Kent program with the support of our amazing Kent community. Registration is now open for all upcoming events! Sign up as a volunteer today online at MyKentParks.com/GreenKent.

Our annual Bike Rodeo event is a fun, interactive, non-competitive skills course designed for kids to improve their bike handling and traffic safety skills. 

Kids will learn about stop signs, crosswalks, approaching corners as well as being considerate around other bikers and pedestrians. 

The program will include helmet fittings, helmet giveaways, a bicycle skills course and bike safety checks. 

If you would like to volunteer, please email KentBikeRodeo@gmail.com.

📅Saturday May 17 
⏰10 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
📍Kent YMCA 

King County has been selected as one of five regions in the U.S. for Comcast RISE Grants. This means 100 small businesses in King County will receive over $3 million in grants for monetary, marketing, and technology support. Applications are open from May 1-31 at ComcastRISE.com, with winners announced in August.

Just a reminder that Linda Heights Park is closed for construction on the Sewer Pump Station located at the park.

The pump station will be relocated closer to the roadway for maintenance access and updated to current standards.

While the City's Public Works team completes the project, the park will also be regraded, and a new pedestrian walkway will be added.

For more information, visit KentWA.gov/Projects

ReCode Kent is an initiative to update city zoning code to improve the supply, types, affordability and quality of housing while streamlining permitting.

We're updating our development requirements in the Kent City Code and design standards to align with state mandates and implement the goals of the Kent Comprehensive Plan.

Learn more online at Engage.KentWA.gov/ReCodeHousing.

Construction has officially started on Ezee Fiber’s high-speed fiber network here in Kent!

As work continues in neighborhoods across the city, Ezee Fiber has launched an online hub to help residents stay informed. You’ll find answers to frequently asked questions, construction updates, and information about available services at ezeefiber.com/kent.

We are kicking off Paw-Fest weekend, where Kent City Hall becomes Kent Kitty Hall!

It's where all the cuddliest, cutest adoptable kittens and cats will be available for adoption thanks to Regional Animal Services of King County.

This is a purr-fect time, to find your furever friend! No kitten around!

📅 Thursday, June 5
⌚ 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.
📍 Kent City Hall 

It's Bike Everywhere Month!  This month, you'll find exciting events all over the region, including our annual Bike Rodeo and Bike Ride of the Month—all to encourage everyone to hop on their bikes and explore. Whether commuting to work, running errands, or taking a leisurely ride, every pedal stroke counts.

The Kent Police Department is accepting applications for this year's Teen Police Academy on June 24–26.

This hands-on experience is open to current Kent sophomores, juniors, seniors, and 2025 graduates who want to explore careers in law enforcement or learn more about the specialty units that serve our community.

Participants will dive into topics like K9, SWAT, detectives, narcotics, building searches, and mock scenarios.

📅 Apply by May 29
📧 Questions? Contact Stacy Judd at sjudd@kentwa.gov or 253-856-5883.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see what it’s like behind the badge!

Next week is National Police Week. We want to thank the Kent Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies, for the sacrifices they make every day to keep our community safe. We appreciate them every day, but especially next week!

A big thank you to everyone who came out for Hops & Cops Wednesday night at the Harp restaurant and bar. Great food, awesome atmosphere, and lots of excellent company.

Call before you dig!

Anytime you need to excavate for a home project, state law requires you to notify utility companies to avoid dangerous or costly damages.

Notify utilities of your intent to dig by calling 811 or by making an online request a few days before you plan to break ground. call811.com

DigSafeWA.org is your online resources for digging safely in Washington.

Want to guarantee you’re represented in future regional transportation plans?

Check your mailbox from now until June for an invitation to complete the Puget Sound Regional Travel Study.

Invited households will receive a gift card for participating! To learn more, visit: survey.psrc.org

We're hiring! Check out our featured jobs and find great opportunities on our hiring page at jobs.kentwa.gov

We're updating our ADA Transition Plan for facilities in the public right-of-way and we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts at Engage.KentWA.gov/ADA

Our goal is to improve accessibility around the city to enable all people to get around safely and easily.

The City of Kent is accepting applications for our Parks & Recreation Commission! 

Multiple seats are available. Commissioners work with staff to provide input on planning efforts that influence the city’s parks system.

Things like planning, funding, rules, programs, and more. It’s a great way to get more involved with the Kent community.

Our Bicycle Advisory Board is accepting applications for new members.

Members advise the council, mayor and staff on projects, policies and programs that affect cycling conditions in Kent!

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!

Get your furry friends licensed with Regional Animal Services of King County to help get them back to you if they're ever lost! 

Your license also helps fund RASKC's life-saving animal shelter work. They reunite lost pets 24/7 and provide shelter pet care 365 days a year.

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!