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Dear Kent Residents,
With Councilmember Brenda Fincher finishing up her third and final term this year, we will be celebrating her 12 years of service on the Council with a reception right before our final Council meeting of the year. Join us on December 9 from 6:30-7:00 p.m. at the Kent City Hall lobby, where there will be some sweets and a time to honor Councilmember Fincher's service to the city.
Also, as we wrap up November, I hope you’re finding time to pause, reflect, and enjoy moments with family and friends. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our community and to work together toward a brighter future.
Wishing all our families a warm and happy Thanksgiving!
Warm regards,
Satwinder Kaur
President, Kent City Council
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Operations
- A new IT software subscription and the renewal of an existing HR software subscription were sent to Council for approval.
- A contract amendment that extends Kent’s interlocal agreement with the City of Maple Valley for municipal court services through 2026 was sent to Council for approval.
ECD
- An ordinance to update and clarify development standards for communal residences to comply with new state co-living requirements was sent to Council for adoption.
- An ordinance amending Kent City Code by adding infrastructure improvement exemptions to facilitate small-scale infill development was sent to Council for adoption.
Parks
- Amendments to two contracts for conflict public defense services was sent to Council for authorization.
- A lease agreement for golf and maintenance carts for Riverbend Golf Complex was sent to Council for authorization.
Public Works
- A goods and services agreements for the City's 2026 water treatment chemical supply was sent to Council for authorization.
- An ordinance for the acquiring of property rights for the South 224th Street Corridor Project-Phase III was sent to Council for adoption.
- A resolution updating the reasonable and safe maximum speed limits on certain designated streets was sent to Council for adoption.
- Public Works staff shared on the 2026 Annual Solid Waste Rate adjustment.
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Planning staff provided another update on the ReDiscover Downtown Plan and seek Council’s insight on the urban design framework and potential implementation strategies.
Additionally, GIS staff from multiple City departments provided an overview of the City’s GIS system.
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Public Recognitions
- Mayor proclaimed November 29 to be Small Business Saturday.
- As a result of the City's 2025 Employee Fall Giving Campaign, the City's Employee Charity Committee presented a check worth over $14,000 to this year's charity of choice: Children's Therapy Center.
Public Safety Report
- A new police officer was sworn in.
- Chief Padilla gave a presentation on how Flock Cameras have been used in the City and how they've benefited the KPD, and also shared about the upcoming Shop with the Cop event in partnership with Kent Youth and Family Services.
Consent Calendar
- The 212th Water Treatment Facility Filter Media Installation Project was accepted as complete.
- An appointment to the Arts Commission was confirmed.
- A reimbursement agreement with King County for the Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park pathway was authorized.
- Several ordinances were adopted by Council. The ordinances included:
- (1) updating and clarifying city development standards for communal residences to comply with new state co-living requirements,
- (2) amending various sections of the Kent City Code to update the City’s general business licensing provision,
- (3) approving the property tax levy for the 2026 budget,
- (4) approving the 2026 Mid-Biennial Budget Modifications,
- (5) amending the capital facilities element of the Kent Comprehensive Plan, and
- (6) amending sections of the Kent City Code to adjust the fee schedule for school and fire impact fees.
- An amendment to the City's agreement for public defense services was approved.
Bids
- Bids for both the Blue Boy Reservoir Vent Replacement Project and the 83rd Ave S & 132nd Ave SE Sidewalk Improvements Project were awarded.
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The below information is provided by our councilmembers
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Satwinder Kaur, Council President
Puget Sound Regional Council’s Growth Management Policy Board
I attended the GMPB meeting, where we discussed two key regional priorities — growth centers and housing.
The Board reviewed the Regional Centers Redesignation, which ensures that major urban centers across the Puget Sound region—like downtown Tacoma, Everett, and several Seattle districts—continue to meet standards for growth, transit access, and local planning. These centers are essential to directing infrastructure investments and supporting sustainable, connected communities.
We also received the 2025 Housing Monitoring Update, highlighting this “Year of Policy Change.” The report showed ongoing challenges in affordability and homelessness, despite strong policy momentum and new state housing laws. The discussion focused on how local jurisdictions can use new housing data to better meet state housing targets and support residents across all income levels.
As always, I continue to advocate for balanced growth, housing options for all families, and strong local partnerships to make our communities more resilient and inclusive.
AWC Federal Legislative Priorities Committee:
We worked on legislative priorities for AWC and all the cities in Washington. We also had the presentation on Federal Transportation updated. Congress is now preparing the next major transportation bill as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) expires in 2026. IIJA has funded thousands of local projects nationwide, including safety and road improvements that directly benefit communities like ours.
The National League of Cities is advocating to protect local priorities, including keeping access to competitive grants, improving rail safety, speeding up permitting, and ensuring cities receive a fair share of transportation funding. With Congress considering potential cuts, now is an important time for local voices to stay engaged to keep critical investments flowing to our communities.
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This month, I had the chance to join many wonderful community events across Kent. I stopped by the Kent Parks Holiday Craft Market at the Senior Center and picked up some great local gifts - always a fun way to support our talented artists and crafters.
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  I also attended Korea Day, where I had the honor of presenting the City’s proclamation to the Consulate General. It was a beautiful celebration of culture, community, and partnership.
Our community’s spirit of service was on full display at the Kiwanis Club Auction at Maggie’s on Meeker, where we helped support the club’s incredible service projects for youth and families.
Ahead of the holiday, I joined Kent PD and Councilmember Zandria Michaud to serve Thanksgiving lunch to our seniors - a tradition that always fills my heart with gratitude.
 This month also included celebrating our community’s preparedness and resilience. I had the honor of speaking at two CERT graduation ceremonies at the Fire Training Center and presenting certificates to graduates stepping up to help keep our neighborhoods safe.
  
And to wrap up the fall season, CM Michaud and I volunteered at our final Green Kent event of the year at Mill Creek Earthworks Park. We had a great turnout of volunteers who helped plant new trees and care for our green spaces — a perfect reminder of the power of community stewardship.
 
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Bill Boyce
Councilmember Boyce serves on:
- Sound Cities Association Public Interest Committee (Member)
- Harborview Board of Trustees
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John Boyd
Councilmember Boyd serves on:
- Puget Sound Fire RFA Governance Board
- Management Coordinator Committee (MCC) member for the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program
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Brenda Fincher
Arts Commission
Sunday, December 7th brings the Boulding Family’s musical celebration of Christmas and the holiday season back to Kent. This annual, multi-generational celebration of the Yuletide season features Irish step dancing, harps, the hammered dulcimer, percussions, storytelling, strings, and more. This is a fun performance to take your children and grandchildren to. There’s even room for audience participation! More information on this and other upcoming concerts is available at https:/www.kentwa.gov/spotlightseries
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Kent Equity & Inclusion Speaker Series
"Bridging Cultures Through Cuisines with Christina Arokiasamy" was held at the Kent Senior Activity Center and was again a time well spent. While this was a shortened version of her usual programs, Christina still took us on a cultural journey as she talked about spices, including their medicinal uses, about foods, her history, and about various countries. The evening culminated with a tasty international meal. The foods and lessons tied directly to Kent’s restaurants and stores. Councilmember Boyd was also in the audience!
Watch for news to come early next year about Christina and Kent being one of the top cities to visit for foodies.
   Public Works
It’s Fall again and that means lots of leaves falling off the trees and onto the ground. Some fallen leaves make their way onto storm drain covers/grates. The problem is this can lead to flooding if they cover storm drains and water is unable to drain through. This can be a major safety problem for pedestrians, bicyclist, and automobiles. Please contact Public Works at 253-856-5600 to let them know if you see anyone blowing leaves out of their yards and sidewalks onto the roadway. Staff will contact and educate them on the proper way to dispose of the leaves and prevent flooding. Neighbors can also remove the leaves from clogged storm drains to allow for the water to drain properly. Remember, only rain down the drain!
76th Avenue South is open again between 212th and 228th!!! You can drive all the way through without detouring. The road raising and culvert work in that stretch is complete.
Mark Your Calendars
We have a date! The 18th Annual Kent International Festival will be Saturday, May 30, 2026, at accesso ShoWare Center. The free community event showcases culture! You’ll experience dance, music, exhibits, and more from around the world right here as Kent brings the world home. If you’re interested in volunteering to perform, have a booth, or to serve on the organizing committee, visit Kent International Festival - Cultural Festival, Applications. Applications for 2026 aren't posted yet but will be soon, so keep an eye out for when they're available.
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Marli Larimer
Councilmember Larimer serves on:
- King County Aging and Disabilities Advisory Council - Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Governance Board
- Kent's Economic and Community Development Committee (Subject matter chair)
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Zandria Michaud
Parks Subject Matter Chair
Thank you to the volunteers who joined Council President Kaur and I at the final 2025 Green Kent event of the year. We planted trees and shrubs in the Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park.
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 180 seniors enjoyed a hot Thanksgiving lunch at the Kent Senior Activity Center. Senior Center staff and volunteers, Kent Police personnel, Council President Kaur, and I served individuals during the event.
Save the Date for Winterfest 2025. The annual tree lighting event and parade will take place on Saturday, December 6, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Town Square Plaza.
Registration is now open for the Christmas Rush Fun Run 5K and 10K events that will be held on Saturday, December 13.
WA Community Forestry Council, member
The Washington Community Forestry Council advises and supports the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in carrying out the mission of the Washington State Urban and Community Forestry Program. The Program's mission is to provide leadership to create self-sustaining urban and community forestry programs that preserve, plant, and manage forests and trees for public benefits and quality of life. The program does this by teaching citizens and decision-makers about the economic, environmental, psychological, and aesthetic benefits of trees. The program also helps local government, citizen groups, and volunteers plant and sustain healthy trees and vegetation throughout Washington.
- During our November meeting, we had an overview of the 2026 state budget and finalized a letter of funding support to the Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove.
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Hops & Cops event at Riverbend Bar and Grill.
 
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Toni Troutner
Councilmember Troutner serves on:
- Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority Governance Board (Chair)
- Regional Transit Committee
- WRIA 9 Watershed Ecosystem Forum (Co-chair)
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