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 Happy Friday, Kent.
The past year was a reminder of what it takes to keep a city steady, responsive, and prepared. From historic storms and flood response to major investments in safety, infrastructure, and community spaces, Kent stayed focused on the work that matters, even when conditions were challenging.
We closed out 2025 facing one of the most intense weather events our region has seen in decades. Because of long-term investments in our levee system and the tireless work of city staff and regional partners, Kent was prepared. Crews worked around the clock to protect homes, businesses, and critical corridors like SR-167, and the city is now focused on supporting recovery for those impacted.
At the same time, important progress continued across the city—crime is down, new light-rail stations are open, parks and community facilities have been improved, and major projects like the Kent East Hill Operations Center are positioning Kent for the years ahead.
This week’s newsletter shares highlights from the 2025 Progress Report and where the city is focused as we move through 2026. Click here if you would like to watch the video.
We’re excited to keep this momentum going as we head into another year of opportunities and growth. Thank you for being part of what makes Kent so special. Have a great weekend, and here’s to another successful year ahead!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
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Just a reminder that all city offices and facilities will be closed Monday, January 19 as we join the nation in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the namesake of King County. |
From facility upgrades to park renovations and arts investment, Kent continued strengthening the public spaces that support connection, wellness, and community life.
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Public safety remains Kent’s top priority. Crime is down to near pre-pandemic levels, and investments in enforcement, accountability, and modern police technology are helping make our city safer. |
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Kent 101 is a free program that offers residents the opportunity to better understand how local government works through civics classes, interactive activities and tours. Participants will receive a certificate of completion.
It covers the roles and work of city leadership, staff and departments and more! 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.
- Retirees looking to be more involved in their community.
The Spring 2026 Session will be February 19, 2026 - April 16, 2026, with classes every Thursday at Kent City Hall Chambers from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2026 session that starts February 19! The deadline to apply is February 15, 2026.
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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Have you ever been curious about what’s being built in your neighborhood or around the city? Check out BuildKentWA.com!
It's a great way for you to find information about new projects that are under construction and coming soon.
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Join your neighbors and staff from our Kent Parks team at Springwood Park TOMORROW, Saturday, January 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a FREE paper cutout art workshop led by local artist Lauren Iida.
All ages are welcome, and no registration is required!
The artwork created during this workshop will inspire the new art benches that will be permanently installed at this newly renovated park. Whatever you create will become a lasting part of the new (and permanent!) public art at this beloved neighborhood park.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity! Questions? Email our Parks team at MyKentParks@kentwa.gov or artist Lauren Iida at contactiida@gmail.com.
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Registration for the 2025-2026 Winter season is open. In case you didn’t receive a guide at home, copies are available at the Kent Commons Community Center and Kent Senior Activity Center, or you can view our digital guide online!
From NEW Youth & Teen programs to outdoor adventures for adults age 50+ and everything in between, there is something for everyone in the family. Our Parks team has curated some truly amazing programs for you and your families this season that you won’t want to miss.
Register online at MyKentParks.com/Register, in person at the Kent Commons and Senior Center, over the phone, or via mail/fax. If you have questions, call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100 or the Senior Center at 253-856-5150.
With winter upon us, opportunities for kids to get outside and exercise become less and less. The LÜ fitness for kids program is a great option!
LÜ’s Interactive playground get kids up and exercising while also building their mind power. The program gives them an opportunity to combine two things they love: video games and active play! Participants will work together as teams, as well as competing in individual challenges - we have 30+ games to choose from!
Learn more about the LÜ on our website, then sign your child up today!
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Spotlight Series
If you missed tickets for International Guitar Night, don’t miss out on Gadan!
This storming new band blends the drive of Irish Traditional Music and Celtgrass with the soul of folk and Appalachian music…and spices it with unmistakable Italian seasoning!
Tickets: $35 general, $32 senior, $25 youth
For tickets, and to view the full 2025-2026 Spotlight Series line-up, visited us online: KentWA.gov/SpotlightSeries.
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 Indoor Park is held Tuesday-Thursday mornings at the Kent Commons Community Center from 9:30-11am.
No registration required! Just stop by and pay the drop-in fee ($2 for the first child and $1 for each additional child). Come play! For questions or more information, call the Kent Commons Community Center at 253-856-5100.
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 The first annual Kent Parks Family Night Out is Friday, January 23!
Pack up your crew and roll by the Kent Commons Community Center from 5-8pm for a FREE night of family fun.
Explore the building, sample a variety of Kent Parks programs, play carnival-style games, meet your Kent Parks team and instructors, and more!
No registration is required. Call the Kent Commons Community Center at 253-856-5100 with any questions.
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 Congratulations to our January 2026 Employee of the Month, Corrections Administrative Sergeant Rick Armstrong!
Rick joined the City of Kent as a Corrections Officer in 2006 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2015. For nearly two decades, he has provided steady leadership and oversight at our accredited Kent Corrections Facility.
As Administrative Sergeant, Rick serves in many critical roles, including Accreditation and PREA Coordinator, Training Coordinator, Hearings Officer, Acting Commander, Community Liaison, and Programs Supervisor—helping ensure operations meet the highest standards for safety, professionalism, and accountability.
Rick was nominated by his peers for his consistent dedication, positive attitude, and willingness to support others. Most recently, he led the facility through the rigorous state accreditation process, successfully meeting all 172 professional jail standards.
We are grateful for Rick’s leadership, work ethic, and commitment to excellence. Congratulations, Rick!
We all know how quickly pets can escape through an open door or gate no matter how hard we try to keep them safe.
A RASKC pet license helps by providing identification protecting pets 24/7 should they get lost. It also helps fund our pet adoption center and field services in your community.
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We’re working to cut food waste in half by 2030.
Each year, Washington wastes half a million tons of edible food with the largest amount wasted around the holidays.
The time is right to make a change! It’s easy to get inspired to help reduce waste. Be part of the solution with simple tips to save both food and money.
Learn more about what you can do to reduce food waste and save money this holiday season. Visit the Use Food Well website at www.usefoodwell.org.
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 Join Tracy, Kevin, Mark and Kyle as they update you on the important, fun, and interesting things happening in the City of Kent.
New episodes every 2 weeks!
Listen now on:
🔊 Apple Podcasts apple.co/3J2UMkd
🔊 Spotify spoti.fi/3GNCeli
🔊 Amazon Music amzn.to/3jjaOvU
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 The KentWorks app lets you access information and improve your neighborhood and community by reporting non-emergency issues.
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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