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Happy Friday, Kent!
Chief Padilla and I spent some time at the KCLS Kent Library last weekend for El Día de los Niños / El Día de los Libros (Children's Day/Book Day).
The library put together a full day for families, story time, crafts, and a lot of kids excited about books.
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Helping kids build a connection to reading early on makes a difference, and the library continues to be a place where that happens every day.
If you haven’t looked at what’s coming up at the Kent Library, I’d encourage you to take a few minutes and check it out, there are programs happening throughout the week for all ages.
As always, this week's update is full of information about opportunities all around the city! Hope you enjoy and have a fantastic weekend.
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
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Happy National Space Day!
This day was basically made for Kent. 🚀
The Lunar Roving Vehicles used on Apollo missions 15, 16 and 17 were built by Boeing right here in Kent, and they’re still on the moon today.
Not bad for a city with some serious space history!
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Thank you to the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce for hosting this week’s Education and Workforce Summit.
Connecting students to real opportunity, keeping educators aligned with industry, and ensuring employers have access to a skilled workforce are the building blocks of a strong, sustainable economy in South King County.
Grateful for the opportunity to welcome everyone to Kent for such an important conversation.
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Happy International Workers Day!
Today is a day to celebrate the achievements of the labor movement and working people standing up for each other.
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Kent School District was one of 12 districts that brought 1200 students to accesso ShoWare Center for today's Career Showcase.
Students had the opportunity to connect with representatives from the trades, training, education and apprenticeship programs, and employers from across the region.
I loved seeing the engagement and interest from the students. I have no doubt; many walked away with insights into their future careers that they didn't even know where an option was before today.
Way to go LIUNA Local Union 242 for making this event a reality each year. Thank you to all the sponsors for the amazing support.
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Over the weekend, the Consulate General Of India, Prakash Gupta hosted a Vaisakhi Day celebration.
It was a beautiful event including traditional dance and vocal performances. Always grateful for the invitation.
Pictured: Issaquah Mayor Mark Mullet; Sen. Adam Smith; Consulate General of India Prakash Gupta; CM Toni Troutner; Tukwila Mayor Tom McLeod.
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It's Bike Everywhere Month! 🚴♀️
This month, you'll find exciting events all over the region, including our annual Bike Rodeo to encourage everyone to hop on their bikes & explore!
Whether commuting to work, running errands, or taking a leisurely ride, every pedal stroke counts.
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Saturday was Kent PD Medicine Take Back Day.
Thanks to the Community Education team and the DEA for holding this event over the weekend! KPD collected 293lbs of unused/expired medications, helping to protect our community and environment!
For valuable information on substance use prevention and resources visit: https://www.dea.gov/what-we-do/education-and-prevention
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The Middle School Essay Contest is my favorite Kiwanis Club of Kent traditions - 54 years!
The students did an amazing job with their essays - congratulations to all the winners.
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Happy Asian Pacific American Heritage Month!
This month recognizes the unique cultures of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and their contributions to our communities.
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Shout out to West Hill Cambridge Neighborhood Council - one of our longest running neighborhood councils.
Thank you for the invitation to join you this week. I always appreciate the opportunity to have conversation, answer questions and see so many familiar neighbors.
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Come to Puget Sound Fire's annual Teddy Bear Clinic! Please join us for this fun-filled, free family event, tomorrow from 10am-1pm at Station 74 in Kent. (24611 116th Ave SE)
Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal for a checkup. Their Firefighter/EMTs will provide free checkups for teddy bears and kids in a relaxing environment designed to help ease children’s fears of medical exams.
• First 400 children receive a FREE teddy bear
• Tour a fire engine and aid car
• Spray water through a fire hose
• Participate in fun activities at our training center
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May is Jewish American Heritage Month! We honor the history, culture, and contributions of Jewish Americans who have endured and helped shape our nation. |
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Join the Kent Historical Museum for the Build a Bouquet fundraiser on Saturday, May 9 – just in time for Mother's Day! For $50 ($40 for museum members), create a gorgeous arrangement with 8-10 blooms with the guidance of an experienced floral designer. This arrangement will make a perfect gift for mom, someone special, or just to bring home for yourself! Groups with children 8 and up are welcome to work together on a bouquet. Individuals must be age 14 or older.
This fundraiser was made possible by generous donations! As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, the Greater Kent Historical Society relies on fundraisers such as this to provide public programs and exhibits to preserve Kent's History. Stop by to participate if you can! Two sessions are available, one at 11:30 a.m. and one at 2:30 p.m. Learn more online at KentHistoricalMuseum.org.
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The City is seeking applications for a Special Member appointment to represent Kent on the King County Landmarks and Heritage Commission. The Landmarks and Heritage Commission’s goal is to ensure that the historic places, material culture, and traditions which best reflect the region's 13,000 years of human history are preserved for future generations. The Special Member appointment must be a Kent resident and have a demonstrated interest and competence in historic preservation. Apply here.
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There will be a Transit Town Hall Wednesday, May 13, 6:00–7:30 PM at Highline College.
The goal is to gather feedback and priorities from South King County residents and leaders as the Sound Transit Board faces a $35 billion affordability gap that could have significant implications for projects across our subarea.
The Sound Transit Board will be making key decisions in coming months, and this town hall is an opportunity for community members to hear about the options under consideration, get questions answered, and make their priorities heard.
You can find the registration link here!
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The FEMA Mobile disaster assistance center is going mobile and will be in Auburn this weekend (May 2 and 3)
If you’d like in-person assistance with FEMA or SBA disaster assistance applications, stop by The Outlet Mall Parking Lot, 1101 Outlet Collection Way in Auburn. They will be available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
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Let's start early reminding each other that hot cars kill kids, pets and sometimes disabled loved ones every year across our nation.
Leave them at home or take them when you leave the car. Cracking windows or being gone for 'just a minute' is deadly.
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Each spring and fall, the City of Kent hosts TeamUp2CleanUp: a little cleanup event where community members work to beautify Kent as individuals or in teams at various locations around the city.
We provide garbage bags and disposal, safety vests and little grabbers. Gloves are recommended and closed shoes are required.
📅 Saturday, May 16
🕘 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meet our teams at one of the following locations:
📍East Hill: Kent United Methodist Church (11010 SE 248th St)
📍Downtown: Kherson Park (307 West Gowe)
📍West Hill: West Hill Plaza (24700 Military Road)
📍Clean your OWN location!
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The Kent Police Department is accepting applications for this year's Teen Police Academy on June 22–25.
This hands-on experience is open to current Kent School District sophomores, juniors, seniors, and 2026 graduates who want to explore careers in law enforcement or learn more about the specialty units that serve our community.
The structure is all new this year, so even if a student has done it before, this will be new to them! Students will work a mock case from start to finish and learn about patrol procedures, witness interviews, evidence collection and more. They will also learn about units within the department such as SWAT, K9 and Drones.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see what it’s like behind the badge!
📅 Apply by May 22
📧 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!
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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved individual assistance for those affected by the December 2025 storms. This is a new and separate process from previous Washington State individual assistance programs. If you were affected by the December 2025 storms, we encourage you review this additional resource.
A Disaster Assistance Center is open in Renton this week, offering in-person help to residents navigating applications with FEMA, as well as information related to U.S. Small Business Administration loan programs. In addition to helping with paperwork, staff can guide residents through options for both federal and state aid tied to disaster recovery.
FEMA, the SBA, and Washington State will staff a Disaster Assistance Center (DAC)
Location: King County Elections, 919 Southwest Grady Way, Renton, Washington 98057
Time Frame: now through June 10, 2026
Hours: Weekly from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Tuesday to Friday
For those unable to visit in person, FEMA applications can still be completed online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by using the FEMA App, or by calling 1-800-621-3362.
The deadline to register is June 10, 2026.
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PawFest is back for 2026!
Join us and Regional Animal Services of King County for a fun-filled morning celebrating our four-legged friends at PawFest!
We’ll have adoptable pets looking for their forever homes, on-site pet licensing, a crowd-favorite pet costume contest, food trucks, and more.
 Saturday, June 6
 accesso ShoWare Center
 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Want to be part of the event?
We’re currently looking for vendors, animal rescues, trainers and pet-related businesses to join us. This is a great opportunity to connect with the community and showcase your services.
If you’re interested in participating, email ttaylor@kentwa.gov to reserve your spot!
Bring your family, bring your pets, and come spend the morning with us.
Next week is National Drinking Water Week, so I wanted to share a fun fact: we get most of our water from natural wells and springs, which makes Kent's tap water some of the best around!
You can learn more about our drinking water and water system at KentWA.gov/Water
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Love your library? Join the Friends!
Support your library and enjoy the company of your fellow library fans. The Friends manage book donations and raise funds for library activities that support the Kent and Kent Panther Lake Libraries.
Learn more at kcls.org/friends
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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.com is your online resources for digging safely in Washington.
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Parks and Recreation
Registration is now open for the 2026 Kent Cornucopia Days 5k!
This year's race will take place on Saturday, July 11 at Three Friends Fishing Hole.
Sign up to join us out on the course and have some fun with family and friends.
Shirt order deadline is June 12!
Learn more about the race and register online today at MyKentParks.com/CornucopiaDays5k.
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 Our next Green Kent Volunteer Event is, Saturday, May 9. Join our Kent Parks crew at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park to remove invasive species and help keep this downtown gem healthy and thriving.
Green Kent Work Parties are held monthly from March to November, and are a great way to get more involved, connect with neighbors, and make a difference in our community. And for students, they are a great way to earn valuable, hands-on volunteer hours! I look forward to another season of restoring and conserving our parks and natural spaces with the support of our amazing Kent community. Sign up as a volunteer today online at
MyKentParks.com/GreenKent.
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 Get in the Game with Kent Parks!
Kent Parks has partnered with the NFL Flag Football league! The deadline to sign your child up is May 12. Participants will learn the game, hone their skills, make new friends, and grow as a player and a teammate with us. The Kent Parks NFL Flag Football League is open to kids in grades 3-8.
Spots are limited – don’t miss out! Learn more and register today at MyKentParks.com/Register!
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 The Kent Historical Museum is hosting a FREE speaker series titled Resilient Roots, featuring six Coast Salish presenters.
This new series will run on the first Wednesday of every month from April to September from 6-7 p.m.
Centered around the artistic, cultural, and historical contributions of Coast Salish communities and highlights indigenous resilience, creativity, and the importance of passing traditional knowledge to younger generations. I highly encourage you to go!
No registration is required and all ages* are welcome. Refreshments are provided!
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The Wastemobile is back!
This mobile hazardous waste collection service will be cruising throughout King County most weekends until October, making it easy and safe for you to drop off household hazardous waste for free.
You can see the full schedule on their website.
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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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Want to stay ahead of the curve on road closures due to weather or construction?
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Spring/Summer Registration
A new season of fun is here! Registration for our 2026 Spring & Summer programs are open. If you didn’t receive a guide, stop by the Kent Commons Community Center or Kent Senior Activity Center to pick one up, or browse a digital copy online now at MyKentParks.com/Register to check out this season’s amazing line-up.
Park Shelter Rentals are open for the 2026 season! As you and your family look for places to gather this summer, check out one of the available park shelters here in Kent that can be reserved! Park Shelters are available to reserve from May 1 - September 30.
Learn more about all of the available rentals AND how to check shelter availability online at MyKentParks.com/Rentals!
As a reminder, all reservations must be completed in person at the Kent Commons Community Center. Call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100 if you have any questions.
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The FREE Kent Parks ShoWalk program offers a warm, safe place to walk during the wet, rainy months of the year. ShoWalk takes place at the accesso ShoWare Center on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings from November to May.
The last two dates of the 2025-2026 ShoWalk season are Monday, May 4 and Tuesday, May 5! Come and get your steps in!
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 We need YOU! Our Parks team is looking for your input on the future of Town Square Plaza as we look to reimagine this downtown gem.
Take the Town Square Plaza survey today to provide your feedback to our Park Planning & Development crew.
Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to help shape the future of this downtown spot. Questions? Connect with our team online at EngageKentParks.com!
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 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 16
⏰10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
📍Kent YMCA
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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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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 4
⌚ 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 Kent City Hall
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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.
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We're hiring! Check out our featured jobs and find great opportunities on our hiring page at jobs.kentwa.gov
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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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