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Dear Kent Residents,
As we welcome the month of May, I encourage everyone in our community to get outside, stay connected, and take part in the many events happening across our city. This is a great time to engage with neighbors, enjoy our parks and public spaces, and support the programs that make Kent such a vibrant place to live.
We have several exciting opportunities coming up. The Green Kent event on May 9 is a wonderful way to give back to our environment. Registration is available at kentparks.gov. On May 11, join the TeamUp2CleanUp effort and help keep our community clean and beautiful. Registration link. On May 16, families can enjoy the Fishing Experience hosted by the Kent Rotary, and the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board will also be hosting a Bike Rodeo that same day, promoting safe and fun cycling for all ages. Later in the month, the Kent International Festival on May 30 will celebrate the diversity of our community, and they are currently seeking volunteers to help make the event a success. More information on kentinternationalfestival.com
I hope to see you at these events and many others throughout the month. Your participation helps strengthen our community and keeps Kent a welcoming and connected place for all.
Warm regards,
Satwinder Kaur
President, Kent City Council
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Operations
- The introduction of 3 ordinances granting a non-exclusice 10-year franchise with three different companies for the installation of a fiber optic network was sent to Council.
- A consultant services agreement for helping develop an IT Strategic Plan was sent to Council for authorization.
Parks
- A resolution adopting new local Standards for Indigent Defense Services (as necessitated by the Washington Supreme Court) was sent to Council for approval.
Public Works
- Public Works staff gave an updated on the 2027-2032 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program.
- An amendment to an agreement for administrative staffing for the Federal Way Link Extension (FWLE) Project was sent to Council for approval.
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Public Works Engineering provided the Council with an overview of the Sanitary Sewer Comprehensive Plan.
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Public Recognitions
- Mayor recognized the May Employee of the Month
- Mayor proclaimed the week of May 4-10, as National Small Business Week and May 11-17 National Police Week
- Mayor proclaimed the month of May ALS Awareness Month and Bike Everywhere Month.
- Mayor confirmed a reappointment to the Kent Arts Commission
- Mayor confirmed the appointment of the King County Landmarks and Heritage Commission
Consent Calendar & Bids
- The acceptance of the Washington Avenue South Stormwater Pump Station project completion was authorized.
- The acceptance of the Kent Commons Renovation project completion was authorized.
- The introduction of the 3 ordinances granting a non-exclusive 10-year franchise with three different companies for the installation of a fiber optic network was approved.
Other Business
- A public hearing for the King County Hazard Mitigation Plan and Kent Plan Annex resolution was held; the resolution was then adopted.
Bids
- A bid for the 64th Avenue South and South James Street Pavement Preservation project was awarded.
- A bid for the 2026 Storm Sewer and Sanitary Cured-in-Place lining was awarded.
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The below information is provided by our councilmembers
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Satwinder Kaur, Council President
- I participated in the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Nominating Committee meeting, where we finalized the interview questions for candidates seeking positions on the AWC Board of Directors. This is an important step in ensuring a thoughtful and thorough selection process, as board members play a key role in guiding the organization’s work on behalf of cities across the state. We are looking forward to continuing this process in person at the AWC Annual Conference in June, where we will conduct a full day of interviews for the open board seats in Spokane.
- I attended the King County Board of Health meeting, which included a 2026 legislative update and a strong presentation from the Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention. It was especially meaningful to hear about the partnership between Chief Padilla and Community Passageways, highlighting encouraging progress in reducing gun violence in Kent. I look forward to Chief Padilla sharing this important work with the full Council at an upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting.
- I also joined the Teddy Bear Clinic hosted by Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority, where Councilmember Boyd was handing out teddy bears to kids. It’s always a fun and engaging event that helps children become more comfortable with first responders in a welcoming environment.
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- Additionally, I attended the 2nd anniversary celebration of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Gurudwara on 132nd. It was a well-attended and meaningful gathering for the Sikh community.
Mayor Ralph, Councilmembers Troutner and Michaud, and Assistant County Executive Grove were also in attendance, along with several regional elected leaders, showing strong community support for this important milestone.
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Bill Boyce
Councilmember Boyce serves on:
- SCA Public Issues Committee
- Public Safety Subject Matter Chair, Committee of the Whole
- Kent Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
- Kent Disability Retirement (LEOFF)
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John Boyd
On April 11th, I had the privileges of attending the Cocina Latina tour where I enjoyed the Journey to Oaxaca in Kent, Washington Right here in Kent, there is a little piece of Oaxaca. I am sharing some moments from my recent Cocina Latina culinary tour, and it was honestly just lovely. I got to see the incredible richness of the chilies and see how salsa, guacamole, and Mole sauces for tamales are made the original Oaxacan way.
When I came on this journey I stepped directly into the stories of the people behind the food. I learned from the cultures themselves so that I can cook with that same heart in my own kitchen.
Here is World Table™ original Culture Generation initiative created specifically to support our BIPOC and immigrant-owned businesses—making sure these family-run pillars of our community don’t just survive, they flourish.
Please do visit and support these wonderful families:
Yolis Mexican Restaurant 10218 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98031
Tienda Mexicana Familia Kent WA. 10214 Southeast 240th Street, Kent, WA
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On April 27th During our Arts commission meeting, we discussed looking for our next 2026 Kent Traffic Signal Control Box Art Wrap. We will select seven artists out of 69, to design artworks for seven boxes throughout Kent.
April 28th at the Diversity, Equity, inclusion, and Belonging Board (D.E.I.B.B) meeting we spoke a great deal about the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP).
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, RFA Puget Sound Fire hosted the Teddy Bear Clinic today @ Fire station # 74, and it was wonderful to see so many kids and their parents. Families came to meet Teddy the Fire Bear and left with great memories of a fun, community-filled day.
May 3rd, 2026 we came out in support of our dear friend Jovita Thomas McConnell the "Jovita Strong 5K", in Tukwila WA, great turn out it was nice to see all those who participated in the Run/Walk event.
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Marli Larimer
Councilmember Larimer serves on:
- PSRFA Governance Board
- King County Growth Management Planning Council (Alternate)
- ECD Subject Matter Chair, Committee of the Whole
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Zandria Michaud
Parks Subject Matter Chair
- The next Green Kent environmental conservation event is Saturday, May 9th at Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park. Sign up to volunteer.
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Human Services Commission, Council Liaison
- This year, the city received approximately $9.5 million in funding requests across 200 applications--the highest level of demand in the history of this funding process, both in the number of applicants and the total amount requested. The anticipated funding availability is approximately $1.3 million.
- Human Services staff and commission members are now reviewing grant applications for the 2027/28 funding.
Kent Police Drug Take Back Day
Puget Sound Regional Fire Teddy Bear Clinic
2nd Anniversary of the Kent Gurudwara Sri Guru Teg Bahadur
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Sharn Shoker
I had the chance to attend Meeker Middle School’s Color of Connection event. It was inspiring to see students performing, sharing their stories, and learning about one another’s cultures and traditions.
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I also met with OneAmerica chapter members and the Kent Police Department for a thoughtful conversation on public safety and surveillance. Creating space for open dialogue like this is essential as we work toward solutions that center safety, transparency, and trust in our community.
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Toni Troutner
Serves on:
- King County Regional Transit Committee
- PSRFA Governance Board
- WRIA 9 Watershed Ecosystem Forum (co-chair)
- South County Area Transportation Board (vice-chair)
- PSRC Executive Board (Alternate)
- Public Works Subject Matter Chair, Committee of the Whole
I have been busy these past few weeks, participating in regional meetings and visiting with various groups around our community. I had an opportunity to tour SeaTac Airport, observe the Future Women in EMS and Fire event, attend the LiUNA Local 242 Career Fair, and discuss future funding opportunities at the WRIA 9 meeting (Duwamish-Green Watershed Area), among other things.
Here are a few additional highlights from the past few weeks –
Thank you to the Consulate General of India for the invitation to celebrate Vaisakhi on April 26th in Seattle.
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The annual Teddy Bear Clinic on May 2nd was a huge success. Thank you Puget Sound Fire!
On May 3rd, many of us came together for the Jovita 5K. Jovita, a long-time Tukwilla resident and community member, suffered a serious health incident in April 2025. We served together on the RFA governance board. Money raised from the event will support Jovita and her family.
Congratulations Gurudwara Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji! The Gurudwara celebrated it’s 2nd anniversary in Kent on May 3rd.
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