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Good afternoon, Kent.
This week's newsletter begins on a more reflective note as our community mourns the loss of former Councilmember Les Thomas.
Kent lost a longtime community leader this week with the passing of former Councilmember Les Thomas.
Les dedicated much of his life to serving the Kent community and leaves behind a legacy that reaches far beyond any single title or position. A proud Kent-Meridian High School graduate, Army veteran, business owner, pastor, mentor, and elected leader, Les spent decades investing in the people and future of Kent.
Many in our community knew Les through Blessings Jewelry in downtown Kent, where he and his wife Pauline built both a business and lifelong relationships after meeting while working at Libby’s Cannery in the late 1960s. Together they raised four children, Jil, Joy, Lee, and Jon and built a life rooted in faith, family, and service.
He was a lifetime member of Kiwanis, serving multiple times as president, and helped start both Grace Fellowship and Mountainview Vineyard churches, where he and Pauline remained active members.
His commitment to public service extended well beyond city government. Les served in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1994 to 1999, followed by service on the King County Council, before joining the Kent City Council in 2004, where he would go on to serve the community for 20 years.
During his time on Council, Les was known for his kindness, humility, and leadership. He cared deeply about people and approached public service with sincerity.
Our hearts are with Pauline, their children and grandchildren, and everyone whose lives were touched by Les over the years. Les loved Kent and spent decades serving the people of this community. Kent is stronger because of his service, and he will be deeply missed.
136 years later and we’re still kind of a big deal.
Happy Birthday to the City of Kent!
Since our incorporation on May 28,1890, Kent has grown from hops fields to aerospace, from train whistles to traffic circles. We are a city full of history, innovation, great local businesses, packed community events, and people who care deeply about where they live. 🎂
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The Beyond the Build luncheon earlier this week was a perfect reminder of why I am so grateful for Habitat for Humanity Seattle-King & Kittitas Counties. Affordable home ownership provides stability for families and communities.
Proud of Kent's contribution to SKHHP which provided nearly $900k towards Habitats 40-unit development in Burien that opened earlier this year.
Thank you Mayor Matthew Lundh for the invitation. The added bonus was hearing from Steve Raible and Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald.
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The Kent International Festival is back at accesso ShoWare Center tomorrow!
This event is a celebration of the cultural diversity represented in our city, and it's a great way to come together, celebrate various heritages and build respect, understanding and a sense of inclusivity in our community.
📅 Saturday, May 30
⏰ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
📍 accesso ShoWare Center
It will feature performers, cultural and informational booths and so much more! Definitely swing by and check it out tomorrow.
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We had another great Drinks in the Driveway visit this week, this time with the North Park neighborhood!
Neighbors came prepared with questions and great conversation about issues impacting their community.
Thank you to Public Works Director Chad Bieren and Chief Padilla for joining the discussion and helping answer questions.
These neighborhood conversations are always one of my favorite parts of the summer, and I’m looking forward to several more visits in the weeks ahead.
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On Thursday, I had the opportunity to speak at the Puget Sound Regional Council’s General Assembly in my role as Chair of the Transportation Policy Board.
Transportation may not always be the most exciting topic, but it impacts nearly every part of our daily lives, from how long it takes to get to work, to whether goods can move efficiently through the Kent Valley, to how safely our kids get to school. For a city like Kent, home to more than 140,000 residents and one of the state's most important manufacturing and logistics hubs, reliable transportation infrastructure isn't a luxury, it's a necessity.
As our region continues to grow, we need transportation investments that keep people, businesses, and our economy moving. I’m proud to represent Kent in these regional conversations and to advocate for projects that support our residents, strengthen our business community, and help ensure our city remains connected and competitive for years to come.
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Next week 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
It's time to vote for your next Kent Kitty Council President, so let's meet the candidates! 😸
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Millie is a two-year-old brown and white medium hair female tabby. She came to RASKC in March along with two of her kittens. Now that they're grown, Millie is looking for a home of her own. She is shy at first, but does warm up to people fairly quickly to snuggle with them.
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Baby is a four-year-old medium hair female torbie. She just came to RASKC this week, she seems very sweet. She arrived with her "brother," so if someone is looking for a pair of bonded cats, Baby and her sibling may be a good match!
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Brennan is a black short hair male, under six months old. He came in with a group of his similar-in-age siblings who all look alike. Brennan does seem to be the more vocal of the group, meowing and purring a lot for attention.
Vote on our Facebook page and come out to Kent Kitty Hall June 4 from 1-3 p.m. to adopt a fur-ever friend.
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PawFest is next weekend!
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.
Bring your family, bring your pets, and come spend the morning with us.
Get ready for the Kent Nerd Party, where downtown Kent transforms into the ultimate haven for nerds!
The Nerd Party is a street-wide event with a cosplay contest, miniature painting contest, Lego museum, LARP games, outdoor vendors, and more.
All nerds are welcome! Whether you love science fiction, fantasy, horror, anime, gaming, or one of the other innumerable geeky pursuits!
📅 Saturday, June 6
⌚ 12 p.m.- 7 p.m.
📍 Page Turner Books (215 1st Ave S.)
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Join us for our FREE recycling collection event that allows residents to dispose of recyclable items not typically accepted at the curb.
Instead of going to the landfill as trash, all collected items will be reused or recycled!
Here's the list of items accepted!
📅 Saturday, June 13
⌚ 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
📍 Canyon Ridge Middle School
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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, 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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Employment Security is now administering benefits for this federal disaster recovery program.
Workers who work or live in affected counties and lost work as a result of the disaster, but do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits (e.g. business owners, otherwise ineligible) are encouraged to apply.
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The Kent Senior Activity Center is now home to Smith Street Café, the center’s new lunch program serving guests throughout the week.
The Kent Parks team has partnered with Lavish Roots to provide delicious and nutritious meals for only $10 each.
This is such an exciting new chapter. NEW name, NEW food, same location, now five days a week! Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Smith Street Café at the Kent Senior Activity Center is open to the public and available to all ages! Check out the menu online at MyKentParks.com/50Plus.
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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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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It's farmers market season!
Living Well Kent has brought their Farmers Market downtown! This is a community driven market, increasing access to fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant produce to our community.
Apply now to be a part of the Kent Farmers Market! Share your fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique creations with our vibrant community. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this local tradition!
📅 Starting Saturday, June 12
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 2nd Ave between Smith and Gowe
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