City offices will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day. This includes Kent City Hall, the Centennial Center, the Kent Commons, Senior Activity Center and Municipal Court.

This week I attended the Association of Washington Cities conference with elected officials from around the state. We heard from colleagues and distinguished speakers on a range of topics, from the economic outlook of Washington cities to how we can innovate.

The conference agenda is designed to equip city officials with the tools they need to address complex issues, ranging from affordable housing strategies, public safety, and infrastructure funding.

At the Association of Washington Cities conference this week, Government Affairs and Regional Policy Manager Kyle Moore and I had the opportunity to join other local elected officials for an important conversation around misinformation and the impact it can have on our communities. 

This is something cities are navigating more and more. 

As a city, we have a responsibility to communicate clearly, share accurate information and help set the record straight when needed. That means being timely, transparent and making sure residents know where to go for information they can trust. 

I appreciated the chance to share some of Kent's experiences and hear how other local leaders are navigating the same challenges. 

Pictured: Hunter George; Fircrest Councilmember, Michael Grass; Assistant Director of Communications University of Washington Center for an Informed Public, Kyle Moore; Government Affairs and Regional Policy Manager. 

This event has become a tradition for my mom and me.

Last weekend, I attended the Juneteenth celebration at Morrill Meadows Park hosted by the Kent Black Action Commission. It was a day filled with celebration, reflection and community.

Pictured: Councilmember Shoker, Councilmember Michaud, Senator Kauffman, King County Executive Zahilay, De-Sean Quinn; Director of Regional Partnerships King Country Metro, Councilmember Boyd, SeaTac Councilmember Vinson.

Provide your input on the Draft Downtown Kent Plan!

The ReDiscover Downtown Kent Plan establishes and updated vision and goals for Downtown Kent based on community input. It addresses changing economic conditions, evolving workplace trends, and regional growth while strengthening Downtown Kent’s role as the heart of the city. The plan provides a roadmap for future land use, infrastructure, partnerships, and strategic investments to create a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient downtown.

By providing comments on the Draft ReDiscover Downtown Kent Plan, you have the opportunity to share your feedback on the strategies, actions, and concepts for Downtown before they are finalized and adopted.

As temperatures rise, remember that hot cars can be deadly for pets. Never leave your furry friends unattended in a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. The temperature inside can skyrocket within moments, putting their lives at risk. Keep them safe and leave them at home!

With the 4th of July approaching, just a reminder to everyone that all forms of personal fireworks are illegal in Kent. Kent City Code 13.05 prohibits fireworks and was adopted following a voter majority vote on Advisory Proposition 1 in 2015.

You can report fireworks violations by calling the Kent Police Non-Emergency line at 253-852-2121. Please do not use 911 to report unless there is an immediate safety concern.

The time is now to register your neighborhood for National Night Out on Tuesday August 4th!
Signing up is easy whether this is your first time hosting an event or if you have hosted dozens!

It is our biggest and most loved event of the year! Neighbors get together to have some fun talking to new and old neighbors, eating, playing games and meeting visitors from the City of Kent.

Coordinators just need to find a neighborhood park, cul de sac, yard, driveway, whatever will work as a gathering spot, coordinate food (potluck, food trucks, desserts) and entertainment/games (all of this is totally optional).

The next thing to do is invite all the neighbors.

Before this all happens, coordinators should register with us so we know your event is happening and we will be sure to schedule visitors from police, the mayor’s office and other city departments to stop by and visit your NNO event.

Go to www.kentwa.gov/nno and registration will be open until Friday July 24th.

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.

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.

Our FREE life vest loaner program is back!

Swim safe this summer with a free life vest rental from Kent Parks. Interested individuals can check out a life vest for a single day, or the entire summer season! 

Life vests are available to be checked out from the Kent Commons Community Center, and all sizes will be available.

Please note that life vests must be checked out in-person - quantities are limited. Life vests are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register now 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.

Learn more about the race and register online today at MyKentParks.com/CornucopiaDays5k. 

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.