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Happy Friday, Kent!
After 14 years of work, Downtown Kent officially has its Quiet Zone.
This is a big quality-of-life improvement for our residents, businesses and everyone who spends time downtown, and we got here without compromising safety. Before routine train horns could be eliminated, our Public Works team completed extensive safety upgrades at the crossings, working closely with BNSF and federal, state and transit partners to meet the rigorous requirements of the Federal Railroad Administration.
In all, approximately $3.5 million was invested in the project and related improvements, including $2.5 million in state funding. The Quiet Zone now covers all eight BNSF mainline crossings from S. 259th Street to S. 212th Street. Train engineers can still use their horns anytime there is a safety concern, but routine horn sounding is no longer required.
This also makes Downtown Kent a more welcoming place to live, work, dine, shop and do business. With roughly 50 to 60 BNSF trains traveling through this corridor on an average day, reducing routine horn noise will make a noticeable difference for residents, downtown businesses, customers and visitors alike.
For the neighborhoods closest to the tracks, this will also mean quieter nights, fewer disruptions and a very real improvement in day-to-day quality of life.
This has taken persistence, partnership and a whole lot of patience. I’m incredibly proud of our Public Works team and grateful to everyone who helped get this across the finish line.
After 14 years, this is something worth celebrating.
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
Earlier this week, I stopped by Kent-Meridian High School to deliver school supplies collected by the City of Kent Employee Charity Committee through our annual Back to School Supply Drive.
A big thank you to all of our employees who contributed and helped make sure students and teachers have some of the supplies they need as they head into the new school year.
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Thank you Rotary Club of Kent for the invitation to join you this week.
I always love the opportunity to have a conversation about what is going on around our city.
We talked about Parks, street projects, police staffing, and workforce development.
I am always grateful for the work Rotary Club of Kent does to support our kids and families.
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Thanks to Elizabeth and Michael from the Mill Creek neighborhood for pulling everyone together and giving us the chance to hear what’s on your mind and have some really good conversations.
I also appreciate Chief Rafael Padilla, Public Works Director Chad Bieren and Deputy Director Kelly Peterson for joining me for Drinks in the Driveway.
Having our team there to answer questions and talk directly with residents is exactly what these evenings are all about.
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On Wednesday, the Kent Senior Activity Center hosted a free Tech Help Pop-Up, giving older adults a chance to get one-on-one help with smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices.
A big thank you to the volunteers from the Senior Tech Foundation for bringing so much patience, care and helpful guidance to everyone who stopped by.
Technology changes quickly and having a comfortable place to ask questions and get hands-on support can make a real difference.
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Tuesday morning at King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer’s Good Eggs breakfast, we heard from Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove about what has been an especially severe fire season across Washington, with more than 800,000 acres burned this year.
It was an important reminder about preparedness, protecting our natural resources and supporting the people on the front lines.
Thank you, Councilmember von Reichbauer, for bringing regional leaders together for the conversation.
Pictured: Tim Fairley; City of Algona Mayor Pro-Tem, Vic Cave; City of Pacific Mayor, Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove, Tracy Taylor; City of Auburn Deputy Mayor, Sean P. Kelly; Mayor of Maple Valley, King County Councilmember Pete vonReichbauer, Satwinder Kaur; City of Kent Council President, Jim Ferrell; Mayor of Federal Way, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Thomas McLeod; Mayor of Tukwila
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A few months ago, I heard Manraj present on the impacts of flooding and possible solutions at the Civics Bee.
His research was thoughtful and detailed. I asked if he would be interested in meeting with our team to share his ideas and to learn more about the flood mitigation work we have done at the city.
Yesterday, Manraj came to City Hall and met with Mike Mactutis, Environmental Engineering Manager, and Chad Bieren, Public Works Director.
He came with great questions and examples of solutions from across the globe.
It is inspiring to watch our the next generation of leaders engage and problem solve.
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One of the best parts of getting out in the community is having the chance to sit down, listen and hear directly from our residents.
Chief Padilla and I always enjoy our visits to Cogir of Kent and the conversations we have with the people who call it home.
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Sunday was a beautiful day for a car show at Kent Station.
Cruisin' Kent car show benefits the work Green River College does to support veterans through the Veterans Educational Transition Fund.
So many great cars out today - I had a hard time choosing the Mayors Choice winner but in the end it had to be this beautiful 1986 Chevy truck.
Congrats to all the winners and thank you to everyone that came out today to support our Vets!
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The Kent Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2026 Fall Community Police Academy. Classes will be on Tuesday evenings, starting October 6 through December 8. Each session is from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Applications are available online at Community Police Academy Application. For security reasons all applicants must pass a background check. Deadline to register is Friday, September 18.
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WSDOT is planning the SR 516 Vicinity Paving & ADA project in Kent to extend the pavement service life.
The project will repave SR 516 (Parts of W Willis Street, Central Avenue S, E Smith Street, and Canyon Drive) from SR 181 to the vicinity of SR 515 (104th Avenue Southeast) and upgrade curb ramps to meet current standards and make them more accessible for people with disabilities.
This project is scheduled for construction in Summer 2029. Find out more about the project and give your input through the online open house.
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 Congratulations to our August Employee of the Month, Officer Brian Cortinas!
Brian joined the Kent Police Department in 2015 and was recognized this month for turning a great idea into an incredible effort for our community.
Last year, Brian proposed creating the Battle of the Badges Golf Tournament to raise money for Blue Bridge, one of KPD’s community partners. What started as an idea grew into a major event with 114 golfers, support from local businesses, volunteers and members of the Kent Police Department.
After months of planning, the tournament raised more than $56,000 to support Blue Bridge and the work they do in our community.
Brian’s initiative, leadership and commitment to helping others are a great example of our city values.
Congratulations, Brian, and thank you for going above and beyond!
The Kent Library will temporarily close beginning August 30 as King County Library System begins a major interior renovation, with reopening expected in spring 2027.
The remodel is part of KCLS’ Reimagining Spaces effort and will bring several improvements to the Kent location, including expanded children’s and teen areas, a low sensory room, improved accessibility, new study rooms, better acoustics and more space for programming.
During the closure, Kent Library holds will be available for pickup at Kent Panther Lake Library, and nearby KCLS locations will remain available for library services.
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When widespread disasters strike, city workers can be overwhelmed. This course is designed to give people the skills and confidence to safely help themselves and others when help is delayed.
The eight-week program meets 2 different times on Wednesday. 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. or 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
This training provides instruction on disaster preparedness, disaster first aid, triage, fire safety, search and rescue, disaster psychology and team organization.
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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.
📅 Every Saturday until October 17
⏰ 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
📍 2nd Ave between Smith and Gowe
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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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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, September 19
 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Meet our teams at one of the following locations:
 East Hill: Grocery Outlet (23910 104 Ave SE)
Downtown: Kherson Park (307 West Gowe)
West Hill: West Hill Plaza (24700 Military Road)
Clean your OWN location! Register here!
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Looking for a way to get outside and give back?
Join us for the next Green Kent event on Saturday, September 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Green River Natural Resources Area / Van Doren’s Landing Park.
Volunteers will help with hands-on environmental restoration while learning more about the natural areas we’re working to protect and maintain throughout Kent. It’s also a great opportunity for students who need to complete community service hours.
Green Kent events run through November at parks across the city.
Learn more and register at MyKentParks.com/GreenKent.
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It's time to get registered for 2026 Fall programs!
Fall Recreation Guides are headed to your mailbox, filled with exciting programs, classes, activities, and adventures for all ages.
Didn’t receive a guide?
Stop by the Kent Commons Community Center or Kent Senior Activity Center to pick one up or browse the digital copy online now at MyKentParks.com/Register to explore the amazing fall lineup and sign up today!
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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.
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The Kent Spotlight Series is back, and tickets for the 2026–2027 season are on sale!
This year's lineup promises unforgettable performances, incredible music, and memorable evenings for audiences of all ages. Whether you're planning a date night, a family outing, or simply treating yourself to a night of live entertainment, there's something for everyone.
Don't wait to reserve your seats, shows are expected to sell quickly. Visit KentWA.gov/SpotlightSeries to explore the full season and purchase tickets.
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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 now 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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Fall volleyball is right around the corner!
Kent Parks Youth Fall Volleyball players in Grades 3-12 the opportunity to stay active, build their skills, gain confidence, make new friends, and have fun on the court. Participants will be placed on a team with others in their own grade level.
Practices begin in September, with games starting in mid-October.
Registration deadline: Tuesday, September 8
Don’t miss the chance to get your player on the court this fall! Register today MyKentParks.com/Register
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Looking for a space to host your next gathering? Kent Commons Community Center offers a variety of rooms that can accommodate different group sizes and activities.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, reception, meeting, community event or family gathering, there are flexible spaces available to fit a variety of needs.
With options ranging from a gym and kitchen to a banquet hall and meeting rooms, Kent Commons provides a convenient place for the community to come together in the heart of Kent.
To learn more about available rooms and rental options, click here!
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King County Metro offers free DART shuttle transit service in Kent!
Route 914 serves downtown and the East Hill, looping through commercial, medical and residential areas.
Each vehicle has bike racks and a wheelchair lift. Learn more about the service here!
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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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Join the Kent Historical Museum for the 2nd Annual Hops Festival THIS WEEKEND at the Kent Historical Museum!
Enjoy beer tasting for ages 21+ (with valid ID), explore and pick hops, learn how to grow and brew your own beer, and watch a live brewing demonstration.
Get your tickets here!
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Want to help keep our waterways clean? Do so by adopting and maintaining a storm drain.
Visit https://wa.adopt-a-drain.org/ to adopt a drain and help protect our water quality.
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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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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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