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 Happy Friday, Kent!
Hope the kids had a great first few days of school!
As a reminder: all city facilities including Kent City Hall, the Centennial Center, the Kent Commons, the Senior Activity Center, and Municipal Court will be closed this Monday in observance of Labor Day.
This federal holiday is a moment to reflect on and celebrate the progress and accomplishments of the labor movement and recognize workers across our county.
We owe our thanks to this movement for organizing in support of a minimum wage, workplace standards, health benefits and so much more.
There’s a lot of great information in this week’s update. I hope you enjoy it, and have a safe Labor Day weekend!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
As the school year gets underway, this is a good reminder that all of us play a role in helping Kent kids get to and from school safely.
Drivers, slow down and stay alert around neighborhoods, school zones, crosswalks and bus stops. Kids can be unpredictable, especially when they’re excited or in a hurry, so take the extra second to watch for someone stepping into the street or crossing unexpectedly. And of course, always stop for school buses when their stop signs are extended.
Parents, take a few minutes to talk with your children and teens about traffic safety. Review where they should walk, wait and cross, and remind them that drivers may have a harder time seeing them in rain, darkness or other poor conditions. Phones and other distractions should stay away while crossing streets.
Whether you’re walking, biking or driving, staying aware of your surroundings can make a real difference.
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Thursday afternoon at NASA Inspiration event with Administrator Isaacman was amazing.
He spoke about how completing the mission was the inspiration to dream about the possible for the next generation. What will be the visual- the moment - that inspires our kids? It is our responsibility to create that moment.
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Thank you to Boeing and Museum of Flight for including Kent in today's event. We have a place in both space exploration history and its future.
Our goal continues to be supporting our local companies, helping start-ups and inspiring our kids.
Meeting Astronaut Woody Hoburg (Artemis pilot) and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman - definitely a highlight!
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2nd Annual Hops Festival at the Kent Historical Museum on Sunday was fantastic.
The weather was perfect; the live music was great and there were fun beers to sample.
This festival is a great nod to Kent's rich farming history.
I was very proud to receive, on behalf of the city, this original Danny Pierce painting depicting the hops harvest in Kent. Chuck Simpson donated the piece from the Simpson family.
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It was a fun Sunday morning at Faith Church Block Party.
Bouncy house, car show, corn hole, sweet treats and fellowship. Perfect way to spend the morning.
Thank you, Faith Church, for loving our community.
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Team Depot volunteers and the Renton Home Depot showed up in a big way (despite the rain) Saturday morning for the students of Kent-Meridian.
They cleared brush and built raised planting beds. The sensory garden will provide new learning opportunities for Inclusive Education students at KM.
Home Depot also donated equipment and all the supplies needed to start a garden club.
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Today is National Food Bank Day! The Kent Food Bank provides important resources to residents facing food insecurity in the Kent community.
It's located in the Alliance Center in downtown Kent, home to social services offered by South County Area Human Services.
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Have questions about transportation in Kent?
Join me, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison, and representatives from Sound Transit and Kent Public Works for a South King County Transportation Forum on September 26 from 10–11:30 a.m. at Kent City Hall.
We’ll talk about what’s changing, what’s ahead, and give you an opportunity to ask questions directly of transportation leaders serving our community.
RSVP by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or email district5.kingcountycouncil@kingcounty.gov
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Here's the recap on this week's Kent City Council meetings!
As a reminder, you can view meeting agendas, minutes and live stream recordings here!
 
At Tuesday’s Kent City Council meeting, I proclaimed September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Awareness Month in the City of Kent.
The proclamation was accepted by Alex and Clara O’Keeffe, who have helped bring greater awareness and understanding to FASD through their own story and advocacy.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders can have lifelong impacts, and increasing awareness is an important step toward better understanding, support and resources for individuals and families.
You can learn more about Alex and Clara’s story, their advocacy and their mission to increase awareness about FASD at KentWA.gov/PeopleOfKent
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Also at Tuesday's Kent City Council meeting, I proclaimed September 14-20, 2026, to be Diaper Needs Awareness Week; accepting the proclamation was Jack Edgerton, Executive Director of KidVantage.
Nearly 1 in 2 families struggle with diaper need, which can lead to babies and toddlers getting infections and health problems that may require medical attention. We are thankful for the work that organization like KidVantage do to ensure that parents are able to get the diapers their children need.
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Join us when we raise the Thunderbirds flag at Kent City Hall with Head Coach Matt O'Dette, Cool Bird, a few of their players!
There's a lot of excitement heading into their home opener September 26 at accesso ShoWare Center!
📅 Wednesday, September 21
🕐 3 p.m.
📍 Kent City Hall
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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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Join Chief Padilla for Coffee with the Chief on Wednesday, September 16 from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
It will be at Woods Coffee 15610 SE 272nd St. B101 in Kent.
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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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King County Metro has made some service changes, including new routes, thousands of additional weekly bus trips and better connections to Link light rail.
For Kent riders, new Route 164 will provide service between Des Moines, Kent and Auburn, while new Route 166 will provide peak-frequent service between Burien and Kent Des Moines Station.
Check Metro’s updated schedules here!
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The Kent Library is temporarily closed 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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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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Is your little one ready to sing, move, play and learn?
Music Makers is a new program at Kent Commons Community Center designed for children ages 4–5 to explore their natural love of music while building skills that will help prepare them for kindergarten!
Through movement, instruments, seasons and different cultures, young musicians will develop early musical skills in a fun, interactive environment. The class also incorporates phonetic activities to help build early literacy skills and get children ready for their next big step into kindergarten.
Adult participation is part of the experience, giving grown-ups the opportunity to join in the fun and continue the musical learning at home! The first session starts Monday September 14th, so come make some noise, and help your kid get ready for kindergarten with Music Makers!
Learn more and register at MyKentParks.com/Register.
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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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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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