Join us on Monday, 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 on Saturday, September 26 at accesso ShoWare Center!

📅 Monday, September 21
🕐 3 p.m.
📍 Kent City Hall 

With economic warning signs mounting, the partnership builds on the region’s strengths with coordinated action to restore competitiveness, retain employers, attract investment, and create jobs.

It is critical that we support our existing businesses, welcome new ones and create an environment that allows for innovation.

That’s a wrap on Drinks in the Driveway for the season!

A big thank you to Mark Chavez and the Scenic Hill neighborhood for hosting our final stop. We had some great conversations, thoughtful questions and another opportunity to connect directly with neighbors.

We’re a little sad to see the season end, but we’ll be back. Keep an eye on our social media for information on how to sign up for next season.

Hotworx is a 24/7 infrared fitness studio combining infrared saunas with virtual instruction in high-intensity isometric and HIIT workouts.

I had a chance to go back and try it out - so much fun and a fantastic workout!

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 Saturday, 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

Looking for a way to get outside and give back?

Join us for the next Green Kent event TOMORROW, 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.

At Tuesday night's Kent City Council meeting, I presented Jamie Mendez the proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Jaime Méndez is an Emmy Award winner journalist and a pioneer in the Spanish-language media in this region. 

This month celebrates and honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

At Tuesday’s Kent City Council meeting, I was proud to proclaim October 1 through October 8 as Week Without Driving in the City of Kent.

Thank you to Prem Subedi and Miguel Ibarra from the Kent Bicycle Advisory Board for joining us to accept the proclamation.

Nearly one-third of people in the U.S. don’t drive because of age, ability or other barriers. Week Without Driving is a chance to think about what it’s like to rely on walking, biking, transit or other ways of getting around.

It’s also a good reminder of how important it is that people have safe and reliable options to get where they need to go.

I also presented the Proclamation for Constitution Week to Angela Graves from the Lakota Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

This week we honor the timeless principles enshrined in our Constitution.

This month is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was made to raise awareness about pediatric cancer, which remains the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 14.

Accepting the proclamation at this week's Council Meeting was Claire Smith (joined by her mom Christy), for whom childhood cancer has been a part of life for the past 6 years. We commend her bravery and also thank organizations like the See You Later Foundation who help support those dealing with childhood cancer.

Join the City of Kent IT Department for a practical, easy-to-follow session on smartphone security.

Learn simple ways to protect your phone, recognize suspicious texts and calls, safeguard passwords and verification codes, and know when to stop, verify, and ask for help.

No technical background is needed, just bring your questions and your phone.

📅Tuesday, September 29
⌚10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
📍Kent Senior Activity Center

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 TONIGHT, September 18.

Chief Padilla hosted another Coffee with the Chief this week, giving community members a chance to stop by, ask questions and have one-on-one conversations with Kent Police.

Thanks to everyone who joined us at Woods Coffee and took time to connect.

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. Classes start September 23. 

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

Join the Kent Downtown Partnership for an unforgettable evening in Kent’s historic downtown!

Sip and explore a delicious selection of boutique wine, craft ciders, premium spirits, and more! 

Your tasting tickets unlock a flavor-filled adventure through local businesses, each hosting a unique winery, cidery, distillery, or other exciting tasting experience.

Discover a new favorite along the way? Purchase products to take home to enjoy with friends or keep it all for yourself!  Best of all, your take-home purchases are tax-free!

🍻 VENDORS:  James Bay Distillers, Big Block Brewing, Odd Otter Brewing Company, Offset Cider works, Wolfkin Cider, Vibe Cellars and more to come!

🎶 LIVE MUSIC:  The New Triumph skillfully blends Latin and African rhythms in an energetic, dance-inducing mix of Funk, Afro-Latin, and jazz music.

🎟️TICKETS: $30 advance/$40 at door. Your ticket includes 10 tastings, a disposable glass, a wristband, and a program guide.

Take in the fall scenery from the water at Lake Meridian Park!

Lake Meridian Park offers convenient self-serve kayak and paddleboard rentals through Rent.fun, making it easy to get out on the water and enjoy one of Kent’s beautiful natural resources as the seasons change.

With eight watercrafts available, paddles, and life jackets included, you can spend a crisp fall day exploring Lake Meridian by kayak or paddleboard.

Rentals are available daily from 8:00 AM until one hour before dusk. Before heading out, check the Movatic app for current availability and reserve your time on the water.

Make the most of the remaining days on the water and experience Lake Meridian from a whole new perspective this fall!

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! 

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! 

Your cookware could be putting toxic chemicals, or even lead, into your food. There will be free cookware testing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. September 26 at the Kent Commons.

Bring your cookware, and the King County Hazardous Waste Management Program and they will test it for free to find out whether it contains lead or other toxic chemicals.

Space is limited, so sign up soon.

Just south of the Golf Driving Range

Just south of Veterans Drive near Russell Woods Park

Green River Trail crossing under Washington Ave.

The Green River Trail will be closed to through traffic in these areas while work is underway.

Work is expected to begin September 21 and may continue through October 30. Each section is estimated to take approximately two weeks to complete.

Need to bypass the closures? A detour route will be available along the west side of the river, beginning at the footbridge at Van Doren’s Landing Park and ending at the 516 Trail Bridge Underpass.

Look for A-frame signs along the trail with directions for the detour route.