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 Happy Friday, Kent!
Put on your best costume and join us for a FREE spook-tacular night of trick-or-treating TOMORROW at Kent Station from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Kids can collect goodies from participating businesses, then head down Ramsay Way for an awesome Trunk or Treat. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite decorated trunk and grab a bite to eat while you’re there!
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
A great addition to downtown Kent!
Today we celebrated the ribbon cutting for El Artesano Café, a new small business near City Hall and a great example of what we want to see in our downtown core, vacant space becoming a place where people can gather, connect and support local business.
Thank you to King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, King County Councilmember Steffanie Fain, Councilmember Shoker and Council President Kaur, Kent Downtown Partnership and the Kent Chamber for joining us to welcome El Artesano to Kent.
This is what strong City-County partnerships can help create: more activity downtown, support for small businesses and spaces that bring people together.
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Don't forget, daylight saving time ends Saturday night and we're falling back! Sunday morning at 2 a.m. clocks are turned backward 1 hour to 1 a.m. local standard time instead.
Anyone else looking forward to an extra hour of sleep?
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Last week, I had the opportunity to highlight some of the unique ways we engage with Kent residents, including Kent 101, Kent A-Z, and Drinks in the Driveway at the Association of Washington Cities Mayors Exchange.
Each of these programs provides a different opportunity to connect, build relationships, increase understanding of local government, and create meaningful conversations with the people we serve.
One of the things I value most about AWC is the opportunity to learn from other city leaders. Every community is different, but we share a common goal of making local government more accessible, responsive, and connected to our residents.
Good government starts with strong relationships, open communication, and a willingness to meet people where they are.
Thank you to AWC and my fellow mayors for a great exchange! I'm always excited to bring new ideas back to Kent!
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Earlier this week, I toured Sound Transit’s new parking garage project at Kent Station, joined by Councilmembers Michaud and Shoker.
The project includes a new garage at East James Street and Railroad Avenue North, along with pedestrian and bus access improvements designed to make it easier to get to and from the station.
The garage and related improvements are expected to open in 2027.
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Scenic Hill Park is a gem - 5 acres, trails, play equipment and a tennis court.
Saturday morning, it became the new home to a Giant Sequoia. The students of Scenic Hill Elementary voted and chose the Sequoia.
Students, volunteers and our amazing Parks staff planted the tree and other plants at our Arbor Day Green Kent event.
Thank you Councilmember Michaud for always showing up for our parks!
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November is National Native American Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate Indigenous cultures, histories, traditions, art, and achievements.
Their contributions to our city, state, and nation are immeasurable. Join us in celebrating and supporting our Native neighbors.
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Wednesday night, I joined city leaders from across the region for the joint AWC Districts 7 and 13 Meeting and Sound Cities Association Fall Event in Renton.
As the District 13 representative on the AWC Board of Directors and a member of the SCA Board, I value the opportunity to connect with other local leaders, talk through shared priorities and make sure Kent is represented in regional conversations.
These partnerships are especially important as cities prepare for the upcoming legislative session.
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I also wanted to wish everyone who celebrates, a Feliz Día De Los Muertos.
Also known as Day of the Dead, this Mexican holiday is a joyful time that helps people remember the deceased and celebrate their memory.
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Find something special for everyone on your holiday shopping list at the Holiday Craft Market!
Shop unique, handcrafted gifts from local artists and craftspeople, soak up the holiday spirit with festive music, and enjoy lunch from the Figgy Pudding menu.
It’s a great way to support local makers while getting a head start on holiday shopping. Admission and parking are free!
Join us Friday, November 6, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Kent Senior Activity Center.
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 I am so excited to celebrate the upcoming holiday season, and here in Kent, we have a month of holiday happenings planned throughout the city for you to enjoy.
From our annual tree lighting festival and the Christmas Rush 5k/10k run, to Santa photos and holiday shows, there is something for everyone in the family.
The Winterfest Tree Lighting & Parade will be held Saturday, December 5. Join us at Town Square Plaza for music, Santa, holiday vendors and local food trucks, community booths, and our annual tree lighting! Stay up-to-date on all of the details right here!
Thanks to the Kent Lions Club and the Kent Downtown Partnership.
The Kent Parks ShoWalk program returns to the accesso ShoWare Center November 2.
This free indoor walking program offers a warm, safe place to walk during the cold, dark months of Fall and Winter. Learn more and check out program dates online!
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It's Fall Curbside Clean-up Time!
With Kent's annual Spring and Fall Curbside Clean-up programs, you can get rid of your extra yard waste and garbage for free!
Just place your extra garbage and yard waste at the curb on your regular yard waste pick-up day November 2-6. You can see more details on our website.
Storm drains help prevent flooding and keep our streets safe, but they need a little TLC. You can make a difference by adopting a drain in your neighborhood! It’s easy, family-friendly, and a great way to help our community.
Sign up today at wa.adopt-a-drain.org
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Want to help shape Kent’s future?
The City of Kent is recruiting for the Land Use and Planning Board.
Board members help review long-range planning issues, including City Code updates, development regulations, comprehensive plan updates and other land use matters. Members also take part in workshops and public hearings and make recommendations to the Kent City Council.
If you’re interested in how Kent grows, develops and plans for the future, this is a great way to get involved and serve your community.
Apply today!
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King County Wants Your Input on Where Our Garbage Goes Next
King County’s only landfill is nearing capacity and will eventually need to close. That means the County must decide where our garbage will go next.
As part of an update to its long-term solid waste plan, King County is considering three options:
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Send garbage by train to landfills in southern Washington or northern Oregon.
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Build a waste-to-energy facility in King County and send the remaining ash by train to other landfills.
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Use a combination of both, sending some garbage to a local waste-to-energy facility and the rest by train.
From now through November 20, the County is asking for public feedback on the draft environmental review of these options.
You can learn more and submit comments at kingcounty.gov/solid-waste-comp-plan.
The leaves keep falling, temperature is dropping, and the rain and wind is starting to pick up!
Here's a few quick reminders to make sure you and your loved ones stay safe while out and about on the road.
🚘 Turn your headlights on. ❌ Don't use cruise control. 🛑 Increase stopping distance. 👀 Eyes on the road. No distractions. 🌊 Watch for water over roadways.
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Catch the Seattle Thunderbirds Saturday, November 7 for a home game at accesso ShoWare Center when they play the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Game starts at 6:05 p.m. Learn more and get tickets online.
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Have you voted yet? Your vote is your voice, so make it count! Take some time, learn about what each candidate supports, and vote!
The deadline for in-person voting in the General Election is Tuesday, November 3 at 8 p.m.
You can check your status at VoteWA.gov.
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Our Kent Police staff have put together a new program that will serve as a resource for both our community and our officers.
The Take Me Home program is a national program, designed to help with the safe return of loved ones who may have difficulty communicating or may need special assistance during an emergency situation. This program is for individuals with autism, Down syndrome, developmental or cognitive disabilities, or those that suffer from dementia, Alzheimer's or more.
Families/caregivers can complete an online registration form that includes a picture and identifying information for their person. This information is uploaded in a secure data base that only the Kent Police Department can access.
When officers encounter an individual, they access this database for information that could help them identify emergency contact information, address and much more. Thank you to the Renton Police Department, who has had the program for many years, for the guidance on putting this together.
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Bring your littles to get their wiggles out at Indoor Park!
Indoor Park is a great way to make the most of these cold, dark mornings. Come and play at the Kent Commons Community Center on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from 9:30-11 a.m. No registration is required!
Program is open to all kids aged 10 months to 4.5 years of age. Cost is $2 per visit for the first child and $1 for each additional child.
NEW this year, our Parks team is holding themed days to amp up the fun at this beloved drop-in program. Mark your calendar for some of the upcoming themes and bring your little by!
Our Parks team is holding themed days to amp up the fun at this beloved drop-in program. Mark your calendar for some of the upcoming themes and bring your little by!
📆10/29 Not so Spooky Halloween (Wear costumes for a parade!)
📆11/25 Turkey Tumble, Little Gobbles Gym
📆12/17 Jingle Bell Party with Santa
For questions or more information, call the Kent Commons Community Center at 253-856-5100.
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 Join us for the next Green Kent restoration event on Saturday, November 7, as our Natural Resource Team partners with Kent Public Works to plant native trees and shrubs at the new Little Property restoration site near Kent Memorial Park!
Mill Creek has recently been restored to a more natural, winding waterway to create a healthier habitat for salmon and other wildlife.
Come learn about salmon recovery and help make a lasting impact on our local environment!
Find your fall plans with Kent Parks.
The Fall Recreation Guide is full of classes, activities and programs for all ages — whether you’re looking to learn something new, stay active or just have a little fun this season.
Browse the guide at MyKentParks.com/Register.
Want a printed copy? Pick one up at the Kent Commons Community Center or Kent Senior Activity Center.
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Residents and visitors can now reserve racquetball, wallyball, and table tennis courts at the Kent Commons Community Center online. The new online reservation option allows community members to view available court times and select a time that works for their schedule without needing to call or visit Kent Commons in person.
This feature is available for those looking to plan ahead and reserve court time for their next game or activity.
View available court times and make a reservation online!
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The Christmas Rush is celebrating 44 years on December 12! Join friends, family, and neighbors for a festive morning along the Green River, featuring a 5K run/walk and a brand-new 10K course this year.
Kids 13 and under can participate for free, courtesy of Taylor Farms. Registration is open now, so gather your crew and sign up for this Kent tradition!
Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/WA/Kent/ChristmasRush
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The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition in Kent.
Once again, Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren, and guests for an afternoon of enchanting Yuletide music.
The Bouldings perform on Celtic harps, hammered dulcimers, whistles, strings, percussion, and harp-like instruments from around the world. Guests add Irish step dancing, drumming, and storytelling for a festive and memorable performance.
Tickets: $35 general, $32 senior, $25 youth
Learn more and get tickets at KentWA.gov/SpotlightSeries
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Game on, Kent!
Youth Basketball registration is open for winter!
Kent Park's basketball program is perfect for kids who are or ready to get on the court for the first time, or young athletes who are hoping to keep building their skills.
This program gives kids in grades K-12 a place to learn and grow as part of a team!
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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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The City of Kent is hiring!
If you’re looking for a new opportunity and want to do meaningful work that serves your community, take a look at our current openings.
Explore available positions and apply at KentWA.gov/Jobs.
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Ever been curious about what’s being built in your neighborhood or around the city?
Check out BuildKentWA!
It's a great way for you to find information about new projects that are under construction and coming soon.
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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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