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Happy Friday, Kent!



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Mayor's Update



March 29, 2024




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Joint Meeting with Kent School District

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shark

Happy Friday, Kent!

On Wednesday night, your Kent City Council had a joint meeting with the Kent School District School Board. The meeting highlighted two areas the partnership between the City and KSD staff benefit those we serve.

KSD and City staff discussed our joint efforts in creating a strategic vision for advancing STEM for KSD students through educational opportunities and corporate partnerships. Essentially, this would increase opportunities for students for additional education and jobs in STEM fields.

We also discussed our partnership to improve Mill Creek Middle School area and surrounding properties from flooding. The goal of this partnership is to facilitate structural improvements which could include moving and raising the field and providing the flood and stormwater storage necessary to meet state and federal regulatory requirements. 

We are looking forward to more discussions to move our visions forward.

As always, there's a lot is going on around the city and I'm excited to share this week's updates with you. Hope you enjoy and have a fantastic Easter weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor

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Downtown 'Penguin' Lot Update

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penguin lot

As mentioned in the State of the City address last week, the City has entered into an agreement to purchase the vacant lot adjacent to and just northeast of Kherson Park (often referred to as the “Penguin Lot”).

Once this purchased is finalized, the City will own both of the vacant lots north of Kherson Park. Some changes will be coming pretty quick. Then we will go into the planning process and want to hear from you in what you want in a downtown park.

We are super excited for the future of our downtown and expanding the Kherson Park space.

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tball

Yesterday was opening day for Major League Baseball and we're rooting hard for the Mariners this season at Kent City Hall.

Since we are talking about baseball, I can't wait for the T-Ball/Tossball Jamboree coming up in a few weeks!



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Last weekend, the Chief and I were invited to the celebration at Kent Sanatan Dharma Mandir.

Holi is a joyous occasion that marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the colors of life. It is a time for unity, love, and community.

We had such a great time!

 

holi

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thunderbirds

Last weekend, the Seattle Thunderbirds wrapped up their season at accesso ShoWare center. They all worked so hard! We can't wait for the season to start back up this Fall. 



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I want to wish a Happy Easter to all in our community who will be celebrating this weekend!

easter

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easter bunny

I can't wait to deliver the Easter Bunny to Kent Station this Saturday for their annual Easter Egg Hunt! 

 

*Here's more information if you want to bring the family down for some fun!  [ https://www.kentstation.com/events/easteregghunt?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Drinks in the Driveway 

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Drinks in the Driveway

Dates are filling up fast for Spring and Summer Drinks in the Driveway visits!

Chief Padilla, Public Works Director Chad Bieren and I visit local neighborhoods and councils to discuss issues they are facing and keeping our community safe. We bring the soft drinks; you bring the conversation. 

*If you would like to reserve one of the dates, sign up here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/drinks-in-the-driveway?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#!/ ]*

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Coffee and Conversation 

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coffee and convo

I would like to invite you to join us at Cutter's Point Coffee for another Coffee and Conversations. Bring your questions, concerns or compliments!

?? Wednesday, April 3                            
?? 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.                                       
 ?? 25246 Pacific Hwy S, Kent, WA 98032

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Blood banks across the United States are reporting critical shortages, with donor levels lower now than they were before. Let's help patients in our community by making an appointment at the *pop-up blood drive happening at Kent Station. [ https://www.kentstation.com/pop-up-blood-drive?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

blood drive

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neighborhood

The Neighborhood Matching Grant Program offers matching funds to recognized neighborhood councils to develop and implement projects which will enhance the livability of their communities.

Grants are a 50% match of the total project value, with the other 50% contributed by the neighborhood. 

Projects are selected to receive grants based on specific criteria. All projects will be evaluated by the City's Grant Review Team. *Applications are due on April 17, 2024. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/neighborhood-program/neighborhood-grant-program?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Wonder what the city will look like in 20 years?

Help shape the future of Kent by sharing your ideas for our Kent Comprehensive Plan. Take the survey now at  * Engage.KentWA.gov/FutureKent* [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/FutureKent?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

comp plan

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Kent Commons Remodel

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Commons

As a reminder, the Kent Commons Community Center is getting a refresh!

The Kent Commons building was originally constructed in 1979 and is due for upgrades and improvements to allow us to continue providing the quality programs and experiences you know and love, while still preserving this City facility.

The project kicked off this week and will be wrapped later this year. Throughout the duration of the project, the building will be open and operating normal hours, but several amenities will be closed during the entirety of construction.

These amenities include racquetball courts, weight room, locker room, main restrooms, and the main entrance/front counter. All building visitors will be asked to enter through the temporary entrance and check in at the temporarily relocated front counter.

Signage and building detours will be in place for all program participants, rental groups, and visitors. Stay tuned for updates throughout the project!

Questions? Please call the Kent Commons at 253-856-5100.  

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Have household cleaners or similar items that you need to get rid of? If they're unsafe for you, they're unsafe for the environment! Remember to dispose of all household hazardous waste properly.

household cleaners kick

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wastemobile

The King County Wastemobile has released its 2024 schedule! 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. [ https://kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/en/news-articles/2024-wastemobile-schedule-and-announcement?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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April kicks off Distracted Driving Awareness Month! 
Kent PD will join other King County area police departments to conduct additional enforcement for distracted drivers.
Distractions are still a factor in 30% of fatal crashes across Washington. It takes all of us to keep our roadways safe! 

Help us all get from one place to the next safely. On the road, off the phone!


distracted driving

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Business Crime Prevention Summit

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police summit

The Kent Police Neighborhood Response Team will be holding another Business Crime Prevention Summit at the Accesso ShoWare Center.

It's your chance to hear from Kent officers and the Community Education Unit on general safety and crime prevention tips impacting Kent businesses.

There will be a question-and-answer session so you leave with all of the safety and prevention information you can use to prevent crime.

Must be a Kent business owner, manager, or employee.

?? Thursday, April 25
⌚ 9 a.m. - Noon
?? Kent City Hall Chambers

*RSVP required to swood@kentwa.gov*

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drug take back

The Kent Police Department is partnering with the DEA to collect any unused/expired medications. Medicines that sit in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse and abuse.

*Here's some information on how to drop off medications and what we can and cannot take. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/police-department/community-education?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

*If you have questions email sjudd@kentwa.gov*



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Target Zero 

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target zero [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/kent-target-zero-action-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

We are developing an action plan to improve transportation safety in Kent, working toward eliminating fatalities and serious injuries due to crashes.

*Please take this brief survey to share your experience on city streets and areas you feel may be unsafe.* [ https://engage.kentwa.gov/kent-target-zero-action-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

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The KentWorks app lets you access information and improve your neighborhood and community by reporting *non-emergency issues* to the city.

 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!

kent works app

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khs mystery night

Join the Greater Kent Historical Society in solving a classic who-done-it mystery at the historic Bereiter House!

Costumes encouraged. Space is limited, and first come first serve.

*Tickets are available for purchase.  [ https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/4Z_1hxr61ihbmeGfVKxYyQ?fbclid=IwAR1vxf0QC-ypEiNWB4VYMU22FTDpBIsLlVBecQbsMZ_U8Luillo8L-xfyIc&t=1710442052&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]
*

?? Thursday, April 18
?? 6 p.m - 8 p.m.
?? Historic Bereiter House (855 E. Smith St.)



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There's only a few more days left to see the 2024 Kent Student Art Exhibit! There are 580 works of art from 22 Kent schools displayed in 22 businesses throughout historic downtown Kent and at *Kent Station [ https://www.kentstation.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

The Kent Student Art Exhibit is produced by the Kent Arts Commission with support from the Kent School District, Kent Station, and the businesses in historic downtown. Artwork is on display until Sunday - don’t miss out on checking out the great artwork from our local students.

kent youth art

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Arbor Day 

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arbor day

Natural areas in Kent parks offer a refuge from our urban environment and contribute to an ecosystem that we benefit from. Trees and green spaces can improve air and water quality, reduce erosion and water run-off, provide food and shelter for wildlife, create an attractive community, and increase overall quality of life.

At this year's Arbor Day event, we'll plant our ceremonial Arbor Day tree, then participants will plant trees and shrubs to celebrate Kent's 23rd year as a Tree City USA!

?? Saturday, April 6
⌚ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
?? Riverview Park
?? Green River Trailhead at Riverview Park (900 block of Hawley Rd, Kent)

Community members of all ages are welcome to volunteer and work to help keep our parks and natural areas healthy and thriving. Registration is open!

Learn more and register online today: *MyKentParks.com/VolunteerEvents [ http://mykentparks.com/VolunteerEvents?fbclid=IwAR2dX3n5RsYmJmrnQXxzd7ryEhSJv8xQLAiWqtCW02OiZwOmkxieN_XAnB4_aem_AWVuC_fw86IG_wfCGAW-a3r06R3xnsvwnfvVuqgMocRbXbbiFkIWU63BfB2zH6v4sSzva1ooJq_M5uOKuUGGw6Av&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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Parks Spring/Summer Guide 

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Registration Open

Registration for Spring/Summer programming through Kent Parks is now open!

From preschool classes and free summer concerts to youth sports and programs for adults aged 50 and older, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

*If you haven’t received a guide, browse a digital copy to check out upcoming events and all available programs. [ https://online.flipbuilder.com/ixcy/mstl/mobile/index.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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Kent Green

Green Kent, our hands-on environmental conservation program, is back! Events will be held from April to November at a variety of locations across our Parks system. *Registration is open for all 2024 events. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/volunteering/outdoor-conservation-events?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

Volunteers work to help us keep our parks healthy and thriving, as well as learn valuable information about our natural areas and local environmental conservation efforts. These events provide a great opportunity for them to complete required community service hours!



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We're hiring! Check out our featured jobs and find great opportunities on our hiring page at *jobs.kentwa.gov [ https://jobs.kentwa.gov/jobs?page_number=2&page_size=10&sort_by=headline&sort_order=ASC&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*


jobs of the month

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RASKC

Get your furry friends licensed with *Regional Animal Services of King County [ https://kingcounty.gov/depts/regional-animal-services.aspx?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* 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 Kent Community Foundation has shared information on social media about an upcoming Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kent Stake Center. 

Ensuring that you and your loved ones are prepared for emergencies is crucial. You can learn more about preparedness at *KentWA.gov/Prepared [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/emergency-preparedness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* and *Ready.gov [ https://www.ready.gov/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*.

preparedness

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kentnow

Join Tracy, Josh an Kyle as they update you on the important, fun, and interesting things happening in the City of Kent!

In case you missed it last week, we have put up the audio version from my State of the City address last week. 

Listen now on:
?? Apple Podcasts *apple.co/3J2UMkd [ https://t.co/kiMUAwAMdU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Spotify *spoti.fi/3GNCeli [ https://t.co/MccBJhOIlp?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*
?? Amazon Music *amzn.to/3jjaOvU [ https://amzn.to/3jjaOvU?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*




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Translations A/文

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translations

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