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Mayor's Update



December 8, 2023




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*Kent Winterfest *

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winterfest tree

Happy Friday Kent,

I loved seeing everyone who came out for the Winterfest parade and tree lighting! It was so much fun!

A huge thank you to our Kent Parks Department, Kent Lions Club, Kent Lutheran, the Grinch, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Public Works and Kent PD for making the spirit of Christmas shine in downtown Kent.

There's more family fun as well as city updates in this week's newsletter! Hope you enjoy and have a great weekend!

Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor

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With the holidays right around the corner, I just wanted to encourage you to shop local as we all do that last minute shopping we don't want to admit to.

It's a great way to help support Kent small businesses and our local economy!

You can find all kinds of special and unique gifts locally—and don't forget to grab a bite while you're out!

small business

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realtors

Earlier this week, I presented the latest data on the current land use and real estate in Kent to the Washington State Association of Realtors.

We had a great conversation about how we can continue to build and invest in our city!



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Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with several of our neighborhood councils to discuss how they can improve their local area by applying for the city's neighborhood grants.

On Saturday, we held a workshop at the Kent Senior Center to walk them through the process.

These grants are a great way to fund local community events and projects to improve safety, recreation or more in your neighborhood.

neighborhood council workshop

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dignitaries

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Patience Namadingo, an internationally renowned recording artist from Malawi.

He uses his music and influence to improve the lives and inspire the youth of Malawi—a very impressive gentlemen!

Thank you to our very own DEIB board member Davies Chirwa for the introduction.



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We recently updated our Winter Weather Plan, which has tips and best practices for preparing for winter weather.

It explains the city’s capabilities and strategies for maintaining roadways, communication and public safety during rain, snow and ice.

It also has our anti-icing and plowing routes as well as details on our roadway response priorities during weather events. Check it out at *KentWA.gov/Winter. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/winter-weather-plan?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

winter weather

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wsdot

*Heads up: The S 216th St bridge over I-5 is now only open to westbound traffic for the next 6 months.*

Eastbound must use a signed detour (see picture). WB S 216th St between Military Rd South & 31st Ave S will also be closed tonight through Sunday 9pm-9am nightly.

WSDOT also has I-5 closures planned today and tomorrow, all a part of the SR 509 Project.

⛔️ Southbound I-5 between S 200th St & SR 516/Kent Des Moines Rd is closed from 10 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday.
⛔️ Northbound I-5 between SR 516/Kent Des Moines Rd & Military Rd is closed from 10 p.m. Saturday to 8 a.m. Sunday.



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Catch the T-birds game against the Tri-City Americans at  7:05 p.m. at accesso ShoWare Center. Let's go Birds! 

hockey

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tacoma stars

I'm super excited to make the inaugural first kick Saturday night at accesso ShoWare Center for the *Tacoma Stars* [ https://www.tacomastars.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] opening night. Come see the match as they take on the San Diego Sockers!



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Impaired Driving Awareness

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dec

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Impaired driving is a serious threat to public safety—and often, without outside intervention, this behavior repeats.

The DUI Court program at the Kent Municipal Court connects offenders with with substance use and mental health disorders to recovery support services.

It's a specialized, therapeutic court program dedicated to changing the behavior of high-risk DUI offenders through intensive treatment and supervision.

The KMC DUI Court program consists of five phases designed to keep the participant alcohol and drug-free in order to rehabilitate and reduce the likelihood of recidivism.

We connect them with the treatment and resources they need so they can be healthy, thriving members of our community. Learn more at *bit.ly/4abOSbC [ https://bit.ly/4abOSbC?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ].*

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Christmas Rush

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christmas rush

The 2023 Christmas Rush is tomorrow at Hogan Park on Russell Road!

This 5k/10k Fun Run and Walk has been held annually for over 40 years, and great way to get active and have some fun.

Grab some friends or family and join in on this beloved holiday tradition! Day-of registration is available beginning at 8 a.m. Learn more and register online at *KentWA.gov/ChristmasRush. [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/events/christmas-rush-fun-run-and-walk/-fbclid-IwAR36e6OWB6NsRILHehaVtbJYk23wvOpo1lQyDK_tnsTNqRxCqOVU7I0AYuI?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

?? Tomorrow
⏲ 9:50 a.m.
?? Hogan Park, 25500 Russell Road

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Employee of the Month

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Matt Fisher

Congratulations to Matt Fisher for being our November Employee of the Month! Matt has been with the Kent Police Department since 2018.

He grew up in Kent, graduating from Kentridge High School in 2013. After high school, Matt enlisted in the Army and served for 5 years as a Military Police Officer. While serving he was stationed in Colorado Springs, South Korea and JBLM.

His favorite role in the Army was his time spent on a personal security detail from Central Command, which allowed him to travel to countries in the Middle East and Asia. While serving in the Army he earned an AA from the American Military University.

Matt always wanted to be a police officer. He eventually volunteered with the Kent Police Explorers program and created connections with actual police officers through that program.

Now that he is working as a police officer, Matt enjoys the fast-paced environment of his department and the people he gets to work with. He says it is also nice having supportive city leaders. Recently he has been working in the Neighborhood Response Team.

Matt was nominated in part because of a recent incident in which a semi-truck hit a concrete barrier and was unresponsive.

Officer Matthew Fisher happened to be at this location, so he was able to quickly locate the collision. When he arrived, three people were administering CPR on the driver.

Officer Fisher quickly took command. After several minutes of CPR, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and King County Medics arrived on scene.

The driver was shocked three times with the third shock successfully restoring his heartbeat. Matt demonstrated extreme bravery and selflessness while providing critical lifesaving aid.

His actions along with the actions of the three Good Samaritans directly resulted in the patient surviving his heart attack.

Outside of work, Matt spends most of his time at home hanging with his wife and son. Matt continuously embraces our values, and we celebrate him as November’s Employee of the Month.

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Vote on the best gingerbread house!

Come see the gingerbread houses on display at Kent Station and vote on your favorite! There will be prizes be given to the 3 houses who receive the most votes! 


gingerbread house

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photos with santa
2022 Santa Photos at Santa's Cozy Cottage
in front of AMC! 

Visit Santa at Kent Station through December 23rd!

*Click here* [ https://www.kentstation.com/events/santaphotos?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] for details including photos of Santa Dale, Santa Cecil and Santa Chukundi and to reserve your appointment online.



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Letters for Santa!

Drop off your holiday wish list in Santa's mailbox at Kent Commons until December 15.

He will have cards to fill out on site. If you would like to get a *letter back from Santa* [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/events/kent-winterfest?fbclid=IwAR1gFuubdEngfLoVb6OkB2iBT03DkIMmzAwzvY091rL7_IHhsxvgvgfH59c&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ], include your mailing address on the card! 


letters with santa

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giving tree
Kent Station Giving Tree!

Kent Station is collecting gifts for Seeds of Hope. Grab a tag off the giving tree outside the Santa house through December 23rd.

Bring your unwrapped gifts to the red box outside Johnny Rockets.



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The Greater Kent Historical Society is having a fun Winter craft day! Create a winter decoration to celebrate the season!

?? Friday, December 22
⌚ Noon to 4 p.m. 
?? Kent Historical Museum

Kent Historical Society event

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Business Impact NW

Exciting news for Kent's vibrant business community! The City of Kent, in partnership with Business Impact NW, is excited to announce a three-year initiative designed to empower local entrepreneurs.

If you are a small business operating in Kent, you will benefit from a network of connections and resources that are extensive and easy to navigate, ensuring businesses can focus on growth and long-term sustainability. To learn more and sign up for services, visit *our website. [ https://businessimpactnw.org/cityofkent/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Reith Road Roundabouts / Meeker Bridge

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PWOpenHouse

The City of Kent Public Works department is hosting an open house event for residents to learn more about two projects the city will be working on next summer in 2024.

Roundabout improvements will be coming to Reith Road and maintenance and painting will be taking place at the Green River Bridge on Meeker Street. 

The Reith Road project will change the existing stop sign controlled intersections of Reith Road with S 253rd Street and Lake Fenwick Road to single-lane compact roundabouts to improve safety for people walking, biking, and driving.

In between the roundabouts the outside travel lanes will be converted to separated one-way bike lanes while still maintaining needed capacity on the corridor with one-lane in each direction.

The bike lanes will provide separated space for people who ride bikes, increase the separation between car travel lanes and the sidewalk, and help fill a gap in the city's bike network.

People who walk will benefit from street crossings that will be shorter, simpler, and some will benefit from flashing beacons that flash when a button is pressed.

The project will also extend the sidewalk towards Kent-Des-Moines Rd (SR 516) on one side of Reith Road while providing rideable shoulders in both directions for bikes.

The Green River Bridge at Meeker Street will undergo minor bridge repairs, repainting of the bridge, and repaving of the roadway deck. The goal of this project is to maintain this important bridge for increased use and longevity for decades to come. 

Expect temporary traffic control, lane closures, road closures, and detours during the construction phase of these projects.

A full bridge closure for the painting and deck repair will occur for about an 8-week period during the summer construction season. Detours and traffic control will be provided.

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Kent 101

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Kent 101

*Kent 101 [ https://www.kentwa.gov/guides/kent-101?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]* is returning for a Spring Session in 2023!

If you haven't heard about it before, Kent 101 is our fun and interactive 8-week civics course that deepens understanding about local government and how it all works.

This program is perfect for high school students looking for career inspiration, college students who need more experience before joining the work force, working adults who want to have a stronger understanding about government work, or retirees looking to be more involved in their community.

Applications are now being accepted for the Spring 2023 session that starts in February! The deadline to apply is January 30, 2023.

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Business Impact NW

Exciting news for Kent's vibrant business community! The City of Kent, in partnership with Business Impact NW, is excited to announce a three-year initiative designed to empower our local entrepreneurs.

If you are a small business operating in Kent, you will benefit from a network of connections and resources that are not only extensive but also easy to navigate, ensuring that businesses can focus on growth and long-term sustainability. To learn more and sign up for services, visit *Business Impact NW - City of Kent [ https://businessimpactnw.org/cityofkent/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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*Kent Parks Winter Guide *

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parks guide

Have you registered for a Winter class or program yet?

From preschool classes to offerings for Adults 50+ and everything in between, our Parks team offers something for everyone to enjoy. Registration is now open for all Winter programming.

Browse a digital copy or register online or register* online* [ https://web2.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/wakentwt.wsc/splash.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] or by phone, mail, or fax. Participants can also register by walking into the Kent Commons or Senior Center during regular operating hours.

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Holiday meal

Are you 50+ and alone for the holiday?

The Kent Senior Activity Center has a Holiday Take Home Meal for $5 that you can purchase today.

Call 253-856-5150 to order or for more information!

*Limit one meal per person while supplies last.



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The Kent Parks ShoWalk program has returned to the accesso ShoWare Center!

This free, indoor walking program offers a warm and dry place to walk and stay active during the cold, wet months.

*Check out the schedule here! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/programs-activities/adult-fitness?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

showalk

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youth basketball

Don’t forget to sign your child up for Youth Basketball!

This program is open to all students in grades K-12, and provides participants with a fun and supportive environment to learn how to play the game and grow as both an athlete and teammate.

The registration deadline for Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grades 6-12 is Tuesday, December 12. Late registrations are accepted, contact the Kent Commons with any questions! 253-856-5100

Register now at *MyKentParks.com/Register [ http://mykentparks.com/Register?fbclid=IwAR3CFWD05YqRTr79aWdjNX8ukdDZFvbWOmZqdpI6bk3H0Cehg66ovP4iLfo&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Spotlight Series 

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queens cartoonist

The 2023-2024 Spotlight Series has been such a hit so far, and the next performance in the line-up is one you will not want to miss!

The Queen’s Cartoonists perform music from cartoons! Pulling from over 100 years of animation, TQC’s performances are perfectly synchronized to the films projected on stage.

The band matches the energy of the cartoons, leading the audience through a world of virtuosic musicianship, multi-instrumental mayhem, and comedy.

Projections of animated films dazzle the audience, while the band re-creates original soundtracks note-for-note, or writes their own fresh compositions to modern pieces, all the while breathing new life into two uniquely American forms of art: jazz and animation.

Tying everything together is the TQC brand of comedy - anecdotes about the cartoons and their composers, stream-of-consciousness humor, and elements of a musical circus. Get tickets and *see the line-up of performances for the 2024 season online! [ https://www.kentwa.gov/departments/kent-parks/arts/spotlight-series?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

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welcoming center

Are you an immigrant, refugee or new to the community? A friendly Welcoming Ambassador can connect you to information and resources!

??Tuesdays until December 19
⌚ 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

*This is a drop-in service on Tuesdays at the Kent Library. [ https://kcls.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?_gl=1%2Abin7lp%2A_ga%2AMTQwNTU5Nzk0My4xNjk1OTM5MDA1%2A_ga_G99DMMNG39%2AMTcwMTQ1MzA2Ni4zLjAuMTcwMTQ1MzA2Ni4wLjAuMA..%2A_ga_87TS29R5HD%2AMTcwMTQ1MzA2Ni4zLjAuMTcwMTQ1MzA2Ni4wLjAuMA..%2A_ga_GSN8Q2NL99%2AMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4xLjAuMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4wLjAuMA..%2A_ga_VP05GNK0XC%2AMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4xLjAuMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4wLjAuMA..%2A_ga_QXTYXDVVNT%2AMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4xLjAuMTcwMDUwMzA3Mi4wLjAuMA..&locations=BC_VIRTUAL%2C1520&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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Do you want to be more involved in your city? Consider joining the Bicycle Advisory Board, which advises our City Council, Mayor and staff on projects, policies and programs that affect bicycling conditions. ?? Learn more at *bit.ly/3rlOSBV! [ http://bit.ly/3rlOSBV?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*

KBAB

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batteries [ https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/about-us/hazardous-waste-library/b/batteries?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]

*Drop off unwanted batteries at King County Hazardous Waste collection sites for safe recycling at no cost to you! [ https://www.kingcountyhazwastewa.gov/about-us/hazardous-waste-library/b/batteries?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]*



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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.

raskc

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KentNow

Don't forget to check out the new episode of the KentNOW podcast!  Tracy, Josh and Kyle talk to Heather Martin from our Public Works Department about Fats, Oils and Grease and how it can damage your pipes. They also talk to cookbook author Christina Arokiasamy, and food blogger Erika Diama. Listen to new and previous episodes 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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City of Kent, Washington

KentWA.gov [ https://www.kentwa.gov?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]  |  253-856-5200

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