The Kent City Council convened on May 20, 2025, addressing a range of community matters.
The meeting commenced with a proclamation by Mayor Dana Ralph, designating May as Jewish American Heritage Month amidst a concerning national rise in anti-semitism.
Other key topics included updates on the upcoming Kent Farmers Market season, a drug awareness and prevention program, the reinstatement of the Kent Police Department’s traffic school, and the adoption of the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan.
Proclamation For Jewish American Heritage Month
Mayor Dana Ralph signed a proclamation recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month. The proclamation was accepted by a representative from the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, who explained that anti-semitism in this country has reached record levels. In fact, there has been a 300% increase in anti-semitic incidents in Washington State in the last four years. She said her own family was afraid to openly celebrate their religion and heritage, for fear of backlash.
Kent Farmers Market
The Kent Farmers Market will run on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., from June 14 through September 13. The market was originally established in 1974 by the Lion’s Club, and is now being organized by Living Well Kent.
The market currently has 35 vendors for the season, but Living Well Kent is still looking for more vendors to sign up. Each week the market will have music, food trucks, and fun activities for families. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony on opening day, June 14, with Mayor Dana Ralph.
Drug Awareness & Prevention
Councilmember Toni Troutner shared that Kent Commons will be hosting a drug awareness and prevention program on May 28, at 5:30 p.m. The event is organized by Kent Drug Free Coalition, and will include information on mental health and substance use trends. There will also be encouragement and guidance on how to talk to kids about drug use.
Traffic School Reinstated
Assistant Police Chief Jarod Kasner gave the Public Safety Report. After swearing in two new officers, he shared that Kent PD’s traffic school has reopened. This program gives drivers a refresher on violations and how to avoid them. Participating in traffic school can help keep insurance rates down after an incident occurs. Kent Traffic School is an online, four-hour course, with a cost of $100 to participate.
2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan Adopted
The council approved the 2026-2031 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). The TIP includes several specific projects to improve safety for pedestrians and bikes. Things like enhanced crosswalks, completed walking paths along major roadways, and railway crossings were all included in the plan. Recently finished TIP projects include a roundabout at 108th and 264th, enhanced crosswalks on 104th Ave SE, and pedestrian improvements at 132nd SE.
