Candidates propose downtown redevelopment, small-business support and park programming

Several candidates running for Kent City Council described plans to boost downtown vitality, support small businesses and expand park programming.

Logan Evans, a candidate for Kent City Council position 6, said he wants to redevelop Downtown Kent and Kent Station to increase residential density and create walkable, family-friendly areas. “Kent Station could be so much more. We could have families that live down here,” he said.

Jamie Lee, a candidate for Kent City Council position 6 and a small-business owner who opened a spa in historic Downtown Kent, said small businesses are the city’s backbone and described her experience supporting the community. She said her business “offer[s] discounts to teachers, nurses, first responders, and our military families” and pointed to her service on the Kent Downtown Partnership Board as experience in revitalization efforts.

Sharan Shoker, a candidate for Kent City Council position 6, said she would work with the city to “improve our infrastructure and create more opportunities for foot traffic, helping local businesses reach their full potential.” Jamie Lee and Shoker both proposed expanding family-friendly park programming, such as movie nights and food-truck events, to increase community engagement.

Logan Evans also criticized recent bicycle-lane placements as poorly sited, saying they “are blocking arterial traffic” and argued for more thoughtful infrastructure planning.

The transcript records campaign remarks and does not include a formal redevelopment proposal, budget allocations, or votes authorizing planning work.