Kent mayor highlights Family Night Out, 2026 progress report, Kent 101 and boards openings

Mayor Dana Ralph used the weekly update to promote several community programs and resources.

She described the city’s first Family Night Out at Kent Commons, where children made buttons, provided input on Town Square Plaza and tried activities such as pottery with local artist Brian Ono. "What I want you to take away from this is not that you missed this year, but that it is an annual event," she said, asking residents to "mark your calendars for January next year."

Ralph said the city’s 2026 progress report is available at kentwa.gov/progress and previews projects the city will pursue in 2026 while reviewing 2025 accomplishments. She also encouraged residents to sign up for Kent 101, the city’s civics class, at kentwa.gov/kent101, saying each department will host an evening to explain their work.

The mayor noted several open positions on city boards and commissions, including the Bicycle Advisory Board and the Parks and Recreation Commission, and directed residents to kentwa.gov/boardsandcommissions to apply. She also promoted the Spotlight Series show by Gayden on Feb. 12 at Camp Meridian Performing Arts Center (tickets at kentwa.gov/spotlightseries).

Ralph closed the update with a light personal note supporting the Seattle Seahawks ahead of the Feb. 8 Super Bowl and thanked viewers for joining the update.