Mayor Dana Ralph highlights Kent 101, neighborhood conversations and March community events

In her weekly video update Mayor Dana Ralph promoted several upcoming opportunities for residents to engage with city government and community activities.

Ralph described Kent 101, the city’s annual civic-education series, as a multiweek program that brings residents and students together to learn how city government functions and to provide feedback; the spring series opened with administration and included a finance session. “Kent 101 is one of my favorite things we do every year,” she said.

She encouraged neighborhoods to register for 'Drinks in the Driveway,' a two-hour, in-neighborhood conversation staffed by city representatives that provides snacks and a chance to talk about public works, public safety and other local concerns. “Sign ups are open and you can go to kentwa.gov/drinks in the driveway to register your neighborhood,” Ralph said.

Ralph also outlined a slate of community events in early March: Coffee with the Chief at Maggie’s on Meeker on March 4 from 8–10 a.m.; a spring recycling event for hard-to-recycle items at Hogan Park on Saturday, March 7, from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; and Kent Kids Art Day at Kent Commons on March 7 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. She encouraged families to attend and described hands-on arts-and-crafts stations hosted by local artists.

Ralph closed by thanking downtown partners and residents for participation in city programs and said she looks forward to continuing outreach throughout the spring.