KentNow

From Freezing Temps to TikTok Flops

This week on KentNow, we’re covering everything from the TikTok ban that barely lasted a day to egg prices that have us all questioning our breakfast choices. Plus, it’s cold out—really cold—so we’re talking winter driving tips, and why you should never drive with an iced-up windshield.
 
On the city front, Mayor Ralph and the Council have outlined Kent’s 2025 legislative priorities, and a major settlement with Phoenix Court Apartments aims to improve safety for residents. Also, Kent Parks is hiring lifeguards—because summer will come eventually.
 
Don’t miss our chat with James Endicott and Somen Palit from Kent’s IT team as we dig into how technology is shaping city services.
Bundle up, grab a hot drink, and hit play!
 
If you have comments and suggestions, reach out to us at Communications@KentWa.gov 

Fresh Frosty Perspective!

Season 3 of KentNow kicks off with a jam-packed episode that’s equal parts informative and fun! We’re tackling the latest buzz: California wildfires, a potential TikTok ban, Mariners offseason chatter, and Blue Origin’s rocket launch updates.
Plus, we’ll introduce you to a clever escape room experience in Kent and a delicious Thin Mint Frosty heading your way in February!
In city news, we’re breaking down Mayor Ralph’s Progress Report, the City of Kent’s 2025 Legislative Priorities, and the fight to restore critical sales tax revenue for our community.
This episode also features special guests from Sara Halstad from Kent PD, Transportation Engineering Manager Rob Brown from Public Works, and our Emergency Management team sharing how the city is working to keep streets safer and residents' winter-weather ready.
And did you know Kent Valley is a national powerhouse in trade and industry? We’ll share fascinating facts about how this hub keeps the economy humming.
Hit play for all the updates, a bit of wit, and maybe a sprinkle of Girl Scout cookie cravings.

My chaps are lipped.. Year end wrap up!

In the last KentNow episode of 2024, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to revisit some of our favorite moments from 2024. We've had an incredible year together, from impactful city projects to unforgettable community events.
Join us as we highlight key moments with updates from city staff and partners, showcasing the hard work and collaboration that brought projects to life—from infrastructure improvements to community events that brought the community together.
Mayor Dana Ralph joins us to deliver her 2024 progress report, celebrating key accomplishments while previewing what’s to come in 2025. 
Don’t miss this episode as we debut a new program that starts up this Spring, honor the year that was, and look ahead to the future of Kent.
Thank you for being part of the journey and have a very merry holiday season! 

Thanksgiving edition!

Welcome back to KentNow! 
We are slowing winding down the year with only a few episodes left! 
This week:
Kent Parks team Mark Hendrickson and Ronda Billerbeck join Kyle, Tracy and Josh to talk about our Kent Spotlight Series, Winterfest and the Christmas rush.
Race and Equity Coordinator Maria Tizoc talks about the Kent Language Access Plan.
Thanks to all the line crews from PSE, our Kent Public Works department and everyone who helped our community through the bomb cyclone. 
There are only a few episodes left before the team takes a holiday break! 
Let us know what YOU want to hear more about! 
Reach out to us at Communications@KentWa.gov
Happy Thanksgiving! 

Planes, Trains and more Trains

Welcome back to KentNow! 
This week, we’re thrilled to host some amazing guests who bring you the latest on big projects and community insights. Join us as Sound Transit Deputy Executive Project Director Sepehr Sobhani and City of Kent Public Works Deputy Director Kelly Peterson dive into the Federal Way Link Extension Project, breaking down what it means for Kent and how it’s transforming regional transit.
But that’s not all! We also have Sewer/Storm Field Supervisors Chris Couvillion and Tony Mann, along with Jens Vincent, Kent’s Sewer/Storm Drainage Manager, on deck to talk about keeping storm drains clear. Fall leaves are dropping, and they’re sharing some expert tips on preventing clogs, how the city tackles drainage, and ways you can help keep Kent flood-free.
And, of course, we’ll fill you in on all the exciting upcoming events around town! From community happenings to fun events on the horizon, you won’t want to miss this lively discussion.
Thanks for listening! Please like and subscribe! 

Happy Halloween!

Hello Spooky Friends! 
Welcome back to the KentNow podcast! 
This week we get "granular" with the Kent Public Works Department on the Winter weather plan. Thanks to Street and Vegetation Manager Bill Thomas, Street Field Supervisor Brent Collins and Deputy Director of Public Works Dave Brock for stopping by! 
Nathan Pilling and Simon Lovsin from the Seattle Thunderbirds talk about the season and some of their favorite Halloween memories, and Kyle tried the Chicken Big Mac. 
Josh talks about Diwali in this week's "Did you know", and we lay out all the fun things happening in Kent for the next 2 weeks! 
We appreciate you listening, and if you have something you would like to hear more about on the pod, send us an email at Communications@KentWa.gov 
Please don't drink and drive and have a safe and Happy Halloween! 

When is Mariah season?

Welcome back to KentNow! 
We have a jam-packed show for you! But, don't we always? 
This week Kyle, Tracy and Josh talk to James Endicott and Somen Palit from our IT department to discuss Cyber Security month! 
Mayor Ralph stops by to talk about her journey with Breast Cancer and a reminder to get your mammogram! 
Kyle and Josh go down a scary movie rabbit hole, and Tracy was called out on her "posts".
If you're looking for something to take the kids to for Halloween, join us at Kent Station for Haunted Boolevard! 
Kent Downtown Partnership is holding their "Street of Treats" at Kherson Park on October 26th!
There's a lot happening in Kent this month! Click here to find out more! 

It's like the Scholastic Book Fair!

Welcome back to another episode of KentNow! 
We have a jam-packed show for you this week! 
October brings forward a lot of celebrations and days to be recognized, so the team starts with Cyber Security Month highlighting the incident this week with Verizon. We then jump into the disaster Hurricane Helene brought to Ashville, North Carolina, and other states. There's the discussion about SPOOKY SEASON, movies, and the scholastic book fair. 
This week Kyle, Josh and Tracy talk to Executive Director Gaila Haas from the Kent Downtown Partnership and the Cider and Ale trail coming to downtown Kent. If you are looking for more info or how to get tickets, click here! 
Josh provides a quick Kent City Council Wrap up from this week, you can watch that here! 
There's a LONG list of amazing events happening in the city, and info on what you can bring to the upcoming recycling event is available at this link! 
If you have a comment or suggestion on what you would like to hear on the pod, please drop us a line at Communications@kentwa.gov 
Have a great day! 
 

It's Fall Ya'll

Welcome back to KentNow! 
We have an action-packed episode for you this week!
The team taste tests the new Coke Zero collab with Oreo and it's not what you expect. 
It's Welcoming Week, and we talk to Race and Equity Coordinator Maria Tizoc about the events in Kent, and how we are working to become a certified Welcoming city. 
Deputy Director of Public Works Kelly Peterson joins in the fun with the coke taste test and lets us know where we are with the Green River Bridge project. 
As always, Josh comes with facts on Fall. Tracy dives into the latest Kent City Council meeting and Kyle... he has a headache. 
 
Here are the links we promised from the episode:
Seattle Times article on V-Garden and Mei Wa Bakery
Where you can watch the Kent Special City Council Meeting on Monday, September 23
We are hiring a Communications Intern and HR Director - Apply now! 
More information about all the projects happening in Kent (Green River Bridge) 
WSDOT - Online Open House for SR 509 Construction Project 
Sign up for Team Up to Clean Up! 
Kent Downtown Partnership - Cider and Ale Trail 
 
Thanks for listening and we will see you in 2 weeks! 

ICYMI - Mayor Ralph's Weekly Update September 13, 2024

Welcome back to KentNow! 
This week we bring you Mayor Dana Ralph's weekly update!
Enjoy and see you next week for a brand-NEW episode of KentNow!