KentNow

Latest Episodes:

Spring Buzz, Blue Origin & Council Behind-the-Scenes Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

This week on KentNow, we’re talking spring allergies, prom season prep, and yes—beekeeping (Kyle’s on a mission). Plus, we celebrate some history-making ladies as Blue Origin launches an all-women crew into space.

Mayor Dana Ralph gives a nod to Earth Day and all the ways Kent is pushing toward a greener future.

We break down the King County Parks Levy headed to the August ballot, chat about Kent’s summer rec programs, and give a big shoutout to our newest Kent 101 grads!

Later in the show, Tobias Sednif joins us to talk about what it really takes to keep the Kent City Council running smoothly, from recap to newsletter.

And don’t miss your event rundown: Kent Commons reopens soon, TeamUp2CleanUp is back, and Hops & Cops is brewing up another great community chat.

🌿 Events, updates, a little trivia, and your weekly Kent scoop—it’s all here!

Dire Wolves, Bikes & Bunnies—Oh My! Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

This week’s episode of KentNow is packed tighter than a TSA line during spring break! 🧳

We’re talking about the potential "de-extinction" of dire wolves (thanks, science), USPS mail delays, allergy season survival tips, a sweet new Hershey’s/Cinnamon Toast Crunch mashup, and SEA Airport’s Spring travel surge. ✈️

⚠️ Plus, a quick PSA: REAL ID is coming May 2025—don’t get grounded!

🏒 We also tip our hats to the Seattle Thunderbirds for an incredible season after an epic Game 6.

🎙️ Then, it's time for our roundtable on Kent’s Boards & Commissions—we chat with:

Maria Tizoc, Co-Director of the Race, Equity & Belonging Team
Erik Preston, Staff Liaison for the Bicycle Advisory Board
Julie from Parks was out sick (get well soon!)

Find out how these boards impact everything from inclusion to infrastructure—and how YOU can get involved.

📣 ICYMI: Mayor Ralph’s mini-State of the City recap, plus upcoming Kent events, Earth Day volunteer opportunities, and the wild (and hilarious) history of the Easter Bunny. 🐰

2025 Mayor Ralph State of the City address Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of KentNow, we bring you Mayor Dana Ralph’s 2025 State of the City address, delivered on March 20, 2025.

Tune in as Mayor Ralph reflects on the city’s accomplishments over the past year, shares key updates on major projects, and outlines the vision for Kent’s future. From infrastructure and public safety to economic growth and community engagement, this speech covers everything you need to know about what’s ahead for our city.

Enjoy this insightful look at Kent’s progress—and don’t worry, Josh, Kyle, and Tracy will be back next week with their usual shenanigans! 🎙️🔥

Quakes, Cookies & Kent: What's Shaking in the City? Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

This week on KentNow, we’re shaking things up—literally and figuratively! 🌎💥 From the recent earthquakes (yes, we felt those too!) to stocking up on emergency kits, we're talking about how to stay ready for whatever comes our way.

We’re also sipping on Starbucks’ new spring flavors (hello, Cherry Chai! 👋) and debating the real best Girl Scout cookie. Plus, Tracy’s gearing up for her favorite season—March Madness! 🏀

In city news, Mayor Ralph teases what’s in store for the State of the City address and reflects on her role in the U.S. Conference of Mayors video. We’ll also share the recap from last weekend’s Recycling Event (spoiler: it was a huge success!) and spotlight upcoming Kent events you won’t want to miss.

And in our "Did You Know" segment, we’re diving into the origins of Women’s History Month—because celebrating women’s contributions to history is always worth the airtime!

Grammys, Galaxies & Gas Station Snacks – What’s Buzzing in Kent? Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

This week’s episode is packed!

We’re talking Chris Stapleton calling out Beyoncé’s Grammy win, Timothée Chalamet being dubbed “one of the greats,” and an unexpected, animated movie breaking box office records. Plus, Star Wars: Episode III is making a comeback, and Starbucks is axing some of your favorite drinks (RIP, White Hot Chocolate).

Closer to home, Kent’s aerospace industry is making waves as NASA preps for a major mission, and Mayor Ralph is set to unveil exciting new partnerships at her State of the City address. We’re also diving into ReCode Kent—a game-changer for housing in our city—and the ongoing push for sales tax fairness.

Plus, we’re chatting with Haleigh Elliott from Kent Parks about the upcoming Spring/Summer Recreation Guide! From fun new programs to can't-miss activities for all ages, she’s giving us the inside scoop on what’s coming up.

And of course, we’ve got the scoop on upcoming events! Sip your way through downtown at the Cider & Ale Trail, or bring the kiddos to Kent Kids’ Arts Day for some hands-on fun.

Hit play and get caught up on all the latest!

It's Valen-times Day! Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

This week on KentNow, we’re covering it all—from the Super Bowl showdown (sorry, Tay Tay’s boyfriend) to last week’s snow and ice, where Kent’s road crews worked hard to keep streets safe. Plus, Grammy winners, upcoming movie releases, and the latest city news!

🚨 Big news for Kent! Ezee Fiber is investing $400 million to expand high-speed internet, starting right here in Kent. Mayor Ralph shares why this is a game-changer for residents and businesses.

🏛️ State of the City is coming up! Mark your calendars for March 20th at Kent-Meridian High School.

🚦 New school zone flashers are in place across the city as part of Kent’s Safe Routes to Schools program.

💰 Fighting for Kent: Mayor Ralph and Council President Kaur testified in Olympia, pushing for solutions to the sales tax sourcing law that’s been hurting Kent since 2008.

🎙️ Special Guests: We sit down with Transportation Planner Nicole Aguirre and Senior Community Engagement Specialist Jessica Vu from King County Metro and Kent Public Works Transportation Planner David Paine to talk about the South Link Connections Mobility Project—what transit changes mean for Kent, what’s improving, and what’s next for riders.

Here are the links discussed in the episode:

⚡ Plus: The Wastemobile returns, Coffee with the Chief, the Cider & Ale Trail, and more can’t-miss Kent events!

Hit play and stay in the know with KentNow! 🎧

From Freezing Temps to TikTok Flops Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

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! Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

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! Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

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! Nov 28, 2024

Show notes

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!