From major infrastructure upgrades to long-term economic strategies, the Kent Committee of the Whole and City Council covered pivotal local developments during their Sept. 15 meeting.
Highlights included approving a 20-year fiber optic contract to enhance administrative connectivity, raising rental housing inspection fees to help strengthen local housing standards, and transitioning to an in-house emergency manager to improve future disaster response.
Councilmembers also received a comprehensive economic development update emphasizing Kent’s thriving aerospace sector, alongside key community announcements regarding upcoming city cleanups, market dates, and budget meetings.
New EZ Fiber Contract
The council approved a 20-year contract with EZ Fiber to build and maintain a fiber network for city buildings. This replaces an existing franchise agreement with Comcast, which has served Kent in this capacity for over 30 years. The contract with Comcast extends through 2029, so there will be some overlap with the new service, which should be built out by the end of 2027. The new fiber connection design will provide better connectivity during outage situations.
Rental Housing Registry Inspection Program
Kent’s Rental Housing Inspection Program helps to protect renter health, safety, and well-being, while preserving the city’s housing stock. The program requires periodic inspection of rental properties that contain two or more units. Rental properties can be registered by either the owner or the renter.
In order to maintain and expand the program, the council unanimously approved a fee increase. This will pay for a full-time position to help oversee the inspections. The new fee rate will put Kent’s fee a little more on par with that of area cities, and will be effective January 1st, 2027.
Kent To Have In-House Emergency Manager
A review following the city’s response to the flood has determined that Kent could improve its emergency response in the future with an in-house emergency manager. Kent has previously relied on the Regional Fire Authority (RFA) for these services. Chief Administrative Officer Pat Fitzpatrick said that switching emergency management services should not require a change in budget, since the funds will just be diverted from what is currently going to RFA. City staff will also be applying for federal reimbursement of costs related to the December 2025 flood.
Rally The Valley Update
The council heard an economic update from Chief Economic Development Officer Bill Ellis at the City Council Workshop. Ellis described the history of the space industry in the area, dating back to the 1960s. He spoke about how government expenditure paves the way (sometimes literally) for economic vitality. These days, other regions of the country are actively trying to poach this vital industry from Kent.
Kent’s clear design standards and quick turnaround on permitting enable the city to remain competitive in the industry. Ellis said Kent is home to some of the fastest growing aerospace firms in the world. He said there is now a space race happening: a race for technological advancements as well as a race to set up a station on the moon before China does.
Some issues that Ellis foresees include the fact that 29% of the aerospace workforce is within five years of retirement. Ellis sees an education gap in what students are preparing for through college. Every year Washington aerospace companies have 800 job openings, but only 200 in-state graduates per year in the field. Many young people are still going to Los Angeles for aerospace education, but it would behoove the local economy to make that a focus at our local schools.
Companies also look for amenities in the neighborhood for their employees: Places to meet after work, grab a lunch, or just let off some steam. Gaming establishments, cafes, bakeries, and that kind of thing can help an area feel more sustainable for a business long term. Also, natural amenities like trees, parks, and trails help companies want to stick around. Ellis mentioned that the lack of nearby amenities like these is part of why REI left Kent years ago.
On a different note, Ellis said that there is no update on the future of the East Hill Fred Meyer, which closed in 2025.
TeamUp2CleanUp
Registrations are still being accepted for this Saturday’s (Sept. 19) TeamUp2CleanUp event. Safety vests, grabbers, trash bags, and trash pickup are provided by the city, at three check-in locations. This city-wide day of service will take place from 9 a.m. to Noon, rain or shine.
Farmers Market
There is one more month of the Kent Farmers Market at Town Square Plaza. The market runs every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the final day set for Oct. 17.
Special Meeting
CAO Pat Fitzpatrick said there will be a budget presentation during a special meeting on Sept. 29 at 5 p.m., followed by a council workshop.
