The Kent City Council’s Oct. 21, 2025 meeting was marked by the passage of an ordinance immediately banning restrictive covenants that limit future property use by grocery retailers.
Additionally, the council reviewed its 2026 legislative priorities, focusing on funds for “decarbonizing” the Administration Building and seeking equitable tax revenue distribution.
The council also recognized two new Neighborhood Councils.
The meeting included approval to redesign Town Square Plaza, which involves replacing the old fountain with a playground, and concluded with public comments urging immediate improvements to public safety and policing.
No More Restricted Covenants For Grocery Retailers
During the Committee of the Whole, the council unanimously approved an ordinance that will prohibit retailers from including covenants that restrict the use of the property after selling. These restrictive covenants are standard practice of big supermarket chains, but will no longer be legal in Kent. This ordinance got the unanimous vote it needed to be effective immediately. It was agreed that the covenants artificially restrain trade and competition, and limit food accessibility in communities.
Currently the former Albertson’s site cannot be used for a new grocery store, pharmacy, or similar establishment because this type of covenant is in place. The new ordinance will not be retroactive, but Mayor Dana Ralph said that she sent a formal complaint to the Attorney General about the restrictive covenant on this property. She asked that community members as well as councilmembers consider contacting the Attorney General as well, in order to reduce food insecurity in Kent. There has been no grocery store in that location since Albertson’s closed in 2012. It was mentioned that there is no known restriction on the Fred Meyer sale.
2026 Legislative Priorities
The council was briefed on what to expect during the 2026 state legislative session. This will be a short, 60-day session, during which legislators will likely shy away from controversial decisions due to 2026 being a big election year. The budget challenges for the state continue, despite huge tax increases and budget cuts during the last session: Revenue was below the forecast.
Top asks for the city during the coming session are funds to “decarbonize” the Kent Administration Building; this includes things like updated windows, lights, and HVAC system. Also, money to transition to online utility bill pay, and for public defense costs. A big ask is a change in the distribution of tax revenue that brings Kent a more equitable portion of this revenue. Finally, Kent is asking the state for liability reform; the current liability laws are part of why the state’s budget is hurting.
New Neighborhood Councils
Two new neighborhoods, Meridian Ridge and The Parks Neighborhood, have become officially recognized Neighborhood Councils. This grassroots program creates a stronger partnership between residents and the city, and allows neighbor groups to be eligible for matching grants for neighborhood improvements. The Neighborhood Councils are also used to organize block parties, National Night Out, Blockwatch, and identify and address any other needs in the community. There are now 59 officially recognized Neighborhood Councils in the city.
Town Square Plaza Redesign
The Town Square Plaza fountain is slated for removal as part of a redesign. The old fountain was said to be problematic and expensive to maintain. The new vision to attract people to the Town Square Plaza includes a grand playground and improved restroom. As for a water feature, families will have to head a few blocks east to enjoy the coming spray park at Uplands Playfield & Spray Park.
Public Comments: Public Safety Improvements Needed
Two people spoke during the Public Comments period. The first said she has seen crime increase in the city since COVID-19. She said she no longer feels safe leaving home in the evenings. She felt that city leaders are ignoring this reality, and that if crime rates are going down it is only because no one bothers to call the cops anymore.
The second commenter said the police need to be empowered to stop crime. Until this is the case, retailers will struggle to stay afloat in a city where shoplifting is essentially allowed without consequence.
