The Kent City Council meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025, was a session marked by both celebration and serious discussion, highlighting the city’s commitment to its employees, its vibrant arts scene, and its economic landscape.
The council recognized outstanding city staff, showcased upcoming community events, and delved into a comprehensive economic development report, revealing Kent’s significant contribution to the state’s economy.
Notably, the meeting also featured passionate public comments advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, underscoring the community’s desire for the city to champion equality and inclusion.
Employees Honored
Mayor Dana Ralph explained that each month city staff chooses a coworker to be Employee of the Month. At the end of the year, someone is selected from amongst those twelve Employees of the Month for the honor of Employee of the Year.
For 2024, the Employee of the Year is Victoria Robben. Robben, a Senior Assistant City Attorney, was August’s Employee of the Month. She has been in the legal department of the City of Kent for over ten years, and recently achieved an important successful resolution with the Phoenix Court Apartments. Her work helped to force the owners to abide by city codes, and improved living conditions for all residents.
February Employee of the Month is Leif Drangsholt, also in the law department. Drangsholt was hired in 2022 as assistant city attorney, and works as the city’s prosecuting attorney. He is great at thinking on his feet. He meets victims where they are at, with compassion and kindness. He was also described as having a wonderful sense of humor, being humble, and a true team player.
Kids’ Art Day
Councilmember Brenda Fincher shared that this Saturday is Kids’ Art Day at Kent Commons. The activities, aimed for children from preschool to 4th grade, run from 10am to 3pm. Admission is $10 per child, and is free for accompanying adults and children under 2. There will be a dozen different hands-on projects for children, led by professional artists. There will also be musical performers onstage throughout the event.
Summer Art Submission Deadline
Councilmember Fincher also mentioned that the deadline is approaching for art submissions for the Kent Summer Art Exhibit. The awards panel will have a total of $10,000 to award to chosen artists. The Summer Art Exhibition Reception will be held on June 4, with art on display through Aug. 21. The deadline to apply is Mar. 25.
Economic & Community Development Report
According to the presentation, Kent Valley is a big contributor to the state economy, with $10.8 billion contributed to Transportation & Warehousing, $14.92 billion in Wholesale Trade, and $31.5 billion in Manufacturing. In addition, Kent Valley is home to 34% of the state’s Aerospace economy. The Aerospace industry in the valley outpaces the famous aerospace industry of Long Beach, California, by $9 billion. In the last seven years, Kent has added thousands of manufacturing jobs, in line with economic development plans. These jobs increase both wages and revenues.
However, it was mentioned that rents in Kent have shot up over the last several years, keeping pace with Seattle rents. While rents have plateaued in recent months, they remain markedly higher than rents in Tacoma. Part of this is explained by proximity to Seattle, but it could mean more businesses relocating to more affordable Tacoma.
Public Comments
Four speakers advocated on behalf of the LGBTQ community, asking the city to protect dignity, equality, and the right to live without fear. They asked Kent to stand up for the rights of all people, following in the footsteps of Tacoma, Olympia, Shoreline, and Spokane. They want Kent to send a message that equality is not up for debate, and to stand firm against federal actions that threaten the rights of individuals.
