Kent City Council weighs future of public transit, housing, community policing & more at Tuesday’s meeting

The Kent City Council met on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, to cover a range of important city business.

The Committee of the Whole heard a presentation on upcoming changes to King County Metro bus routes tied to the Link light rail expansion.

The Council Workshop featured a presentation on ReCode Kent, a citywide rezoning effort focused on meeting state mandates to increase housing options.

Finally, the City Council meeting included a public safety report: swearing-in of a new officer, Citizen Commendation Awards for life-saving actions, and information on the spring Community Police Academy.

Committee Of The Whole

Light Rail Expansion, Bus Routes Cut

The Committee of the Whole began with a presentation from King County Metro on planned changes to several bus routes. These changes will happen as a result of the coming Link light rail expansion from Star Lake to Federal Way. There is a public survey as well as more information at this link. The survey will be available until Feb. 28.

The changes include removing ten peak-only bus routes in the region. The majority of the planned cuts are to routes that have been suspended since Covid reductions to service in 2020. Metro plans to increase and match Saturday & Sunday service to many bus routes, as well as improve east-west connections. Presenters said Saturday service could see a 35% increase, while Sunday service could see a 70% increase. 

Presenters added that they have been trying to get the information out to transit users throughout the region. Details of the potential service changes are available at the link above. A language tab in the corner allows users to switch between 15 different languages. 

Council Workshop

ReCode Kent Presentation

The council heard a presentation on a citywide rezoning effort dubbed ReCode Kent. This project aims to increase the supply of quality housing with access to public transit. In particular, boosting middle housing options was discussed. In addition, the ReCode project must meet new state zoning requirements.

While the project is in its early stages, there is a June 30 deadline for code adoption. Presenters will be back during the Mar. 18 council meeting to discuss this further.

City Council Meeting

Public Safety Report

Police Chief Rafael Padilla had only positive public safety items to share at this meeting. The first was swearing in a new officer, Guillermo Bosch. Officer Bosch is a lateral transfer from Hawaii. This officer, originally from Spain, is fluent in seven languages.

In addition, Chief Padilla awarded the Citizen Commendation Award to Carlos Gomez, Victor Gonzalez Marquez, and Ruby Sanchez Mendoza, whose quick action saved the life of a child on December 3rd. A couple of children had been playing with zip ties, and one became stuck with the zip tie around their neck. The child was quickly strangling and turning blue. The other child ran for help and nearby citizens were able to call 911 as well as safely remove the zip tie with a pocketknife. The child made a full recovery, thanks to their immediate and decisive action.

Finally, Padilla shared info on the spring Community Police Academy program. The free academy is now accepting applications, and spots fill up quickly. Participants will spend one evening each week during the ten week program learning about various aspects of policing, including meeting K-9 units and getting to do a ride along with an officer. The popular program now runs twice a year.