Kent Mayer, a city staff member, used the City of Kent’s weekly video update to announce a slate of spring programs and community events aimed at small businesses, young people and volunteers.

Mayer said the highlights include a Puget Sound Energy (PSE) program offering free energy assessments and equipment replacement for small businesses, a Kent teen police academy set for June 24–26, seasonal hiring in the parks department, a prescription drug take‑back day at City Hall and the police department, the grand reopening of the Kent Commons on May 4 and multiple volunteer and safety events in mid‑May.

The PSE visits, Mayer said, involve on‑site energy audits that examine lighting and other equipment and include free replacement of qualifying fixtures and equipment. “This is a really cool thing that Puget Sound Energy offers to businesses,” Mayer said, and he encouraged small business owners to contact PSE for the free service.

Mayer described the teen police academy as a hands‑on program for high school students: “Our Kent teen police academy is going to be June 24 through the ’26. This is hands on experience open to Kent sophomores, juniors, and seniors, and 2025 graduates.” He added that applications are due May 29 and are available on the city’s website.

On jobs, Mayer said the parks department is hiring seasonal staff, including camp counselors, youth sports coaches and referees, and directed interested applicants to the city’s online job portal. He also noted a partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration for a prescription drug take‑back event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside City Hall and the police department, describing it as a drive‑through collection for unused or expired medications.

Several volunteer and community events were also listed. The Kent Commons grand reopening is scheduled May 4 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; “Hops with Cops,” a casual meet‑and‑greet with police officers, is set for May 7 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Harp Bar and Restaurant; a Bicycle Rodeo organized by the Bicycle Advisory Board will take place May 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kent YMCA; and a citywide Team Up to Clean Up spring event is set for May 17 from 9 a.m. to noon, with multiple pickup locations and supplies provided by the city.

Mayer also gave shout‑outs to recent community happenings, including Kent Little League’s opening day and a regional career showcase hosted with labor and chamber partners that he said helps students explore career options.

The announcements aimed to connect residents to volunteer opportunities, public‑safety outreach and cost‑saving resources for small businesses. Mayer closed by encouraging residents to check the city website for application details and schedules and to consult Puget Sound Energy’s website for business energy‑assessment signups.