Kent announces volunteer cleanups, recycling events and openings on advisory boards

Kent Mayer Dana Rauf announced several community events, volunteer opportunities and openings on advisory boards and commissions for residents interested in serving the city.

Rauf congratulated Caitlin Jennings, parks business and capital analyst, as February 2025 employee of the month and noted openings on the Bicycle Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Race and Equity Board. He said applications are available at kentwa.gov/boardsandcommissions.

Rauf thanked more than 50 volunteers who attended a Kent Downtown Partnership cleanup, with special mention of the Kent Ridge Key Club and the National Honor Society. He said the next Team Up to Cleanup event is scheduled for Saturday, May 17.

Rauf listed other upcoming community programs: a residential recycling event at Hogan Park (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; restrictions on items apply), Kent Kids Art Day for pre-K through fourth graders on March 8 at the Kent Commons Community Center (adults and children under 2 free; $10 per child otherwise), and the State of the City address at Kent Meridian Performing Arts on March 20. He also described two outreach series: "Drinks in the Driveway," where city staff visit neighborhood gatherings, and new "sidewalk sessions" focused on sidewalks, stop signs and parking; sign-ups are at kentwa.gov/driveway and kentwa.gov/sidewalksessions.

Rauf encouraged residents to participate and sign up for events or board appointments. Tracy Taylor, the city's neighborhood coordinator (mentioned by Rauf), was named as a contact for neighborhood events.[Note: the update did not provide email addresses, application deadlines or additional eligibility requirements.]