Kent Mayor Dana Rauch used her weekly update to urge residents to support local shops during the holiday season and to attend a slate of community events next week, including Winter Fest and the grand opening of the Federal Way Link Extension light-rail stations.

"Shop Small Saturday, it's happening tomorrow," Rauch said, encouraging listeners to make local businesses part of their regular shopping routine. She listed several upcoming events aimed at boosting downtown activity and community participation: Winter Fest on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m.–7 p.m., with a parade at 5 p.m. and a tree-lighting ceremony at Town Square Plaza at 6 p.m.; and the Spotlight Series performance "Magical Strings" on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.

Rauch also highlighted the Federal Way Link Extension grand opening on Dec. 6 and noted that two stations serving Kent — the Kent/Des Moines station and the Star Lake station — will open as part of the extension to Federal Way. "The new line actually ends all the way in Federal Way," she said, adding that activities will take place at the new stations and pointing listeners to the city’s social media for details.

The mayor directed residents to city resources for civic involvement, including open positions on the Parks & Recreation Commission and Bicycle Advisory Board (apply at kentwa.gov/boardsandcommissions), and to sign up for the spring session of Kent 101 (kentwa.gov/kent101) to learn about city departments and operations.

The update closed with a reminder that event details are available on the city's website and social channels and an invitation for residents to participate in downtown activities over the holiday weekend.