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Kent swears in mayor and council members, elects council president and assigns committees
Summary
At its first 2026 meeting the Kent City Council held swearing-in ceremonies for the mayor and three council members, elected a council president to a two‑year term and announced committee and liaison assignments for the coming year.
The Kent City Council opened its first 2026 meeting with ceremonial business, swearing in the mayor and three council members and electing a council president.
Mayor Dana Ralph took the oath of office administered by Presiding Judge Franz for a four‑year term. The mayor told the council she is "committed to doing the very best for the city every single day" and thanked residents for their trust.
The council also conducted swearing-in for three council members, then moved to elect a council president. A council member nominated and the council approved a colleague to serve a two‑year term as council president; the mayor announced the motion carried. The newly chosen council president thanked colleagues and listed subject matter assignments, naming council members as leads for parks, human services, economic and community development, public safety, arts commission liaison duties and public works.
The changes are ceremonial and administrative: the swearing-in confirmed elected terms while the council president's announcements established committee liaisons and regional representation for the coming year.
The council then moved into its regular agenda items, including employee recognition and proclamations later in the meeting.
