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Kent council hears residents urging extension of six‑month moratorium on new detention facilities
Summary
At a state‑required public hearing, staff outlined the city’s six‑month moratorium on new or expanded jails and detention uses and residents urged the council to extend it — many called for a one‑year or permanent pause to prevent ICE or other large detention proposals in Kent.
Kent City Council held a state‑mandated public hearing on April 7 about a six‑month moratorium the council adopted in March restricting siting, establishment or change of use for jails, corrections and other detention facilities. Staff said the moratorium (Resolution 21109) is already in effect, is intended to protect the city’s comprehensive‑plan goals for housing and jobs, and will expire on September 3 unless extended.
Kristen Holdworth, a city staff member who presented the moratorium, told the council the pause was adopted under a specific state process and was chosen because the city recently completed its comprehensive plan and other planning work. Holdworth summarized the city’s rationale: Kent has an…
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