City of Kent Committee of the Whole + Workshop - September 15, 2026

The City of Kent Committee of the Whole meeting on September 15, 2026, included several procurement and budget-related discussions. Key procurement actions included authorization for the mayor to sign a 20-year contract with Easy Fiber for a next-generation dark fiber network, with a total contract cost not to exceed $3.88 million. This network aims to improve city services with enhanced resiliency and redundancy. The council also approved a budget amendment to add one full-time equivalent position in Economic and Community Development, funded at $29,320 from the existing fund balance, to support the expansion of the rental housing registry inspection program. Additionally, the council authorized the mayor to accept a public assistance grant from FEMA and the Washington State Military Department related to disaster recovery efforts. Other discussions involved upgrades to public works infrastructure, including a programmable logic controller upgrade for a pump station, and plans to apply for King County Flood Control District funding for a sediment pond project. The meeting also featured an extensive economic development update highlighting the growth of aerospace and space-related industries in Kent, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure investment and workforce development. Motions related to contract awards, budget amendments, and grant acceptance were passed unanimously.