Kent wins Governor’s Smart Communities Award for Meeker Street plans

The city of Kent received the Governor’s Smart Communities Award for its Meet Me on Meeker Streetscape standards project.

The awards program recognizes achievements by local leaders who promote growth planning and projects that contribute to thriving communities, strong economies and sustainable infrastructure in Washington state.

“Outstanding local collaboration is key to creating sustainable communities with a shared vision for their future growth and prosperity,” said Gov. Jay Inslee in a news release last week to announce the winners. “These community projects demonstrate why Washington is such a special place to live, work and play.”

The Meet Me on Meeker project seeks to re-imagine a former main street that has experienced neglect and disinvestment into a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and residents, according to a city media release. The project aims to increase economic development opportunities by raising the standard of urban design and creating a more walkable, desirable urban street.

The city hired engineering and urban design consultants KPG to prepare a city policy for street and sidewalk design, called the Meet Me on Meeker Streetscape standards. The standards are the key to going from concept to funded construction.

“This project is going to be transformational, and we’re delighted that the governor’s office chose to recognize us,” said Hayley Bonsteel, city long range planning manager. “We know the look and feel of a major street like Meeker impacts business retention and how the city is perceived. These kinds of improvements are central to the city’s economic development strategy. Plus, with new housing being built along Meeker, we’re minimizing congestion by making it easier to walk, use transit, or ride a bike.”