Mayor Ralph elected vice president of Sound Cities Association

For the Reporter

Kent Mayor Dana Ralph has been elected vice president of the Sound Cities Association (SCA), which represents 38 King County cities and provides a regional voice for more than one million people.

“Mayor Ralph is an extraordinary regional partner, a dedicated advocate for her city and a wonderful friend,” said King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove. “I’m so happy to see her elected to this leadership role with Sound Cities Association.”

SCA, which was formerly known as the Suburban Cities Association, was established 50 years ago to help King County cities of all sizes act locally and partner regionally to create vital and thriving communities through advocacy, education, leadership, mutual support and networking.

“SCA is recognized as the regional leader in addressing the challenges and opportunities that face communities of all sizes throughout King County,” said Deanna Dawson, SCA executive director. “With Mayor Ralph’s leadership, SCA will continue to be an important catalyst by creating solutions through innovative local and regional partnerships. The results will help her better serve the residents of Kent.”

Elected mayor in 2017, Ralph brings more than a decade of public service to her role. She served on the City Council from 2012-17, including two years as council president. During her tenure on the council, she served as chair of the Operations Committee. Additionally, she served on the Public Works Committee, Parks and Human Services and Public Safety Committee, as well as on the Firemen’s Relief and Pension Board, Law Enforcement Officers’ and Fire Fighters’ Retirement System 1 Board and was the council liaison to the Arts Commission.

Ralph represented Kent’s regional interests on the board of directors for the SCA and the SCA Regional Law, Safety and Justice Committee. She also represented the city on the PSRC Transportation Policy Board; chaired the South County Area Transportation Board; chaired the Drug Free Communities Coalition; served as vice president of the Kent Kiwanis Club; an alternate on the Flood Control District Advisory Committee; a member of the Kent Auburn Tamba Sister Cities Association; and served on the board of the Water Resource Inventory Area 9.

Prior to her elected service, Ralph served as chair of the Kent Land Use and Planning Board, where she helped shape the course for Kent’s land use, economic development and natural resources. As an advocate for the arts, Ralph previously served as chair of the Kent Arts Commission, where she advocated for local performing, visual and literary arts.

For more information, visit SoundCities.org.