An Overview of City Services in Kent, Ohio

Kent, Ohio is a vibrant college town located in Northeast Ohio. With a population of around 30,000 residents, Kent offers a small town feel while still providing excellent city services and amenities. This article will provide an overview of key services, facilities, programs and more available through the City of Kent.

City Government

Kent has a Council-Manager form of government The City Council is made up of 7 members who pass legislation and appoint committees, The City Manager is hired by Council to oversee day-to-day operations and implement policies

Some of the departments residents interact with include:

• Police – The Kent Police Department provides 24/7 law enforcement services with a force of over 50 officers and staff

• Fire – The Kent Fire Department operates 2 stations and responds to around 3,000 calls per year. They provide fire suppression, emergency medical services, hazmat response and more.

• Service – The Service Department handles road maintenance, snow removal, forestry management, facility maintenance and more throughout Kent.

• Parks & Rec – This department maintains Kent’s parks, trails, cemeteries and recreational facilities. They also offer community events, youth/adult sports leagues, senior programs and more.

• Wastewater – The Wastewater Department manages Kent’s sanitary sewer and stormwater systems, working to protect water resources.

• Planning – The Planning Department oversees zoning, land use, transportation planning, historic preservation and long-range plans for Kent.

• Economic Development – This office supports new and existing businesses, fosters job creation and promotes development.

Utilities

Kent residents receive high quality utility services from the city:

• Water – The City Water Department supplies drinking water to Kent homes and businesses. Water comes from Lake Rockwell and is treated at the Water Treatment Plant.

• Electric – Kent manages its own electric distribution system powered by multiple suppliers. Residents can choose their electric generation provider.

• Sewer – The Wastewater Department manages Kent’s sewage collection and treatment. The Kent WWTP treats over 5 million gallons daily.

• Refuse – The Service Department offers weekly curbside trash and recycling pickup for residents. Special pickups are also available.

• Gas – Dominion Energy Ohio supplies natural gas service throughout Kent. The city does not provide gas utility services.

Utility billing is managed by the Finance Department. Residents can pay bills online, by phone, mail or in person.

Public Services

Beyond utilities, Kent offers many services that contribute to quality of life:

• Public Transportation – PARTA provides bus service throughout Portage County with routes serving Kent. Door-to-door Dial-a-Ride service is also available.

• Library – Kent Free Library operates a main branch and satellite location offering books, e-resources, programs, computer access and more.

• Senior Center – Located in Brady Lake, the Senior Center provides meals, transportation, recreation and other services to older adults.

• Youth Programs – Kent Parks & Rec offer pre-school programs, summer camps, sports leagues and more for local youth.

• Food Assistance – The Kent Social Services Department connects residents to food stamps, food pantries and other hunger relief resources.

• Home Repair Programs – Income-eligible homeowners can access grants and low-interest loans for housing repairs through city programs.

• Voter Registration – Register to vote for elections at the Board of Elections office in Kent or on the Secretary of State website.

Recreation and Leisure

Recreational opportunities make Kent an attractive place to live and visit:

• Parks – Kent has over 20 parks spanning 640 acres offering trails, sports fields, playgrounds, gardens, shelters and more. Popular parks include Fred Fuller Park and Kramer Fields.

• Biking – Kent has an extensive bike path network connecting neighborhoods and points of interest. The Kent State Bike Hub rents bikes and equipment.

• Golf – Franklin Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole public course with a driving range and pro shop owned by the city.

• Fishing – The Cuyahoga River runs through Kent and is stocked with trout and steelhead. Brady Lake and Lake Rockwell also offer fishing.

• Boating – Boating, sailing and kayaking opportunities are available at Brady Lake with access provided through city parks.

• Shopping/Dining – Downtown Kent offers eclectic shops, restaurants, galleries and nightlife. Events like ArtFest and events at the Kent Stage attract visitors year-round.

• Festivals – Kent hosts family-friendly annual events like the Hometown Festival, Pumpkin Festival and 4th of July parade.

• Sports Teams – Kent is home to the KSU Golden Flashes athletics program. Locals also support the Akron RubberDucks minor league baseball team.

No matter your interests, Kent has something fun and enriching to offer residents and visitors of all ages.

Education in Kent

Education is a point of pride in Kent with excellent public schools and higher education:

• Kent City School District operates 5 neighborhood elementary schools, Stanton Middle School and Theodore Roosevelt High School.

• Kent also has several private and parochial school options including St. Patrick School, Hudson Montessori School and more.

• Kent State University has an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students on its main campus located in the city.

• Other colleges like Tom’s Beauty College, Bennett Career Institute and Empire Beauty School have campuses in Kent.

• Kent Free Library frequently hosts programs and events for children and families related to literacy, science, arts and more.

Between top-rated public schools, universities and enrichment opportunities, Kent provides exceptional education at all levels.

Local Economy and Development

Some key aspects of Kent’s economy include:

• Largest Employers – Kent State University, Kent City Schools, Robinson Memorial Hospital, Ametek and Walmart are top employers providing thousands of local jobs.

• Health Services – Medical facilities like University Hospitals Portage Medical Center, AxessPointe Community Health and more offer care close to home.

• Tech Industry – Kent has an emerging tech and advanced manufacturing scene with companies like Ametek, AlphaMicron and ICORP Technologies.

• Retail Hubs – Shopping centers like Belden Village Mall, Franklin Square, Kent Plaza bring in shoppers from around the region.

• Downtown Revitalization – Kent’s downtown district has undergone significant redevelopment with new businesses, restaurants and housing.

• Small Businesses – Kent supports small business growth through resources at Kent State’s SBDC, low-interest loan programs, business incubators and more.

• Tourism – Tourism centered around Kent State University, outdoor recreation and events like the Kent Heritage Festival makes up a key part of the economy.

Kent provides both historic small town charm and growth opportunities as the city continues evolving.

Relocating to Kent

Those looking to move to Kent will find:

• Housing – Options range from downtown lofts to homes in quiet neighborhoods for families and retirees. The median home value is around $155,000.

• Job Market – Major employers and small businesses offer job openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, retail and hospitality.

• Cost of Living – The cost of living is affordable in Kent, Ohio with lower average prices for housing, goods and services compared to national averages.

• Transportation – Easy access to major highways via OH-59, OH-43 and SR-261 and proximity to Akron-Canton Airport make getting around efficient.

• Quality of Life – Kent offers small town charm coupled with big city amenities between Akron and Cleveland. The large student population also provides energy and diversity.

For those seeking a balanced lifestyle, Kent has the right mix of jobs, culture, education, recreation and affordability.

Engaging with the Community

Residents can engage with local government and services in Kent:

• City Website – KentOhio.gov provides online access to pay bills, contact departments, view meetings and more. Residents can also report concerns.

• Social Media – Get news and updates by following the City of Kent on Facebook, Twitter and other channels.

• Public Meetings – Attend or livestream City Council meetings and board meetings to share feedback. Dates are posted on the website.

• Vote – Kent residents can participate in elections for local, state and national representation from their district.

• Get Involved – Volunteer on boards and commissions that advise Council and contribute to the community.

By staying informed and involved, residents help shape the direction of Kent for the future.

No matter your need, Kent aims to provide exceptional services and amenities that improve quality of life. For more information on what Kent has to offer, visit KentOhio.gov.