Kent, once known for its cultural diversity and affordability, experienced a decline in population due to rising living costs. In response, a group of nonprofit leaders established the Kent Community Development Collaborative (KCDC) in 2019 to create aunified force in community development. KCDC’s mission is to ensure equity, inclusivity, and sustainability for Kent’s diverse community by influencing city decisions, policies, and strategies through authentic community engagement.

KCDC focuses on equitable community development so that everyone can participate in and benefit from decisions that shapeour neighborhood and the greater Kent community, especially communities of color, immigrants, refugees and low-income residents.