 Kent is governed by a charter form of government with a council – manager system of nine council members and a mayor . The city is divided into six wards and voters select a mayor , a council member representing their ward , and three at @-@ large council members in staggered four @-@ year terms . The city charter , adopted in 1963 , is reviewed by a charter commission every 10 years who then make recommendations for changes , the last review being in 2015 . The city council hires a city manager who oversees the day @-@ to @-@ day operations in the various city departments and enforces policies set by council . The mayor serves a largely ceremonial role as president of the council and votes only in the event of a tie . Kent voters approved the change from a mayor @-@ council system to council @-@ manager in 1975 and it went into effect in 1977 . Jerry Fiala began his term as mayor January 1 , 2010 , and Dave Ruller began serving as city manager June 15 , 2005 . 
