Mayor's Message

Music & Diplomacy Event on March 29

Repair Cafe on Saturday, February 21

Textile Showcase Event on March 28

Pike Plan Construction Update

City of Kingston Board & Commission and Job Opportunities

Mayor's Message:

Dear Friends -

I want to thank the group of Uptown building and business owners who have formed a coalition to collaborate on post-Pike Plan restoration and beautification across the Stockade neighborhood.

I had the opportunity to meet with them this week, and appreciate their willingness to get engaged and harness their enthusiasm for moving the Stockade District forward together. I look forward to continuing our partnership in the ongoing restoration effort!

As we keep an eye on the forecast for Sunday and Monday, here's a reminder of Snow Emergency procedure in Kingston.

And don't forget to sign up for our call/text alerts at https://www.kingston-ny.gov/codered if you haven't already.

-Steve

Music & Diplomacy Event on March 29

The City of Kingston, together with Bard College and the World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley, will host “Music and Diplomacy,” a historic event on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 3:00-5:00pm at Old Dutch Church.

Part of the City of Kingston’s 250 Years of America’s Voices, Stories and Histories series of events, the “Music and Diplomacy” concert and panel discussion will explore how music has served as an important element of intercultural exchange and American soft power throughout US history.

The event will open with a performance by Bard College’s US-China Music Institute’s unique East/West Ensemble, made up of Chinese and Western instruments that has toured the US and China, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Malia Du Mont, Vice President for Strategy and Policy/Chief of Staff at Bard College, chair of Congressman Ryan’s Veterans and Military Families Advisory Board, and Board Member of World Affairs Council of the Mid-Hudson Valley. The panel will comprise renowned musicians who have a background in international education, diplomacy, and cultural exchange: Jindong Cai, Jim Ketterer, and Philip D. Tappan.

A concert by Ketterer’s Arch Stanton Quartet will close the event with a tribute to the Jazz Ambassadors with special guest vocalist Kitt Potter. The band toured Egypt on a US State Department program.

The event is free and open to the public. “Music and Diplomacy” is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

For more information, visit https://kingston-ny.gov/250yearsofamericasvoices.

Kingston Repair Cafe on February 21

Repair Cafe will be held at the Clinton Avenue United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 21 from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Limit two items per person. Masks are encouraged.

Textile Showcase Event on March 28

“All Was Done by Hand,” a textile showcase event will be held at City Hall on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11:00am to 4:00pm.

“All Was Done By Hand” will feature live demonstrations of weaving, spinning, quilting, lace making, rug hooking, basketry and more, and will feature broadsides showcasing the history and significance of in-home textile production. A “Fleece to Shawl” presentation will illustrate the transformation of raw wool into a woven shawl through carding, spinning, and weaving, and various hands-on activities for all ages. Spinning bees, used as protest in American history, and quilting bees will be represented. A handwoven hand-dyed American flag will be completed during the event, with the stars forming “a new constellation” as described in the American Flag Act of 1777.

Organized by textile artisan Carol Wood and the Woodstock Weavers with support from the Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers Association and sponsorship from the Arts Society of Kingston, the event, which is a part of the yearlong 250 Years of America’s Voices, Stories and Histories programming, is free and open to the public.     

All Was Done By Hand is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

For more information about this and other 250 Years of America’s Voices, Stories and Histories programs, please visit https://kingston-ny.gov/250yearsofamericasvoices. 

Pike Plan Construction Update

Removal is now at approximately 90% completion.  

Wall St. demolition is expected to be completed today. The corner of N. Front and Wall Street (at Buns) is expected be completed on Monday.

Masons will continue working on brick and stone repair as well as bluestone sidewalk replacement and punchlist items next week.

A weekly construction update will be posted on the City website here.

City of Kingston Job and Board/Commision Opportunities

The City of Kingston is hiring! The following positions are currently open:

• Assistant Director Building Safety and Zoning 
• Assistant Corporation Counsel
• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator
• Motor Equipment Operator 
• Senior Account Clerk
• Skilled Laborer
• WWTP Mechanic II

For more information on civil service exams and job opportunities, please visit https://kingston-ny.gov/employment

The following civil service exams are scheduled:

• Occupational Therapist on April 1 (deadline: 3/19/26)



The City has over 25 boards & commissions, and we're always looking for volunteers to serve the community. The following currently have openings:

• Historic Landmark Preservation Commission
• Ethics Board
• Conservation Advisory Council
• Zoning Board of Appeals
• Ulster County Planning Board (Kingston representative)

Find the application at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KingstonBoards.

The Kingston 311 app, website, and phone system allow residents to quickly and easily report issues and submit service requests.

The Kingston 311 app, available for Android & iPhones, is a fast and simple way to connect to City officials in non-emergency situations. Photos can be attached to illustrate service orders.



This system is a valuable resource to submit municipal service requests. Examples include:

• Streetlight replacement
• City signage, including overgrowth blocking traffic signs
• Snow removal, reporting parking violations, and other snow issues
• Parks & playground repairs
• Report graffiti or vandalism
• Trail issues

Dial 311 from any phone within City limits to reach us, use the app or visit www.kingston-ny.gov/311/