Our website is your 24/7 digital city hall.

Find answers to common questions, submit a concern, complete forms, search jobs and make payments right on the homepage. You click. We serve.

Dear Neighbors:

The Kettering community is excited about our upcoming Community Block Party this Wednesday evening! This beloved annual gathering promises to bring neighbors together for an unforgettable evening of connection, conversation and, of course, ice cream treats that will bring smiles to everyone's faces. We can't wait to see you there as we celebrate what makes our city so special.

Now it's time to recognize the neighbors who help make Kettering beautiful through our Neighborhood Pride Program! This cherished tradition celebrates residents who have enhanced their properties through improvements or consistent, exceptional maintenance.

This year, we're excited to continue our Sustainable Landscape Award, recognizing property owners who incorporate eco-friendly practices into their landscaping while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Qualifying features include water conservation systems, energy-efficient lighting, sustainable materials and runoff reduction solutions like rain gardens and native plantings. All sustainable features must comply with city ordinances and will be assessed by our Neighborhood Pride Committee and Planning and Development Department.

Nominating is easy! Whether you want to recognize a neighbor, local business, yourself or any deserving Kettering resident, you can submit nominations through the summer Contact with Kettering magazine online, via email or in person at the Volunteer Office (3600 Shroyer Road). Don't wait—nominations close Aug. 1!



Take care,

TIME TO FILL UP YOUR CALENDAR WITH SUMMER

JUNE IS NATIONAL PRIDE MONTH

Kettering’s Board of Community Relations encourages everyone to welcome and respect members of the LGBTQ+ community this month and any time because Kettering is home to all of us.

Pride Month is celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, which launched the gay rights movement. When organizers of a commemorative march the following year were looking for a slogan, “Gay Power” was suggested. It was argued, however, that gay people lacked power, but they did have pride. In 1978, the pride flag was created with rainbow colors to reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

KETTERING LEADERSHIP ACADEMY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Kettering Leadership Academy (KLA) is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 class. This program, created by Councilman Bruce Duke, is designed for individuals looking for leadership roles within our community, such as serving on a board or commission at the City of Kettering or at one of our area non-profit organizations. The Academy begins in September with a two-day retreat. Sessions are held once a month throughout the year until graduation in May. Sessions include information on history, local government, community organizations, education, health care, business, service clubs and volunteering.

The fee for the Academy is $800. Many employers will sponsor participants. However, if you are interested but are in need of financial assistance, the Bruce Duke Fellowship Fund is available. For additional information about the Kettering Leadership Academy, call 937-296-2433 or click the link below. Applications must be received by end of day June 8.

SPASS NACHT 2025 - AN AUSTRIAN FESTIVAL - JUNE 18

In honor of Kettering’s sister city, Steyr, Austria, we celebrate with a Spass Nacht (translation: Fun Night) Wednesday, June 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., at Lincoln Park Civic Commons. Strap on your lederhosen and join us at this fun annual festival. We’ll bring the authentic food, beverages, polka music and live entertainment–you bring your family and friends to this celebration of all things Austrian.

2025 NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE IS UNDERWAY!

May 1 was the official start of the City of Kettering’s annual Neighborhood Pride program! This program is designed to honor residents who have made significant improvements to their homes or who have maintained their properties impeccably year after year.

Please take a moment to nominate a neighbor, a business, yourself or any Kettering resident you think is deserving of the Neighborhood Pride Award. Nominations will be accepted online HERE or by emailing the Volunteer Administrator, Lindsey Curry.

A submission form is also included in your summer edition of Contact with Kettering. The deadline for nominations is Aug. 1. 

JUNETEENTH IN KETTERING, COME CELEBRATE WITH US

The City of Kettering is gearing up to commemorate Juneteenth, the annual holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the United States with a free two-day celebration filled with art, film, music and community activities.

On Monday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m., Wilmington-Stroop Library will host a night of rhythm, truth and liberation featuring poets: MoPoetry Phillips, Norman Riggs and Poet ASlate. Register for this event HERE.

On Wednesday, June 18 at 5:30 p.m., Wright Library will host a showing of “The Six Triple Eight” with special guests Dr. Cassie Barlow, President of the Southwest Ohio Council for Higher Education at Wright State University and Judith Earley, daughter of Charity Adams-Earley.

The festivities will continue on Thursday, June 19, with a family-friendly festival at Lincoln Park Civic Commons from 4 to 7 p.m. Join us for activities for the whole family, including a DJ, dance pros, food trucks, vendors, community art projects and linedancing!

The Juneteenth celebration is organized by the City of Kettering's Board of Community Relations and the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department, with support from various sponsors and community partners.

For more information about the Juneteenth events and a complete schedule, visit www.ketteringoh.org/juneteenth/.

KETTERING COMMUNITY BLOCK PARTY - JUNE 4, 2025

Join us for another Kettering Block Party at Lincoln Park Civic Commons and Fraze Pavilion June 4 from 6-8 p.m. and help celebrate our community!

Learn more about City of Kettering departments and services, enjoy free entertainment on the Fraze stage and meet your friends and neighbors while enjoying the beauty of Lincoln Park.

GET READY FOR THE ANNUAL YOUTH FISHING DERBY JUNE 14!

Join us Saturday, June 14, at Delco Park for the Annual Youth Fishing Derby, a free family tradition running from 10 a.m. to noon (registration begins at 9:15 a.m.). Bring your own fishing gear or use what's provided, with experienced anglers on hand to help young fishers compete for trophies. The event includes complimentary lunch for participants and parents, and will take place rain or shine. Don't miss this opportunity for summer fun—just remember that parent/guardian signatures are required at registration.

WHAT'S NEXT KETTERING - ENGAGE WITH US VIRTUALLY

There's still time to weigh in! Join us online and help shape the future of Kettering. Learn about the planning process and current conditions. Explore emerging trends, key issues and opportunities. Participate in interactive activities to share your ideas and vision for Kettering’s future.

The online platform is self-guided and mirrors the activities from the Open House. Take your time exploring four interactive activities, each centered on a key topic: Land Use & Development, Housing, Jobs, Parks & Trails, Transportation and more!

GET READY FOR SUMMER'S BEST MUSIC AT THE FRAZE PAVILION

Fraze Pavilion is southwestern Ohio’s premiere neighborhood outdoor entertainment venue, where we celebrate “Summer’s Best Live Music Under the Stars” ever since Marvin Hamlisch christened the 4,300-seat amphitheater in 1991.

Fraze staff has been preparing for the summer venue beloved by residents and patrons. Check out this year's concerts and events by clicking below.

VACATION HOUSE CHECK SERVICE AVAILABLE

As a service to our community, the Kettering Police Department provides an extra layer of protection by offering house checks for residents who are temporarily out of town for vacation, work travel, etc. Vacant house checks are not included in this program. House checks will be made as time permits.

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED AT THE

STATE FARM PARK CLEAN UP

Rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the most recent community cleanup! The City of Kettering teamed up with the Little Miami Watershed Network to remove trash and invasive plants along Little Beaver Creek in State Farm Park. Interested in joining a future park cleanup? The next event is right around the corner. Keep reading below for more information. If you have questions or are interested in seeing how you can help, email our Sustainability Manager, Dawn Kirchner.

The City of Kettering is partnering again with the Little Miami Watershed Network to remove trash along the Little Beaver Creek, which is part of the larger Little Miami River Watershed. Please dress for the job; closed-toed shoes are a must, long pants and long sleeves are recommended. Grabbers, bags and other tools will be available. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own tools. In the event of rain, volunteers will be contacted if the event is canceled. A date in July will be announced.

Volunteers of all ages are welcome to attend. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, and all youth under 18 are required to have a waiver of liability form signed by a parent/guardian. Forms will be available at the event, or can be completed in advance by contacting Dawn Kirchner, Sustainability Manager, 937-296-2436.

ONE DAY, TWO GREAT EVENTS!

Mark your calendars for a busy Saturday, June 7, when the Kettering Recreation Complex parking lot hosts two exciting events! Start your morning at the Summer Flea Market from 8:30-11:30 a.m., featuring over 30 vendors selling everything from handmade items and baked goods to garage sale treasures, with food trucks offering coffee, refreshers, breakfast sandwiches and mini pancakes, all while a live DJ keeps the atmosphere lively. Simultaneously, bring the family to Touch a Truck, beginning with a sensory-friendly time from 9-9:30 a.m. (no horns or lights) followed by the full experience from 9:30-11:30 a.m., where children can explore their favorite "big rigs" with Police and Fire Department vehicles on display, plus enjoy Kona Ice treats (available for purchase), temporary tattoos and face painting courtesy of Chick-fil-A.

CONGRATULATIONS, POLICE ACADEMY GRADUATES

Our 71st class of the Citizens Police Academy graduated last night! These individuals have undergone classroom learning, hands-on training and observation sessions over the past eight weeks with every unit of our police department. We are grateful for the ongoing support and interest in this program, which we continue to receive from both the community and our officers who help teach the classes. This is an unparalleled educational opportunity for anyone who has ever wanted to learn more about policing and what we do on a daily basis. Thank you to Class 71 for your participation! 

WELCOME TO KETTERING!

On May 2, we proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Ramos Ratliff Insurance Agency with owner Jana Ramos-Ratliff!

With 17+ years of Medicare and Medicaid expertise, Jana has built her business on care, clarity and a commitment to helping seniors navigate insurance confidently. Born in Brazil and trilingual in English, Portuguese and Spanish, Jana serves diverse clients across 14+ states.

Visit the new Ramos Ratliff Insurance Agency at 1389 East Stroop Road to experience Jana's personalized approach to insurance. Whether you have Medicare questions or need guidance navigating your options, Jana and her team are ready to serve you with expertise and compassion.

We're excited to welcome Zen Grill to the Kettering business family! This new express hibachi spot at 2821 Wilmington Pike is bringing delicious Japanese-inspired cuisine to our community with a refreshing philosophy: great food doesn't need to be complicated. Their menu features perfectly grilled proteins, fresh vegetables and fragrant rice all enhanced with signature sauces that pack a flavor punch without breaking the bank!

Whether you're looking for a relaxed dine-in experience or need a quick and delicious carry-out option after a busy day, Zen Grill has you covered with affordable meals that don't sacrifice quality. Stop by and say hello to one of Kettering's newest businesses - where "flavor speaks louder than words."

HOUSING REHAB PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Did you know the City of Kettering offers several housing repair programs to help keep homes safe, healthy and comfortable, especially for families with low or moderate incomes? Here’s how we can help:

• Whole House Repair – Fixes everything to meet city codes. This is a 5-year loan that you don’t have to pay back if you stay in your home.
• Emergency Home Repair Grant – Helps fix serious safety problems like broken plumbing, wiring, or heating. This is free money to make your home safe again.
• Handicap Accessibility Grant – Adds things like ramps or safety bars to help people with disabilities live safely and independently.
• Air Quality Improvements – Updates old heating and cooling systems. This is also a 5-year forgivable loan.
• General Home Repairs – Helps with things that don’t need a full rehab. This may be a no-payment loan or a low-cost loan, depending on your income.

Want to learn more or apply? Click HERE.

Let’s keep Kettering homes safe, strong and full of life!

We're also looking for your feedback, please take a few minutes to complete our 2025 Community Development Block Grant Planning Survey by clicking HERE.

JUST FOR SENIORS

City of Kettering Senior Services offers free blood pressure clinics for seniors most Wednesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Kettering-Moraine Branch of the Dayton Public Library, 3496 Far Hills Ave. 

The City of Kettering offers a full-time senior services coordinator available for older residents who may need assistance with housing, transportation, meal delivery services and more.

The Senior Living Resource Guide has been updated and is available to our seniors and caregivers here to provide helpful information. Please contact Senior Services Coordinator Natalie Storms at 937-296-3356 or via email with further questions.

We are fortunate to have a wide variety of exceptional small businesses in Kettering. Whether you need a last-minute gift or a place to share a special meal, Kettering offers so many unique options.

You have a choice each time you buy groceries, go out to eat, shop, use a service technician or craftsperson for your home and even when you buy gas for your car. Your local patronage supports the well being of the Kettering community and is greatly appreciated.

Discover exciting career opportunities with the City of Kettering. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and talented workforce. Join our team and make a difference in our community.

The City of Kettering offers numerous opportunities for community volunteers to serve in leadership roles on our various city boards and commissions.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Kettering City Council meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers on the second floor of the Kettering Government Center at 3600 Shroyer Road.

Please visit our website to see the City Council Agenda for each meeting at which there are several opportunities for public comment.

Upcoming City Council meetings:

Tuesday, June 10 at 7:30 p.m.

and

Tuesday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m.

STAY CONNECTED