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 November 22, 2023
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Celebrating Renton small businesses this Small Business Saturday
Small businesses are the backbone of Renton’s economy, and the same is true around the country. They contribute to the diversity, vibrance, and character of the community. A quick snapshot into the impact of small businesses:
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Economy: Nearly half of all U.S. employees are employed by a small business, and over 12.9 million jobs have been created by small businesses in the last 25 years (U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy)
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Employment: The average salary of a small business owner is 3% above the annual mean wage in the U.S. (Payscale)
Small Business Saturday will be celebrated on the Saturday following Thanksgiving to encourage residents to shop local and support small businesses during the holiday season and throughout the year.
To help celebrate small businesses, the city interviewed seven Renton businesses and non-profits downtown and at The Landing. Businesses included:
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JP’s Barroom, 214 Williams Ave. S
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Metrix Engineers, 227 Williams Ave. S
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BOGA, 505 S 3rd St., Unit A
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Urban Sprouts, 724 S 3rd St., B
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Renton Regional Community Foundation, 800 S 3rd St.
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Stereo Centro, 1023 Bronson Way S
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Learning Express Toys, The Landing
In addition, the Renton Downtown Partnership was acknowledged with a proclamation during Monday evening’s council meeting designating November 25 as Small Business Saturday in Renton. Josh Shulkind, Executive Director of Renton Downtown Partnership, accepted the proclamation.
Individuals can significantly impact the local economy by shopping and supporting small local businesses that help create jobs and help sustain and grow the community.
Take this opportunity to be adventurous and try something new. Whether in the downtown core or one of Renton's six neighborhoods (Cascade/Benson Hill, Cedar River, City Center, East Plateau, Highlands, and Talbot/Valley), there is a unique shop for everyone.
Who will win? Join the third annual Battle of the Badges next month
It’s that time of year again for the third annual Battle of the Badges Holiday Lights event hosted by the Renton Police Department. This free event is on Friday, December 8, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. outside the Renton Community Center.
Experience the holiday spirit with a magical drive-through holiday light display, where public safety agencies from around the region transform their vehicles into festive displays for all to enjoy. The following agencies are expected to participate, including last year's winner, Issaquah PD:
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American Medical Response
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Bellevue PD
- Black Diamond PD
- Burien PD
- Customs & Border Protection
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
- Des Moines PD
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Federal Way PD
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- Issaquah PD
- Kent PD
- King County Sheriff's Office
- Newcastle PD
- Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force
- Renton PD
- Renton Regional Fire Authority
- Seattle Animal Shelter
- Seattle Police Department
- South Correctional Entity
- Tri-Med Ambulance
- Tukwila PD
- Valley Communications Center
- Washington Department of Corrections
Remember to vote! At the end of the drive-through experience, vote for the best display. Judging criteria include the use of lights, overall design, and holiday spirit. In addition, there will be a food drive held throughout the event. Be sure to bring non-perishable food items to support the Emergency Feeding Program.
For questions, please reach out to Stephanie Hynes.
Temporary construction suspension on Downtown Streetscapes – Williams Avenue South Project for street light system upgrade
Due to circumstances regarding the street light system meeting the federal requirements and other timing considerations, the project will suspend construction for approximately four weeks starting Monday, November 13.
The suspension will ensure that all infrastructure is in place before pouring new sidewalks, thus enabling a uniform concrete pour and coloring, resulting in a better sidewalk appearance.
During this suspension:
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Temporary measures have been put in place to provide paved access to affected businesses.
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The southbound travel lane will remain open.
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Due to safety considerations, parking on the west side of Williams Avenue South will remain closed.
Staff will continue to provide weekly updates with any changes to the suspension and an anticipated restart date when more information is available.
This pause will not affect the completion date in 2024. For updates or information on the project, visit the Streetscapes webpage.
Discover a new career path at the KCFCA Diversity & Recruitment Workshop
Renton Regional Fire Authority will again join King County Fire Chiefs Association (KCFCA) during the free KCFCA Diversity & Recruitment Workshop on December 16, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., hosted by the Shoreline Fire Department.
Learn everything about starting and maintaining a rewarding career in Fire, EMS, and other first response or public health opportunities.
This event will help potential candidates be successful in the pre-hiring, hiring, training, and career segments. Included in the workshop are classes on:
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Firefighter written exam preparation
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Oral board interview preparation
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Wellness and fitness requirements and preparation
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Psych and background check expectations and preparation
- A Day in the Life of a Firefighter
King County EMS will provide breakfast and lunch, featuring local eateries selected by the Shoreline Fire Department. There will be numerous opportunities to meet one-on-one with agencies from across the region throughout the event, including fire service, EMS, 911 communication, and public health agencies.
This event is especially welcoming of underserved persons in the industry, including the BIPOC community, women, LGBTQIA+, and those with limited fire service experience.
Register online by December 10.
Spread holiday cheer: Participate in Renton Recreation’s Elf Academy and Santa letters
Graduate top of the class by participating in Renton Recreation’s 2023 Elf Academy. Register by Friday, December 1, to experience the magic and take on the challenge! Enlist today and receive an Elf enlistment kit, complete with a work checklist, resumé, crafts, and tips on agility training.
Once work is completed, join fellow Elf recruits for an on-site practical exam and a walk-through graduation ceremony on Saturday, December 16, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy. Receive a coveted "Certified Elf Certificate" and celebrate the start of a season filled with kindness and fun! Special guests will help kick off the festivities with some holiday spirit.
Can't make it to graduation? No worries! Certificates will be mailed out to those unable to attend, ensuring no one misses out on the official Elf training recognition.
And the fun doesn't stop there. The Recreation Division has partnered with the North Pole Communications Team to make sending a letter to Santa super easy.
Santa Claus has graciously shared his Renton email address – Santa@rentonwa.gov – for up to 300 writers who want to email him. Email Santa between December 1 and 10, and he'll reply via U.S. Mail by December 20.
To ensure Santa can receive everyone's wishes, here are some helpful tips for a successful email:
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Include first and last name
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Add the mailing address
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If an email response is preferred, include the email address instead of the mailing address
- Be sure to include that special wish!
Remember, Santa's inbox will close automatically after 300 emails or on December 10, so send Santa a heartfelt message quickly.
A significant advancement in the Lind Avenue Bridge Replacement Project; More work expected next week
A big step was completed in the Lind Avenue Bridge Replacement Project over southbound I-405 in Renton a few weeks ago. The damaged north span of the overpass was torn down over the course of eight hours.
The next big step of the project is rebuilding. Starting December 1 through 4, overnight closures of southbound I-405 from will occur from 11:30 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to install eight new concrete girders.
Once the girders are in place, WSDOT will begin rebuilding the overpass deck.
The project is expected to finish in spring 2024. Once completed, the overpass will restore a vital connection over I-405 for people in Renton and others who use this freeway.
For project updates, visit WSDOT's website.
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Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
December 1 - Holiday Lights Opening Night, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park (1201 Lake Wash. Blvd. N), 6-8:30 p.m. Holiday lights will run daily from December 2 through January 1 from 4-9 p.m.
In other news
A recap of the news posted on the city’s social media accounts. Find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
Recreation Guide (classes, activities, leagues & events for September through December)
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