 January 4, 2024
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Here in Renton, we’re gearing up for new legislation and familiar faces returning to leadership in 2024. In November 2023, Renton voters re-elected Mayor Armondo Pavone for another four years, along with councilmembers Ryan McIrvin, Valerie O’Halloran, Ed Prince, and Kim-Khánh Văn.
Additionally, Councilmember Ed Prince has been elected as the 2024 Council President, with Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. elected to serve as President Pro-Tem for the 2024 calendar year.
In addition to the familiar faces in leadership, Renton is actively working on its legislative agenda for 2024. During the City Council meeting on December 11, 2023, David Foster, the city’s lobbyist, presented several agenda items we’ll be focusing on to further Renton’s best interests in Olympia for the 2024 legislative session, which begins on January 8. Our focus areas are:
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Transportation Infrastructure
- Racial Justice & Equity
- Criminal Justice/Public Safety (Fire, Courts, & Behavioral Health)
- Economic Development (Infrastructure, Affordable Housing, & Homelessness)
- Environmental Sustainability
- Wastewater & Stormwater Utilities
A few highlights include:
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Being actively involved in ensuring the 2022 “Move Ahead Washington” funding for active transportation and transit projects can be deployed as early as possible for projects that affect Renton residents.
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Requesting funding already committed by the Legislature to WSDOT projects that benefit Renton residents is not reallocated due to funding shortfalls on other 405-related projects.
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Requesting infrastructure funding to address traffic and speeding in our community.
- Continuing to strongly support legislative initiatives and funding proposals to assist the city’s racial justice and equity programs and pursue additional resources for affordable housing and human services needs.
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Supporting legislative initiatives to establish “Housing Benefit Districts” to enhance funding through the Housing Trust Fund and amend state statutes to better allow surplus property to be provided to affordable homeownership projects.
As Renton moves forward into 2024, we are optimistic about these legislative priorities’ impact on the community. We look forward to a year filled with progress and continued dedication to making Renton an even better place to live, work, and play.
The full 2024 state and federal legislative agenda will be available on the city’s website.
Hundreds welcomed 2024 by taking a plunge at Henry Moses Aquatic Center
It was a different location, but the same joy and excitement were present as hundreds welcomed the New Year at the city’s 2024 Polar Bear Plunge. Since 2008, hundreds of brave people have gathered at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park to take a plunge in the icy waters of Lake Washington to ring in the new year.
The location change was due to the recent presence of potentially toxic algae blooms in Lake Washington. Public health officials have measured higher-than-normal levels of this algae over the past few weeks.
Visitors to Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park are advised to avoid swimming in the waters, and warnings have been posted throughout the park. The swimming area will re-open to the public once the levels return to normal. City staff continue to work closely with King County Public Health to ensure the public's safety.
Enhance the winter light display at Coulon Park and Piazza Park; Take the survey!
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park and Piazza Park have been dazzled with winter lights throughout December. We hope Rentonites enjoyed this experience - feedback on how the city can enhance this display in the future is valued. Please take a moment to participate in a survey to share thoughts and suggestions.
The feedback received will allow the city to make this event even more memorable and enjoyable for years to come. We appreciate the time and participation of our residents in making the holiday lights experience at Coulon extraordinary. Take the survey!
Apply now for Renton Arts Commission Grants and attend the upcoming Q&A
Calling all artists and creatives! The Renton Arts Commission is excited to announce that the Arts & Culture Grants applications are now open. Add to Renton's vibrant art scene and apply for the grant by Friday, February 2.
Need help with the art grant application process? Drop into Renton Municipal Arts Commission's informal art grant Q&A sessions at the Black River Cultural Arts Center in January. There are two sessions available for the public to attend:
These workshops provide a relaxed environment for individuals seeking funding from the Arts Commission in 2024. Come share ideas, seek guidance, and prepare for a successful application.
Public feedback opportunity: Disaster planning and community safety in Renton's Annex to Hazard Mitigation Plan
The City of Renton invites the public to comment on the Renton Annex to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan outlines hazards the city has prepared for within city limits.
The strategies and projects proposed serve to reduce the occurrence or negative impacts of those hazards on our community.
The feedback received on the Renton Annex will be an essential part of significant 2024 revisions to the King County Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan as part of its five-year update cycle. Of the hazard risks and vulnerabilities the City of Renton could face, eight are described in this plan, including:
- Dam Failure
- Earthquake
- Flood
- Landslide/Sinkholes
- Severe Weather
- Severe Winter Weather
- Volcano
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Wildfire
The expanded revision will consider more natural, technological, and human-caused disasters that aren’t currently addressed. Based on public feedback, existing projects will be re-evaluated, and new projects will be considered to reduce disaster threats or damages.
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