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 March 13
READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
In March 2023, the Washington State Department of Commerce released a statewide housing needs report stating that, by 2024, Washington will need more than 1 million additional housing units to accommodate projected population growth. To address the anticipated lack of housing choices and affordability, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill (HB) 1110, in April 2023, to promote the development of “middle housing.”
“Middle housing” refers to buildings that are compatible in scale, form, and character with single-family homes and contain two or more attached, stacked, or clustered homes. Cities with a population greater than 75,000 are now required to allow at least six of the nine middle housing typologies on all residential lots, including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, fiveplexes, sixplexes, stacked flats, townhouses, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing.
Additionally, the legislation requires the city to allow at least four units on all residential lots and at least six units if (a.) located within a quarter mile of a major transit stop; or (b.) when at least two units are designated for affordable housing.
Informed by public feedback, city staff will prepare a housing ordinance to comply with HB 1110. The new regulations must be adopted by June 30, 2025.
To learn more about HB 1110, project updates, or to provide feedback, visit rentonwa.gov/middlehousing.
Comments can be emailed to Katie Buchl-Morales or mailed to:
Katie Buchl-Morales
City of Renton
Community and Economic Development - Planning Division
1055 S Grady Way, 6th Floor
Renton, WA 98057
Initiative 23-02: Important updates for Renton employers and employees
Renton voters passed Initiative 23-02, a citizen-led ordinance that sets Labor Standard requirements for employers and certain employees in Renton. We are notifying our businesses and will continue communicating over the 180-day rulemaking period as we establish rules, seek feedback, and create processes to implement the ordinance.
Starting July 1, 2024, large employers with over 500 employees worldwide and certain franchises must pay $20.29 per hour, while mid-size employers with 15 to 500 employees or over $2 million in annual gross revenue in Renton must pay $18.29 per hour. Additionally, covered employers must prioritize offering extra work hours to qualified part-time employees before hiring new staff or subcontractors (including temporary agencies), and all employers, regardless of coverage, are forbidden from retaliating against individuals who exercise rights protected by the ordinance.
Please visit the website for additional information, the full text of the initiative, and FAQs. We will be updating this site throughout the 180-day rule-making period.
Feedback needed on the Stormwater Management Program Plan by March 17
The rain on roofs, driveways, and streets picks up everything it touches, including motor oil, yard chemicals, and pet waste. This contaminated rainwater then flows into storm drains, creeks, rivers, and lakes.
The city’s Stormwater Management Program Plan details actions and activities to help keep Renton’s waters clean and healthy. The plan meets the requirements of the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology. It contains requirements that the city must implement over a five-year (2019-2024) term.
Among other actions, the plan contains the city’s efforts to:
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Engage the community in stormwater education, outreach, public participation, and pollutant reporting.
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Inspect public and private development sites and stormwater facilities.
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Implement and enforce regulatory requirements, including a source control program for inspecting commercial, institutional, and industrial properties with pollutant-generating potential.
Next Week: State of the City 2024 on March 21
State of the City is a little more than a week away! Mayor Armondo Pavone will present his 2024 State of the City address on Thursday, March 21, at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, located at 400 S 2nd St. Doors will open at 5:15 p.m. with light refreshments served.
The State of the City address is a valuable opportunity for the public to come together, gain insight into the past year's accomplishments, and hear what’s on deck for the future. It is a chance to hear firsthand about the progress made in Renton and to receive a glimpse of the exciting initiatives and plans for 2024. Tickets are free; make a reservation at rentonwa.gov/sotc.
Celebrate the first Festival of Color at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
In partnership with Voice of Planet, the city will co-host its first Festival of Color on Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.
The Festival of Color, or Holi, celebrates Spring’s arrival and Winter’s passing. Singing, dancing, and throwing colored chalk powder will take place. Enjoy a DJ, food trucks, vendors, and community. All colors will be provided to attendees.
Renton Downtown Partnership’s second annual Main Street Pitch Competition kicks off this month
Learn essential skills and compete to win prize money to build a business during Renton Downtown Partnership's second annual Main Street Pitch Competition. The competition incorporates workshops to provide the necessary skills to take those critical steps in starting a successful business and expanding an existing one, hoping to join Renton's downtown community. The competition will reward three finalists with prizes, including monetary and in-kind benefits.
The competition includes five workshops leading up to a live pitch competition:
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3/26: Competition Kickoff! Business Basics
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4/09: Business Plan Simplified
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4/23: Small Business Finances
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5/07: Marketing ++
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5/21: “Pitch Practice”
- 6/11: Live Pitch Finale
Apply now for the competition. This free program welcomes existing businesses and startups. Workshops are open to all for knowledge-sharing, whether pitching or observing.
Awards and prizes will be given to three first-place winners, one in each of the three business stage categories: Startup/Idea, Early, and Established.
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Around Renton
Free Museum Days – First Wednesday and third Saturday monthly, Renton History Museum (235 Mill Ave. S), 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
March 21 – 2024 State of the City, Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center (400 S 2nd St.), 6 p.m. Free admission. RSVP online.
March 22 – Paint ‘n Pour: Mocktails, Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Hwy), 6:30-9:30 p.m. Registration required.
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 January through April)
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