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 March 29
READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
Last week, Mayor Armondo Pavone held his second annual State of the City on March 21 at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center. Mayor Pavone reflected on the past year's accomplishments throughout various city departments and looked into future initiatives and projects planned for 2024 and beyond.
"Entering my second term, I've found that what people want to know isn't that we're doing our jobs, but the WHY and philosophy behind where we're going as a city." - Mayor Armondo Pavone, City of Renton.
A few highlights and focus points described during the State of the City address included the city’s expansion of communications and engagement efforts, a heightened focus on customer service, investment in IT infrastructure, and a new website coming in 2024. Residents were updated on the city’s park's capital improvements and the large investment in human services in the coming year.
The Renton Police Department shared updates on the positive impacts of changes to the Blake decision, juvenile crime, and efforts around crime prevention.
Public Works presented projects completed in 2023 paired with upcoming enhancements this year, such as Clean Economy Strategy 2.0, electric vehicle infrastructure, traffic calming, the upcoming Transportation Benefit District, and sidewalk improvement plans.
In Finance, the city budget process will begin shortly, and the address reviewed the city’s philosophy that voters should drive spending.
For Community and Economic Development, Renton’s strategy for attracting large-scale employers and small businesses that increase walkability downtown was discussed. Renton’s groundbreaking small business liaison program, Downtown Civic Core plan, and huge projects that finished this year, including the Seattle Sounders HQ, were featured during the presentation.
In addition, Mayor Pavone discussed the impact of HB 1110 on the density requirements coming down the pipeline with new state requirements.
Thank you to all the community leaders and staff for attending; we also extend a big thanks to Hazen High School's Vox Populi for their fantastic performance, to Dominic Pavone for the introduction, to Renton Technical College for exceptional catering, and to Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center staff for a top-notch performance.
Renton named Arbor Day Foundation 2023 Tree City USA for the 16th consecutive year
The Arbor Day Foundation recognized Renton's commitment to environmental stewardship and acknowledged the city's Urban Forestry division as a 2023 Tree City USA for the 16th consecutive year. In addition, the city also received a Tree City USA Growth Award for its 13th year for demonstrating environmental improvement. By fulfilling the criteria set by the Tree City USA program, Renton has shown its outstanding level of tree care and dedication to enhancing the urban landscape.
Since its inception in 2007, Renton's Urban Forestry Program has consistently received the National Arbor Day Foundation's annual awards. In recognition of the exceptional work in 2020, Renton secured its 11th Growth Award to acknowledge Renton's comprehensive update to its GIS tree inventory database, encompassing approximately 116,994 public trees thriving within the city limits.
The Urban Forestry Program spearheads the preservation and enhancement of Renton's urban forest, serving as a valuable resource for residents. The diverse array of public and private trees encompassing Renton's urban landscape contributes significantly to fostering a high quality of life for its community members. Public trees, including those lining streets, gracing parks, embellishing natural areas, and adorning other city-owned properties, play a pivotal role in enhancing Renton's aesthetic, environmental, and social fabric.
Community investment: Take part in the King County Consortium 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan survey
The King County Consortium is gearing up to develop the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. The King County Consortium is a collaborative effort involving King County and areas throughout the County, including Renton, that receives federal funding yearly to support housing and community development programs benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals.
The survey takes less than 10 minutes and will help the continued development and improvement of resources and services for the benefit of the community.
Surface water construction extended through April
The ongoing construction of the Monroe Ave NE Infiltration Facility project that began on December 11, 2023, will see the first phase of infiltration rock placement extend through April.
During this phase, significant truck traffic will be present along NE 3rd and NE 4th Streets, but there will be limited impact on commuters and traffic in the area.
For questions or concerns regarding the project, please contact Jared McDonald. Updates on the progress of the construction will be provided as necessary. The project is on schedule, and construction is proceeding as planned.
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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.
April 14 – Dragon Dash 5k/10k Fun Run and Walk, Downtown, 826 S 3rd St, 9 a.m. Registration required.
April 14 – Renton's Rooftop Dragon Landing Celebration, Wells Ave S. (between S. 3rd & S. 2nd St.), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy this free festival with vendors, crafts, and more. In addition, starting on Friday, April 5, the Renton Arts Commission invites the community to search for dragon eggs scattered across the city. A total of 25 "dragon eggs" will be hidden on April 5, with an additional 25 eggs added on the morning of April 12.
April 20 – Renton Community Celebration “Sustainability Fair,” Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy., 11 a.m. –2 p.m. Free event with lots of fun plus community information and opportunities. Everyone is welcome to enjoy face painting, lawn games, food, refreshments, and meet first responders.
May 11 – Community Garage Sale, Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Register online. Non-Residents $36 / Residents $30.
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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