 June 12
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On a vibrant Monday morning, the kaleidoscopic hues and distinctive shapes of the Progress Pride Flag soared proudly outside of Renton City Hall. The spirited occasion marked the commencement of Pride Month, as Vice President of Renton LGBTQIA+ Community Casey Dunivan joined Mayor Armondo Pavone to raise the Pride flag amongst city councilmembers, city staff, and community members.
“We use this to communicate in a difficult environment, a message for all those who see that Renton stands in support of the Pride community and that we together welcome all those who come as they are.” - Casey Dunivan.
We thank Mayor Pavone, city councilmembers, Casey Dunivan, Renton LGBTQIA+ Community, city staff, Starbucks, and the community for joining us in this celebration of diversity and inclusion in Renton’s community.
A proclamation was presented at that evening’s City Council meeting designating June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in Renton. To accept the proclamation was Sara Palmer, President of the Renton LGBTQIA+ Community.
In the spirit of Pride, the festivities continue with the Renton Downtown Partnership and Renton LGBTQIA+ Community's Sip & Strut Wine Walk on Friday, June 14, from 6 to 8 p.m., sponsored by Rain City Catering and the Hyatt's Dock and Drink.
Indulge in the delightful offerings from 12 of Washington's finest wineries, discovering the unique shopping experiences that Renton has to offer, all while being part of a joyous celebration of LGBTQ+ artists and vendors. Secure tickets online and make this an evening worth cherishing. Tickets are available online.
Swimming beach at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park closed due to high bacteria levels
Due to high bacteria levels recorded at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, Public Health - Seattle & King County has closed the swim beach until further notice. For your safety, please follow directions on all posted signs. Updates and more information are available at kingcounty.gov/swimbeach.
City leadership invited to tour Bezos Academy, the city’s newest investment in Renton’s youth
Last week, Mayor Armondo Pavone, councilmembers, and representatives from Renton Police, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Renton Regional Fire Authority were invited by the educators at Bezos Academy to tour their preschool space in Renton. This visit coincides with the impending completion of their inaugural year in the Renton location, marking a significant milestone for the academy and the community.
Situated within the North Highlands Neighborhood Center, the Bezos Academy has been offering tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool programs since its establishment in 2023. With an enrollment of 51 students, including 23 Renton families, the academy has become a resource for Renton residents seeking quality and affordable early childhood education.
The addition of Bezos Academy exemplifies a commitment to nurturing the youngest members of our community and addressing the need for accessible preschool programming.
This partnership began in 2021 when the academy and the city's Parks and Recreation Department discussed North Highlands Neighborhood Center becoming the permanent home of the Renton Bezos Academy.
Families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty limit with children aged three to four can apply, and then they are selected in a lottery-style selection. Currently, there is a waitlist for the Renton location.
There are 12 Bezos Academy locations in Washington.
Learn more about the Bezos Academy programming in Renton at bezosacademy.org.
Enhancing safety and security: The significance of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) in Renton
Last month, representatives from various city departments, from Parks and Recreation to Community & Economic Development and Public Works, attended a three-day training hosted at Renton City Hall by the Washington State Crime Prevention Association.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is not just a concept but a proactive strategy that Renton Police Department has utilized for years when making crime prevention recommendations. With the support of Mayor Pavone, CPTED continues to gain momentum in enhancing safety and security throughout all city departments in Renton. Pronounced as sep-ted, CPTED utilizes specific design principles to deter criminal activities, positively influence the community's image, and optimize public spaces and facilities.
The group completed a combination of both classroom activities and practical assessments, ending with a presentation of their assessments. Part of the training included visiting several areas of Renton, including the Downtown Renton Library, Liberty Park, Renton Memorial Stadium, and City Center Parking Garage to trial their skills.
The main focus of this training is around prevention and alteration of behaviors. The core principle of CPTED revolves around stopping criminal behavior before it happens. By leveraging effective environmental design, CPTED aims to create an ambiance that reduces the likelihood of crimes and fosters a sense of security among residents and visitors through thoughtful design strategies, such as natural access control, increased surveillance, and promoting territoriality.
CPTED is not just a philosophy; it's a roadmap towards a safer and more secure Renton. By embracing and integrating its principles into urban planning, the City of Renton can forge a path toward a future where safety and security are paramount. By the end of the training, each individual was awarded CPTED certifications.
Thank you to the city staff who took part in the training to create a safer, more vibrant community.
Shaping Renton's future: Empowering youth for an inclusive Comprehensive Plan
The Comprehensive Plan serves as a roadmap that charts the course for the city's growth and development over the next 20 years. It is imperative to integrate the voices of those who may be most influenced by these changes - the youth. Actively engaging younger demographics in the discussion ensures that the plan is inclusive, forward-thinking, and reflective of the aspirations of future generations.
Last week, the city’s Community & Economic Development Department worked with 10th and 11th grade classes at Hazen High School, where staff presented the comprehensive plan, discussed Middle Housing, and fostered a connection with the city's future leaders and residents.
The students were given access to a survey link for them to share amongst other students, and response to the survey has been promising, with 70+ responses from Hazen students in just one week and a total of 957 survey responses citywide.
As part of a school assignment, students have been crafting their own housing policies and will present to city staff as a final project in the upcoming weeks before school is out.
The active involvement of youth in the Comprehensive Plan process signifies a commitment to empowering the next generation to have a say in shaping their community.
What is your vision for Renton over the next 20 years? If you haven’t already, consider providing comments and feedback on the city’s Comprehensive Plan at rentonwa.gov/comprehensiveplan. The community survey will close on June 17.
Help shape Renton’s 2025-2026 city budget
The City of Renton's Finance Department is working on the biennial budget for 2025 and 2026. As part of this process, the city is conducting a community-wide budget survey with the help of independent researchers.
Through this process, the city will gain insights and feedback from residents on the direction and spending plan of the city for the upcoming two years. In the online survey, participants can share their opinions on a variety of topics, including:
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Priority outcomes for the city budget
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Importance and satisfaction ratings for city facilities
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Transportation and safety initiatives
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Overall perception of life in Renton
Input from community members is critical to understanding the city’s current state and future needs.
Please consider participating in this important civic process and take the online survey now. The survey will close on June 19.
The future design of the Northeast Renton Park: Final feedback due by June 25
The City of Renton’s Parks and Recreation Department has been hard at work collecting feedback and ideas from the public on the new Northeast Renton Park. Thus far, the community has shown up with great thought and consideration as the department aims to shape the final design concept. Thank you to everyone participating in this process - the city is fortunate to have active and involved residents.
The preliminary final design concept for the new Northeast Renton Park is available for review, and the department will accept final feedback until June 25.
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