 September 25
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This past week, the Renton Housing Authority held the official ribbon cutting for the new affordable housing development in the Sunset neighborhood, the Sunset Gardens apartments. The new four-story building provides 76 units for veterans, people with disabilities, and seniors. It is also the new home of the Renton Housing Authority's administrative offices.
The project was made possible through collaboration between public and private partners, including the City of Renton, the Renton Housing Authority, JP Morgan Chase Bank, King County, and the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Construction started in June 2022, and it was completed this spring, in April 2024.
Sunset Gardens is the first project in Renton to use funding from House Bill 1590, which allows local jurisdictions to use revenue from a sales-and-use tax increase to fund affordable housing. The project also received a $1.77 million grant from the Department of Commerce's "Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program" (CHIP).
This development is the newest addition to the area and is part of the Sunset Area Redevelopment Plan. The plan aims to increase housing options within walking distance of parks, shopping, and public transit.
In addition, the project won a Governor's Smart Communities Award from the Washington State Department of Commerce. The project received the Smart Partnership Award for its successful collaborative approach. The award represents the 12th time the City of Renton has garnered recognition under the Governor’s Smart Communities Award.
The building of Sunset Gardens is a great step forward as part of Renton's commitment to affordable housing, and we thank all partners involved.
Joint statement from Mayors of Renton, Kent, Auburn, and Federal Way on juvenile crime approach in our region
Mayor Armondo Pavone, along with the Mayors of Kent, Auburn, and Federal Way have come together in a collaborative Op-Ed addressing juvenile crime in this week’s issue of The Seattle Times.
Statistics from the Renton Police Department show a marked increase in juvenile crime in 2023, with a 512.5% increase in juvenile motor vehicle thefts, assaults with firearms up 114%, and malicious mischief up 173% over 2022 numbers.
Auburn, Kent, and Federal Way are among several other cities in the region that have seen an overall increase in crimes involving juveniles.
The answer does not rest solely on punishment. This complex, layered problem has many contributing factors, such as background and challenging lived experiences. Compassionate accountability holds individuals accountable for their actions and gives proven, effective support to allow these kids to make positive changes.
Read The Seattle Times article online or visit rentonwa.gov/juvenilecrime to read the full text.
September is Ready in Renton Month
During Monday evening's city council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated September as Ready in Renton Month.
Each September, we provide an annual reminder that being prepared means staying safe, and ensuring loved ones, neighbors, and coworkers are safe, too. Ready in Renton Month raises awareness about preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time.
Natural emergencies here in the Pacific Northwest can include earthquakes, flooding, snow, extreme heat, public health emergencies, wildfires, and more.
"Ready in Renton Month is an opportunity to take charge and learn about ways you can be prepared and ready to survive emergencies that could happen here in Renton. The city’s Emergency Management division prepares year-round to keep Renton residents safe, and we are here to share information,” said Emergency Management Director Deb Needham.
There are several ways to be prepared. Consider signing up for ALERT Renton, registering for an upcoming Renton Emergency Preparedness Academy (REPA), or creating an emergency preparedness kit. Stay safe, Renton!
What are Renton’s future health needs? Share thoughts with Valley Medical Center at this week’s community meeting
Valley Medical Center is hosting several upcoming community meetings for residents to share thoughts on what health needs will be essential to the future of our community.
These sessions will help inform Valley Medical Center’s future planning. This week, on Thursday, September 26, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., the community meeting will be held in Renton at Carco Theatre, 1717 Maple Valley Hwy.
Additional meeting times and locations in nearby cities can be found online, or attend the online session on October 3, from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
New season, new ways to keep your garden blooming
Switch up seasonal planting and learn something new with a virtual natural yard care class hosted by the city’s Public Works Department and the Saving Water Partnership.
Two class dates and times are now available for registration. Ladd Smith will teach about preparing gardens for next spring, and Jessi Bloom's class will focus on creating a rain garden.
Register online for the following two courses before spots fill up:
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Fall and Winter Chores to Make Your Spring Gardening Easier: Course #23328
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Rain Gardens for Homeowners: Course ID: #23329
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