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 January 10
READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
In 2025, councilmembers will serve on the following committees:
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Vice Chair, Valerie O’Halloran
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Chair, Valerie O’Halloran
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Vice Chair, Kim-Khánh Văn
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Vice Chair, Carmen Rivera
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Member, Valerie O’Halloran
As the 2025 Legislative Session approaches, starting Monday, January 13, the City of Renton is prepared to advocate for its key priorities: behavioral health, human services, transportation and regional connectivity, and public safety.
Renton’s legislative agenda is an opportunity for the city to advocate its needs and concerns at the Washington State Legislature. This ensures Renton is represented by state lawmakers, strengthens the relationship between the city and state government, and increases the chances of getting support for local priorities.
At the end of the session on April 27, 2025, the city’s Government Affairs Manager and lobbyist will update the mayor, councilmembers, and community on the 2025 Legislative Session during a regularly scheduled city council meeting.
North 6th and Park Avenue building status
The city has heard the concerns about the buildings at North 6th and Park Avenue. These are former Boeing buildings that a developer purchased in 2021.
We have been working with the owners of this private property for the past two years to issue a demolition permit, which is currently available for the property owner to pick up.
It’s always the city's intention to work with businesses to find solutions, but progress has stalled on the property owner's response to code violations like broken windows, vandalism, and trespassers.
Today, January 10, we have issued a notice, effective immediately, ordering the damaged fencing to be replaced with a higher security barrier ensuring trespassers will be kept out of the property.
The city has also added a DO NOT OCCUPY order in addition to the NO TRESPASSING order, and this additional signage was placed on the existing fencing yesterday.
As a reminder, it is illegal to enter the property for any reason, and more importantly, it’s unsafe. Renton Police officers are regularly patrolling the area, please call 911 if there is any suspicious activity at the property.
U.S. Small Business Administration opens two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Washington State
After November’s bomb-cyclone event and Governor Jay Inslee’s request for a disaster declaration, the Small Business Administration (SBA) began accepting applications for low-interest disaster loans. These loans are available at varying rates for residents, businesses, and nonprofits.
The loans can help cover costs for property repairs, equipment replacement, inventory losses, and more. Homeowners and renters may also qualify for personal property assistance, with additional funds available for improvements to prevent future damages. Applicants can find more details and apply online at SBA.gov/disaster.
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King County Elections, Vote Center Room, 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057. Open Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
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Bellevue Regional Library, Room #5, Second Floor, 1111 110th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004. Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. & Tuesday and Wednesday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments can be scheduled in advance at appointment.sba.gov. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to apply for a property damage loan is February 21. The deadline to apply for an economic injury loan is September 23.
Over 500 daring souls took the plunge to welcome 2025
A very chilly but favorite Renton as held last week on January 1, 2025, as many came together to celebrate the new year with a dip in Lake Washington and Henry Moses Aquatic Center.
For 2025, the city's Parks and Recreation Department expanded its Polar Bear Plunge event to the Polar Bear Double Dip, offering residents two ways to embrace the new year.
373 took the plunge into Lake Washington at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park. A few hours later, 144 dippers (including some daring DOUBLE dippers) splashed into the wave pool at Henry Moses Aquatic Center.
Special thanks to Renton Parks and Recreation, Renton Regional Fire Authority, Ivar's, and Starbucks for keeping everyone safe and warming everyone up with clam chowder, cocoa, and coffee after the plunge.
Apply for Renton’s new Civic Academy by January 20
The City of Renton has launched its first Civic Academy. The Civic Academy is a learning series for residents to get an inside look into how the City of Renton functions.
Participants will learn about the city’s decision-making process and deepen their understanding of the different department responsibilities through tours, Q&As, and hands-on activities that provide a glimpse into the city’s day-to-day operations.
The Civic Academy is a free program open to all Renton residents and business owners 18 years and older.
The academy is a five-week course beginning February 13 through March 20. Participants will meet every Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at various locations. There will be no session on February 20 during Renton School District’s mid-winter break.
The Renton Civic Academy offers residents an excellent opportunity to get involved and make a difference in their community.
Join Renton’s Equity Commission
The City of Renton seeks individuals to serve on the Equity Commission.
The Equity Commission provides recommendations to city leadership on removing or preventing racial, economic, and social barriers in city programs, services, and policies. Members use their unique perspectives and experiences to ask questions and provide recommendations that will help promote equity throughout Renton.
The commission meets the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. on the 7th floor in council chambers at Renton City Hall. During the meetings, staff present city plans and policies to the commission and look for them to ask questions and provide recommendations through an equity lens.
The commission currently consists of nine members, including a youth member (ages 18-25), who are Renton residents or own a business in Renton.
The commission should reflect Renton's diversity, with members showing a strong commitment to equity. Diversity factors include, but are not limited to, ethnicity, race, age, gender, faith, disability, gender identity, and profession.
Members will be appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the city council.
Empower the community and spread the joy of play through the Recreation Scholarship Program
Spread the gift of play and recreation through the city's Parks and Recreation scholarships.
When donating to the Recreation Scholarship Program, 100% of your contribution will cover city programming course fees for Renton residents of all ages.
Donations can be made online, by phone at 425-430-6700, by email at recreation@rentonwa.gov, and in person at Renton Community Center, Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center, and Highlands Neighborhood Center.
Those of all ages and abilities looking to apply to the program need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
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Have your qualifying incomes follow the USDA Child Nutrition Program (Renton School District's free and reduced lunch program criteria)
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Be a Renton resident or attend school in the Renton School District
Thank you for the generous support of individuals, service organizations, businesses, and grants.
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Around Renton
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.
(classes, activities, leagues, and events for September through December)
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