TWIR: Get ready for spring and Renton’s Festival of Color

The City of Renton is excited to launch a new outreach series, What’s Brewing with Ed. 

This series of events gives residents the opportunity to have conversations about ongoing city projects and initiatives with Renton's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Ed VanValey.  

Each session will be hosted by CAO VanValey alongside city guests on the first and third Wednesday of each month. 

Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share their thoughts on projects and initiatives in Renton. 

The kick-off event is Wednesday, March 5, from 10–11 a.m. at Luther’s Table, 419 S. Second St. Future morning events at Luther’s Table will take place on April 2, May 7, and June 4. 

 

Can’t make the mornings? Ed will also be having conversations at Berliner Pub, 221 Main Ave. S. on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m.: March 19, April 16, May 21, and June 18. 

Both locations are family-friendly and making a purchase is not required. 

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP through Facebook or directly to communications@rentonwa.gov to help with planning. Stay connected on our social media (@cityofrenton) to get additional updates. 

 

A little about Ed 

CAO Ed VanValey is a Renton native and graduate of Lindbergh High School. Ed has worked for the city for over 35 years and previously served as Renton’s Police Chief from 2018 to 2020. 

 

Starting in mid-March, the city’s software used for permitting and licensing, Civic Access, is upgrading. 

Existing customers will need to re-register. This update will make things easier for users and improve the overall experience. This update will allow individuals and businesses to login once to apply for permits, pay invoices from different jurisdictions, and handle other tasks. 

Here’s how to access the portal after the second week of March 2025: 

• Visit permitting.rentonwa.gov. For existing users only: click on the login option in the top-right corner of the homepage tile. 

•  A pop-up will ask the account contact to register using the same email address that was used to access the portal previously. 

• From there, follow the steps to reset the account using the upgraded system. This includes updating the account password, username, and other account information as needed. 

If registering on behalf of a business, please remember to register with one company login. This will allow the company’s business licenses to be registered under one user. Individuals of the company can create their own logins in addition to the company login.  

For more information, instructions, or assistance during this transition, please visit rentonwa.gov/permitservices. 

 

Located 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.  

There are two eligibility requirements: 

• Families must have a gross annual income up to 400% of the federal poverty limit. 

• Children must be age three to four by September 1, 2025.  

Applicants are selected through a lottery system. 

Find more details, check your eligibility, and apply online at bezosacademy.org/eligibility. 

The partnership between the City of Renton and the Bezos Academy 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. 

 

The meeting will focus on summarizing the draft ordinance as the city moves toward adopting the new standards per HB 1110 as set by the state. 

Register for the webinar or visit Your Voice Renton and engage in the conversation around middle housing at rentonwa.gov/MiddleHousing.

Around Renton

This Week in Renton 

Have a story idea or comments? Email: communications@rentonwa.gov. 

This Week in Renton is also translated and posted on the City of Renton’s website. For additional translation services, contact communications@rentonwa.gov. 

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