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March 28
READ ONLINE AND TRANSLATE
On Wednesday, March 26, Mayor Armondo Pavone hosted the 2025 State of the City address. This was the first year the address was held at the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Seattle’s Southport.
The new venue offered a larger reception area that provided several ways to engage with department staff and ask questions about projects and initiatives. Projects and information included the Rainier Ave. Phase 4 project, slurry seal efforts, 2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, Renton Municipal Airport, Zero Waste Plan, Renton Responds, Renton Municipal Arts Commission, Renton Downtown Partnership, and information on a free microchipping program for pets of Renton residents.
This marked the mayor’s third address since taking office in 2020. The speech reflected on the accomplishments of 2024 and future initiatives. The mayor emphasized his excitement for 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Sounders FC Longacres facility in Renton serving as a base camp.
Public safety is a top concern for residents and was the first topic in the presentation. The Renton Police Department addresses this through efforts in staffing and dedicated units like the Violent Crime Unit (VCU) to combat juvenile and violent offenders.
Public safety goes beyond law enforcement; it is a shared priority across all city departments. An example of that is Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). This practice involves designing natural environments and amenities, such as shrubs and lighting, in a way to reduce crime and improve the quality of life. This is something the city has started to implement throughout all projects.
In addition, the mayor talked about the city’s infrastructure, development, and investment toward maintenance of our city.
While new development is important, maintaining the city’s infrastructure is vital. Efforts like the Downtown Clean & Safe Initiative, the Paint with Purpose program, and $49 million received in grant funding toward infrastructure maintenance is how we keep our city functional and presentable.
In the current budget, the city has allocated $22 million for capital improvements in transportation, parks and recreation, and city facilities. This includes replacements, renovations, upgrades on our existing infrastructure, and development on existing assets.
Proper staffing is needed for any development. As part of this effort, ensuring departments are staffed with the right types of positions is important in meeting the needs and priorities of the community.
Another of the mayor's priorities is strengthening social services, with initiatives like the Renton Student Health Hub. In partnership with the Renton School District and Health Commons, the hub connects students with behavioral and mental health services when they need them most.
Finally, our state and city are growing, and to accommodate that growth, both residential and commercial developments are needed. Some of those projects include the recently opened 76-unit affordable housing building at Sunset Gardens, the upcoming Solera Phase I project opening later this year, the Rainier-Grady Transit-Oriented Development plan, and the Longacres redevelopment. All these projects will help support the growth in Renton.
Thank you to the Renton High School Step Team, Unity Elite, for providing the introduction entertainment; Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Cugini Florists and Fine Gifts for the floral arrangements; and all the dedicated residents, partners, business owners, and leaders of our city who attended.
Recognizing National Women's History Month
During Renton City Council earlier this week, Mayor Armondo Pavone designated March 2025 as National Women’s History Month in the City of Renton. The proclamation was accepted by Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kristi Rowland.
Relating to the month’s theme of mentorship and leadership, Rowland spotlighted the Northwest Women's Leadership Academy (NWWLA), a program that provides training, networking, and support to help achieve gender-balanced leadership teams across the state.
The city has supported NWWLA for over five years with the program’s graduation taking place at Renton Community Center. The academy has had over 180 graduates since its first cohort began in 2017.
Additionally, Rowland mentioned keynote speakers who have participated, including Renton Councilmember Ruth Pérez, Auburn Mayor Nancy Backus, King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, and former Governor Christine Gregoire.
Lastly, Rowland acknowledged several City of Renton staff members in leadership roles: Deborah Needham, Amanda Free, and Maryjane Van Cleave, all of whom have previously graduated from the program.
Renton Civic Academy
Congratulations to our 32 Renton Civic Academy graduates! Over the past two months, Renton residents joined the program’s inaugural cohort and had the opportunity to see how the city works, tour several city facilities, and build connections within the community.
Over a collective 480 hours, the group engaged in a variety of civic topics including:
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An overview of the city with Chief Administrative Officer Ed VanValey and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Kristi Rowland
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A behind-the-scenes look with the Executive Services Department and Finance Department
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Planning for the future and improving quality of life with the Community & Economic Development Department and Parks & Recreation Department
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Law enforcement and justice with the Renton Police Department & Courts
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A meeting with the mayor and getting a deep dive with the Public Works Department
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A reception with Renton City Council
This program gives community members the opportunity to get involved with government, ask deep questions, and become ambassadors to city services in their communities.
Feedback from the first cohort has been positive and the city plans to host a second cohort in the future. If you are interested in learning more, please subscribe for updates on the program’s Your Voice Renton page at rentonwa.gov/civicacademy.
Help shape Renton’s future waste services!
The Public Works Department wants YOUR input on a new waste collection contract that will begin in 2027! Before selecting the next provider, the city wants to hear from residents about what they seek as most important from their waste services.
From customer service needs to service offerings and electric vehicle trucks, this feedback will help ensure that the next provider will best serve the needs of residents.
Tell us what you are looking for from your future waste collection services and take the survey by April 13. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and is only open to single-family households.
The Community Garage Sale returns
Hello, spring cleaners and treasure hunters!
Join Renton Parks & Recreation on April 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Renton Community Center (1715 Maple Valley Highway). Last year, 75 vendors and about 800 shoppers took part—don't miss out!
Sellers: Register now at rentonwa.gov/register. Spaces are 10x10, randomly assigned, and cost $30 for residents and $36 for nonresidents. No special requests will be accepted.
Buyers: This is your chance to find big deals and treasures from dozens of sellers all at once. There is no admission cost for shoppers.
Mark your calendar for this great opportunity for all!
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Around Renton
Renton City Council meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at Renton City Hall’s 7th floor council chambers. Find the agenda and sign up to speak at rentonwa.gov/council.
March 28 – Teen Bingo Night, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Renton Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave. NE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now. Ages 14-17.
April 12 – Community Garage Sale, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Highway. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now. Free admission for shoppers.
April 13 – Dragon's Landing Celebration, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. South Third Street & Wells Avenue South. Hosted by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Free.
April 13 – Dragon's Landing Costume Tournament, 3 – 3:45 p.m. South Third Street & Wells Avenue South. Hosted by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission. Free. Register between 1 – 2 p.m.
In other news
Additional news and resources are provided below. Find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, and X for daily updates. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
Recreation Guide (classes, activities, leagues, and events for January through April)
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