City Of Renton Publishes Weekly Update

Press release from the City of Renton:

September 15, 2020

Our Renton Weekly contains news and information about city events, activities, and initiatives. It is emailed to subscribers every week.

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Our Renton Weekly for September 15, 2020

Renton Route Updates from Metro

Beginning September 19, several improvements in Metro bus service are coming to Renton! As part of the implementation of the Renton-Kent-Auburn Area Mobility Project and Metro service changes, Rentonites can expect new routes and better connections between Renton, Kent and Auburn; added routes to the Highlands, Benson Hill and Fairwood neighborhoods; improved connections to Renton Technical College; and other additions. However, there will still be reduced service in certain areas due to budget constraints.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Metro is rolling out several new safety features and minimizing operator-to-passenger contact by encouraging ORCA cards when fares are restored in October. Metro is offering a free $25 ORCA card to Renton residents who don’t already have one. Learn more about the offer.

This Week’s Farmers Market Cancelled

Due to poor air conditions, this week’s Renton Farmers Market scheduled for today, September 15, has been cancelled. Please stay home and we will see you next week!

Two Weeks Left of the 2020 Census

We are roughly two weeks away from the end of the 2020 Census. The census count ends on September 30. Let’s make sure every household in Renton is counted!

At a national level, on September 10, a special three-judge court in New York ruled to block the Trump administration's efforts to leave out unauthorized immigrants from the census. Help spread the word that each person living in the United States counts for the 2020 Census. As a reminder, under Title 13, census information is protected and kept confidential.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 16 is the Washington State Census Day of Action. Partners across the state are leading a day of action to ensure everyone who calls Washington home is counted in the 2020 census. If you haven’t already filled out your census, you can do so online or via phone by calling 844-330-2020. Help is available in multiple languages.

Fill the Truck Update

Many thanks to everyone in our community for filling the truck with food on National Food Bank Day. The city’s Recreation and Neighborhoods Division and volunteers collected 2,644 pounds of food and $90 in cash during our Fill the Truck event on September 4. We would also like to thank Renton Chamber of Commerce and Renton Police Department for their partnership. All proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army Food Bank in Renton. Together we will continue to make a positive difference in our community.

Barrier-Free Survey Closes Today September 15

Help us make mobility in Renton barrier-free. This is the last chance to take the survey before it closes on September 15. We are updating our plan for removing barriers, specifically barriers that impact people with disabilities in the public rights-of-way. These barriers can include cracked and uneven sidewalks or locations without curb ramps or crosswalks that limit access. These barriers can significantly impact the lives of those with disabilities, especially if these are barriers to opportunities or services.

If you live or travel in the City of Renton and haven’t taken the survey, please fill it out. Learn more about the city’s ADA Transition Plan.

Donate or Sell Books for New Store Downtown

Downtown Renton is getting a new bookstore! Apparition Books is currently looking to buy used books and curate a collection for Rentonites and visitors to enjoy. Owner Andrew Larson is looking for literary fiction, science fiction and quality nonfiction books of different topics. Bookselling is available by appointment only with the owner. Learn more about the story in the Renton Reporter.

Parks and Trails Survey

We want to improve your outdoor experiences in Renton. Please take this quick survey and give us your feedback on city parks and trails. The survey is open for anyone who has visited city parks and trails and closes on September 30. For further input or questions, contact Cailín Hunsaker, Parks and Trails Director.

Virtual Trivia Night Returns September 22

Mark your calendars for the next virtual trivia night at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22. All ages are welcome to join for this month’s theme, “Back to Hogwarts: a Night of Virtual Witchcraft and Wizardry," as we test your Harry Potter knowledge. Register to receive the Zoom information. Sign-in starts at 6 p.m.

Games are designed and hosted by TriviaHub Live and consist of three rounds over 60 minutes. Contestants can play alone or as part of a team using a computer or mobile device. Prizes will be awarded.

City Council Update

Last night, the city council passed a proclamation naming September as National Recovery Month.

• Approved Minutes (from the August 31, 2020 Council Meeting)
• September 14, 2020 - (Approved Committee Reports, Motion Sheets, & Council Committee Meeting Calendar)

This press release was produced by the City of Renton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.