Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How much more will Renton workers earn starting January 1?

Coming up: Historically Hip Artisan Market on the Renton Patch calendar

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
Saturday December 13th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Greetings Renton! We’re your go-to source for what’s happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much more will Renton workers earn starting January 1?
  • See what’s coming to transform Highlands Park’s aging playground in 2026
  • How will Renton’s new 12.5 riverfront acres be transformed?

Also on today's calendar: Historically Hip Artisan Market and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Rentonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Clouds breaking for some sun, with a high of 56 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Sunday: Cloudy with a shower or two, temps: high: 58, low: 51.
  • Monday: Periods of rain, some heavy, with a high of 61 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 2026 Washington State Minimum Wage Update (natlawreview.com) — Renton workers and employers face notable minimum wage increases starting January 1, 2026, with large employers paying $21.57 and mid-sized firms $20.57 per hour. Mid-sized employers will see another bump to $21.57 on July 1, aligning them with large firms. The article also explains how these changes fit into broader state and regional wage hikes.
   

2. New playground is coming to Highlands Park (rentonreporter.com) — Renton is replacing the aging playground at Highlands Park with a larger, more accessible play area featuring a nest swing, big slide, and rope-climbing structures. Construction is expected to start in March after the wet season, with the new playground opening in spring 2026. The design was chosen with input from local kids and includes ADA-accessible pathways.
   

3. City officially buys 12.5 acres next to Cedar River Park (rentonreporter.com) — Renton has purchased 12.5 acres next to Cedar River Park, adding 1,500 feet of riverfront and paving the way for more recreation space and habitat restoration. The city will now start a master planning process with residents to shape amenities. Officials say the acquisition, arranged as a “friendly condemnation,” will benefit the community for generations.
   

4. Washington cities embrace Age-Friendly Communities (king5.com) — Renton is among several Washington cities committing to become more age-friendly, alongside Seattle, Tacoma, and others. The piece highlights how age-friendly planning supports housing, transportation, and social connection for older adults, with examples like Seattle’s programs and tools that also benefit King County residents, including those in Renton, as the region’s population rapidly ages.
   

📸 Around Renton

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Renton

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Renton Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Holidays Are Coming And You Are Already Tired Of People —Swannee Rivers Read on Patch
  • Broke for the Holidays? Here's How to Flip the Script —Swannee Rivers Read on Patch
  • Hey neighbors, my father and I are new to the neighborhood and so far been welcome with open arms!
    unfortunately today driving home on SE 192nd St, i noticed a big white dog running along the road (seems to be a great Pyrenees male maybe about 6… (Nextdoor Boulevard Lane)
  • Firefighters are battling a house fire on Bartlett Ave NE in Seattle, with reports of downed power lines, structural concerns, and significant progress in controlling the fire.
    6:09PM on Dec 11: Fire reported in a building at 11024 Bartlett Ave NE in Seattle. (Nextdoor )
  • Jet City Harley-Davidson posted a job opening for Service Porter in Renton. Apply here.
  • LanceSoft posted a job opening for Assembly Specialist-Mfg (JGJ000) in Renton. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Renton here.

Ok Renton! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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