Renton Mayor Publishes Weekly Newsletter

Press release from the City of Renton:

November 6, 2020

Mayor's Newsletter

My weekly newsletter covers all that is happening in Renton. If you’d have an idea, share news, or want to comment, I’d like to hear from you.

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Issue: 69 / Friday, Nov. 6, 2020

Renton is using twice monthly Zoom meetings and an online survey to best determine what resources are best as we work to become an “Age-Friendly City.”

“Age-Friendly City” outreach helps plan our future

Outreach to our senior population as part of Renton’s “Age-Friendly City” designation from AARP and WHO is continuing.

Next Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 2 to 3 p.m., our recreation & neighborhood division presents the next in a series of Zoom talks. This one spotlights the city’s Housing Repair and Assistance Program, which makes minor home repairs to improve health and safety for our seniors. Register for the meeting using code 9383. If you need help, call 425-430-6633.

Our Age-Friendly Community Survey is live and covers housing, transportation, outdoor spaces and services for residents of all ages. The survey is available through Nov. 20, and takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Email recreation@rentonwa.gov to request a printed copy in English, Spanish or Vietnamese.

“Unity in Hope” multicultural festival debuts on Nov. 7 and 8

This Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. we’re pleased to premiere parts one and two of “Unity in Hope,” the video version of our annual Renton Multicultural Festival. The videos will be available on both Channel 21 in Renton, on our YouTube channel, and website.

COVID-19 prevented us from hosting a live event for the fifth consecutive year. But through the Mayor's Inclusion Task Force and many community members' combined efforts, we have created two-hour videos highlighting Renton's diverse culture.

We have almost 30 performers, some familiar acts and some new performers. They encompass music, dance and spoken word. We also will feature some of the best restaurants and hotels in our city and finish with a grand international fashion show. There is also a music video featuring some well-known faces inside and outside of city hall.

We are proud of Renton’s status as one of the most diverse cities in our America. This festival stands as a celebration of our diversity.

Veterans Day is Wednesday

This Wednesday is Veterans Day when we honor and remember those men and women who have served or are serving in our armed forces. We owe them our thanks for preserving the freedoms we enjoy today. Please take time, not just on Veterans Day but throughout the year, to show your appreciation.

We should also salute Renton’s Frank R. Vaise VFW Post 1263 and Auxiliary. For the past 80 years, their belief that “every day is Veterans Day” means we will never forget the sacrifices made by our servicemen and servicewomen.

County Councilmember Upthegrove opposes Renton location for operational support facility

This week King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove sent a letter to the county's Solid Waste Division voicing his concern about a Renton site under consideration for the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill operational support facility.

The county is expanding the landfill and is looking at three sites where they could relocate the support facility. The proposed Renton site is in the Highlands area near Renton Technical College.

In his letter, Councilmember Upthegrove wrote, in part: “The Renton Highlands option is simply not realistic. We have students attending Renton Technical College near this proposed site, and I am concerned about their safety with numerous large trucks rumbling past on the road. There are better options outside of the city of Renton that don't pose health and safety impacts to students and the neighborhood. I believe that this site should not be considered any further.”

We appreciate Councilmember Upthegrove highlighting the significant problems associated with the Highlands site. We understand and support the need to expand the landfill as a cost-effective way to address the region's solid waste needs. However, this particular site has some serious flaws, including significant truck traffic and noise, a safety hazard for Renton Technical College students crossing NE 3rd/NE 4th streets, the lack of a buffer for nearby neighborhoods, and the equity and social justice impacts on the residents of the Highlands.

A decision on the location is expected next spring after a final environmental impact statement is issued. Construction is expected to start in 2023.

Don't Forget …

Tourism grant deadline is Nov. 30

The deadline to submit applications for 2021 Tourism Grants is Nov. 30, at 4:30 p.m. Eligible entities include convention and visitors' bureaus, destination marketing organizations, nonprofits like chambers of commerce and lodging associations, and municipalities. The grants support Renton's tourism marketing and operations and are funded through the state's Hotel-Motel Tax.

Supporting Renton small businesses through Chip-In

We are excited to work with Renton Chamber of Commerce, One Eastside, and Chip-In to raise funds for Renton small businesses through tax-deductible contributions. Think of it like GoFundMe, but Chip-In does not take a cut. Each dollar donated will support local Renton businesses meet payroll, keep their lights on and doors open.

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