Renton Mayor Publishes Weekly Newsletter

Press release from the City of Renton:

October 2, 2020

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Mayor's Newsletter

In my weekly newsletter I cover all that is happening in Renton, including the most current COVID-19 updates and information from state and federal officials and agencies.

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COVID-19 Resources

The city has compiled resources from several city, county, state and federal entities into a comprehensive COVID-19 page.

• City COVID-19 information

Issue: 64 / Friday, Oct. 2, 2020

Proposed 2021 and 2022 budgets presented to city council on Monday

Monday, during the Committee of the Whole meeting, I will present to the city council a balanced budget proposal for 2021 and 2022. The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. and live on Channel 21 in Renton and live-streamed at rentonwa.gov/streaming.

This balanced budget proposal will allow us to continue to meet our growing community's service needs, even though we’re facing challenging circumstances due to revenue losses associated with COVID-19.

Other than an adjustment to property tax for inflation and new construction, as allowed by state law, this budget does not include new taxes for the next two years.

Thanks to our department leaders' smart and strategic actions, we can remain financially strong in the upcoming biennium. We will not compromise our priorities and will address the critical needs of our community.

We are also investing funding from federal and state sources where they will make a difference. Our CARES money distribution has provided residents and businesses significant help with rent, access to food, and business support. These actions support the city’s Business Plan.

The Business Plan guides our everyday actions and defines our commitment to our residents and includes:

• Providing a safe, healthy, vibrant community
• Promoting economic vitality and strategically positioning our community for the future
• Supporting planned growth and influencing decisions to foster environmental sustainability
• Building an inclusive, informed city with equitable outcomes for all in support of social, economic, and racial justice for all
• Meeting service demands and providing high-quality customer service

This year has been one of the most challenging in our history, and some cities around us continue to struggle. We are determined to face these most difficult times with innovation, hard work, and a plan to weather the storm. Our focus will always be on what’s best for Renton.

We will be posting my budget presentation and budget information early next week at rentonwa.gov/budget.

Farmers Market ends successful 2020 season

Tuesday marked our final Farmers Market of the season. In a year where so many of our routines have been turned upside down, it was nice to have this little bit of normalcy in our city.

There are many people to thank for the market’s success in 2020. I’ll start with Carrie Olson, our market coordinator. It was her dogged determination that set up the market according to the guidelines established by Public Health-Seattle & King County. Carrie and her dedicated group of volunteers also worked with the vendors and shoppers, ensuring both enjoyed the experience. My appreciation goes out to staff from several city departments who volunteered their time.

Thanks to the farmers and artisans. Their produce, fruits, and goods were first-rate and many one-of-a-kind. Thanks to our market sponsors: Kaiser Permanente, Downtown Renton Partnership, Qualstar Credit Union, and Renton Community Marketing Campaign. The market would not be a success without their generous support.

My thanks to each and every one of you who shopped at the market. Markets like these are a real win-win for all involved, but they cannot survive without your support.

PSE contest will benefit small businesses

Puget Sound Energy is offering four small businesses a $45,000 energy-efficient and cosmetic upgrades makeover. PSE announced its Small Business Energy Makeover contest on Monday, and businesses have until October 18 to enter. Nominations can come from either customers or business owners.

Each makeover will include $30,000 in energy efficiency upgrades and an additional $15,000 for needed cosmetic improvements. Contest entrants must be small businesses operating within PSE’s service area.

Proposed county budget includes Renton RapidRide

Among the items in the proposed King County budget for 2021 and 2022 is a new RapidRide line connecting us with Kent and Auburn. The all-day route is scheduled to start in 2023. Metro has been looking at restarting routes suspended during the pandemic. They have emphasized service to areas with the greatest needs, especially communities with higher proportions of low-income and Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) populations.

“Delivering this new improved bus service to Renton is an issue of fairness and equity,” noted King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove who championed funding for the new route.

Earlier this month, Metro added new bus routes as part of the Renton-Kent-Auburn Area Mobility Project. The new service comes after months of working with our community members to identify service gaps and how best to fill them. Metro is also offering Renton residents who do not have an ORCA card a free $25 ORCA card to encourage ridership.

Items of Interest

Supporting our small businesses

Renton is excited to work with Renton Chamber of Commerce, OneEastside, 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.

Comment period on draft EIS for proposed county facility in the Highlands open until October 30

The county is accepting comments on their draft environmental impact statement on a proposed Renton site for a Cedar Hills Regional Landfill support facilities center. The window closed on October 30.

REACH Renton's 50-year anniversary celebration is October 13

REACH Renton will celebrate 50 years of serving our community with a virtual celebration on October 13, from 6:30 to 7:40 p.m.

The Renton Ecumenical Association of Churches (REACH) has led the way in providing shelter and services for families transitioning into permanent housing. Each year they transition around 50 families into permanent housing.

COVID-19 Quicklinks

• COVID-19 - resources and information from city, county, state, federal and private entities.
• Statewide requirement to wear face coverings
• Public Health - Seattle King County COVID-19 Dashboard
• Renton COVID-19 Testing Site
• Get tested if you have any of these symptoms
• Washington State Coronavirus Information

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