This Week In Renton

Press release from the City of Renton:

March 26, 2021

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This Week in Renton

Friday, March 26, 2021 | Vol. VI | Issue 11

MARCH 26: NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AND HEALING

We stand in solidarity with
Asian and Pacific Islander Communities
#StopAsianHate

"A hate crime against any one of our communities is a crime against all of us. We need to attack these hateful acts, and we must hold accountable the individuals who commit these crimes."

This week’s video contains Mayor Armondo Pavone's strong statement condemning the recent incidents of violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It also shows highlights from last Monday’s anti-AAPI hate press conference, including Gov. Jay Inslee, at City Hall.

Following Monday’s press conference, Mayor Pavone and members of the City Council stood in solidarity with members of the city’s Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.

COVER STORY

Vacancies filled

Moving towards a more representative workforce

Our city's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Tactical Plan guides us towards a workforce that more accurately reflects our community's diversity.

Last Saturday at the City Council’s annual retreat, Human Resources Administrator Ellen Bradley-Mak and Senior Employee Relations Analyst Brian Sandler presented the 2021 edition, which built on the success of the first edition in 2017.

A significant change implemented four years ago was the use of anonymous applications. Hiring managers are not able to view an applicant’s name and address, thus minimizing implicit bias. Salary information is also no longer a requirement.

While it is difficult to attach a direct link to this change, we have seen marked improvement in several areas:

• Black/African American applicants saw a 133% increase in moving forward to the interview phase
• Applicants who identified as Two or More Races saw a 100% increase in moving forward to the interview phase
• Ethnically diverse hires increased by 16.5%
• The number of females hired increased by 5%

One of the cornerstones of this newest plan is Resolution No. 4414, approved by the City Council last October. The resolution “declares Renton an anti-racist city that strives to use the Renton Equity Lens to eradicate racial economic inequities and institutional racism to value all residents and be a welcoming place to all people.”

Our Renton Business Plan echoes the resolution as it includes “Building an inclusive, informed city with equitable outcomes for all in support of social, economic, and racial justice" as one of its key points.

This newest plan intends to build on these successes of the past four years. It also introduces strategies to further increase workforce diversity and foster a more inclusive organization.

We want all staff to feel they belong and take an active role in contributing their diverse perspectives. The 2021 Plan will focus on four strategic areas:

• Build Cultural Competence and Enhance Inclusion Skills
• Outreach and Recruitment
• Enhance Culture of Inclusion
• Inclusion and Equity Incorporated into City's Lines of Business

To help meet these strategies, the city plans to:

• Track data in exit surveys, employee engagement surveys, and other methods to gauge staff perceptions regarding the city’s equity and inclusion efforts
• Provide additional information to applicants on our hiring and interviewing practices to help prepare candidates to succeed and reduce barriers to employment
• Review and enhance hiring practices in the Renton Police Department to attract a diverse applicant base
• Continue outreach to community organizations based on industry

We have made tremendous strides as an organization over the last four years. This new plan will continue to move us closer to our goal of creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of Renton.

FINANCE

Water and Sewer Utility Tax

Beginning January 1, 2021 water and sewer districts may begin collecting a water and sewer utility tax on behalf of the cities they serve. Customers affected by this tax may have been contacted by your water and sewer districts and have questions.

We have answers to the most common questions on our website. If you need more information, please contact our Utility Billing Department at 425-430-6852 or ub@rentonwa.gov. They are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

Downtown Utility Improvement Project

Construction work on the Downtown Utility Improvement Project has started.

The project's first phase began earlier this month along Mill Avenue S between Houser Way S and Bronson Way S. Construction will soon begin at the intersections of Rainier Avenue South and Third Avenue South, and Third Avenue South and Burnett Avenue South. Construction is projected to move throughout the project area in several phases over approximately the next 18 months through fall 2022.

We have a project webpage for regular project updates. You can also sign up for construction updates.

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Ready for Business Fund

Applications are now being accepted for a new Greater Seattle Business Association small business recovery grant program. Priority will be given to BIPOC, LGBTQ and women-owned businesses.

The Ready for Business Fund, a partnership between GSBA and Comcast Washington, is intended to support small and micro-businesses severely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. GSBA is Washington State's LGBTQ and allied business chamber and the largest LGBTQ and allied chamber in North America.

Here are the eligibility requirements:

• Business must be located and licensed in Washington state
• Business must be established on or before March 2, 2020
• Priority is given to LGBTQ-, BIPOC-, and woman-owned businesses
• Priority is given to businesses disproportionately impacted by COVID-19

If you have applied for a Ready for Business grant in 2020, you DO NOT need to reapply. They will automatically include that application in this second round.

Working Washington Small Business Grants: Round 4

The Washington State Department of Commerce will begin accepting Working Washington Grant applications: Round 4 on March 29.

Round 4 includes $240 million that the state legislature approved as part of an early action bill providing additional funding for rent assistance and other COVID-19 response efforts.

These grant relief funds are designated for small for-profit businesses, especially those required to close due to public health and safety measures.

Priorities for funding are:

• Businesses required to close
• Businesses with lost revenue as a result of closure
• Businesses with added expenses to maintain safe operations
• Equitable distribution of grant funds across the state and to businesses owned and operated by historically disadvantaged individuals

Our Economic Development Division has more resources for businesses.

HOUSEHOLD SAFETY

Poison Prevention Week

According to the Washington Poison Center, poisoning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death and the third leading cause of accidental hospitalizations. More than 90% of all poisonings happen at home.

This is National Poison Prevention Week. The Renton Regional Fire Authority reminds all of us that we can prevent an emergency by having the Poison Help number on hand: 1-800-222-1222.

Prescription medications are one of the primary causes of poisonings. Renton Police Department is hosting their Shred-a-thon, Prescription Drug Take-Back and Food Drive on April 24.

They will collect:

• Prescription and over-the-counter medications in pill or liquid form.
• Solid dosage or capsules may be removed from the container and placed in a bag or brought in their original container.
• If the original container is submitted, remove any identifying information by removing the label or use a permanent marker to block out personal information.

They will not collect:

• Intravenous solutions
• Injectables
• Inhalers
• Syringes
• Chemotherapy medications
• Vaping devices with batteries that cannot be removed
• Medical waste

RECREATION ACTIVITIES

Recreation opportunities for spring and summer

With spring weather on the way and the county in Phase 3 of the COVID-19 reopening plan, our Recreation & Neighborhoods Division is able to bring expanded activities for all ages this spring and summer. In the April/May “Let’s Go Renton,” find youth sports from Skyhawks and Steel Soccer, family outings under Renton Outdoors, league sports for adults, and a variety of new topics in the Age-Friendly Virtual Talks.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Donate blood and save a life

We all know the importance of donating blood. As a community, we need 1,000 donors every day to support patients obtaining trauma care, undergoing surgeries, having cancer treatment, and receiving organ transplants. Additionally, there are new moms and neonatal care.

Donating blood is essential and encouraged. Your one-hour donation appointment is safe as all pop-up donor centers are following social distancing guidelines.

BloodworksNW held two pop-up blood drives in Renton this week and will be back in April with four more. Appointments are being accepted.

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Southport Seattle Room
(1053 Lake Washington Blvd., 98056)

• April 7: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• April 8: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Appointments

Lindbergh High School Cafeteria (16426 128th Ave SE, 98058)

• April 15: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• April 16: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Appointments

ART IN RENTON

Celebrate Erasmus' third anniversary

To commemorate the third anniversary of the landing of Renton's rooftop dragon Erasmus, Renton Municipal Arts Commission is hosting a "make your own dragon egg" contest. Pick up your free kit and unleash your creativity. Kits, while they last, are available at Sparkle Gifts & Whatnots (824 S 3rd St.) Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. and SYM Market (824 S 3rd St, 98057) on Saturday & Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Post your photos with the hashtag #ErasmusEggContest for your chance to win. Prizes will be announced on April 13, which is also Erasmus' official Landing Day!

425 Magazine profiles art scene

Everything from murals to sculptures to hydrant art to utility wraps, our downtown has an eclectic collection of art. A recent edition of 425 Magazine profiled the art, explaining how the city council works with Renton Municipal Arts Commission to support local and regional artists.

The VisitRenton app contains a guide to the Hydrant Art project in South Renton and the Black Live Matter art project.

DID YOU HEAR?

2019 Multicultural Festival

Renton ranks as the 13th most diverse city in the country

Renton was recently ranked as the 13th most diverse U.S. city by WalletHub. We're the second most diverse in Washington, ranking behind Kent (8th). Wallethub based their rankings on ethnicity and race, language, and birthplace.

In Renton, diversity is one of our core values and something that we celebrate as a community. We know we are better when we stand as one, build bridges and seek to understand one another.

COVID-19

Late last week, several modifications to the state's response to COVID-19 affected businesses and vaccine distribution.

Here are some of the changes:

Phase 3 of Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery

On Monday, King County and the rest of the State moved into Phase 3 of the State’s reopening plan.

Restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, and movie theaters can increase their capacity to up to 50% occupancy or a maximum of 400 people, whichever is lower, for indoor spaces. Social distancing and facial covering are still required.

Also allowed in Phase 3:

• In-person spectators will be allowed for the first time in a year to attend events at outdoor venues with permanent seating. Capacity will be capped at 25%. This change affects professional and high school sports and motorsports, rodeos, and other outdoor spectator events. Social distancing and facial covering are still required.
• Larger venue events are capped at 25% occupancy, or up to 9,000 people, whichever is less and must follow spectator guidelines.

The governor also extended the statewide eviction moratorium through June 30 and now allows visitations at long-term care facilities and nursing homes to resume.

Vaccine Distribution

On March 17, vaccine eligibility was expanded to include high-risk critical workers who work in certain congregate settings, public transit, and remaining first responders. Also, people 16 years or older who are pregnant or have a disability that puts them at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness are now eligible for the vaccine.

On March 31, eligibility will further expand to include:

• People 16 years or older with 2 or more comorbidities or underlying conditions
• All people 60 years and older
• People, staff and volunteers in certain congregate living settings: correctional facilities; groups homes for people with disabilities; settings where people experiencing homelessness live or access services
• High-risk critical workers in certain congregate settings: restaurants, food services, construction and manufacturing

If you haven’t already, visit the state Department of Health’s new Vaccine Locator to help determine eligibility and find open appointments.

CITY COUNCIL

Mayor Armondo Pavone (center front) is flanked by the 2021 Renton City Council. Ruth Pérez and Council President Randy Corman are seated in the front row. Standing: Valerie O’Halloran, Ed Prince, Council President Pro Tem Ryan McIrvin, Kim-Khánh Văn, and Angelina Benedetti.

• March 22, 2021 Meeting
• Meeting documents (approved committee reports, motion sheets, and council committee meeting calendar)
• Proclamations: Education and Sharing Day. National Safe Place Week
• Council meeting video
• Committee of the Whole video
• Approved Minutes from March 15, 2021 meeting

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Renton City Council meets via Zoom. For information on viewing or participating in a council meeting, go to rentonwa.gov.council. Past meetings are available at rentonwa.gov/youtube.

CALENDAR

Daily, Senior Meals, Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m., free, drive-thru sack lunch pick up at Renton Senior Activity Center, 211 Burnett Ave. N. Limited quantities.

Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sustainable Renton free drive-through grocery store at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. NE.

Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Renton Live! online connection promoting business, nonprofits and activities within the greater Renton community. Find the weekly link on the Renton Live Facebook page.

Skyhawks Youth Sports Camps, after-school programs, classes and leagues for ages 4 to 14. These programs have continued in 2021 with proven COVID-19 protocols and a modified curriculum in place. Registration is open for soccer and flag football camps and programs at skyhawks.com. Renton locations include Kiwanis, Kennydale and Cedar River parks.

Library resources and events, ongoing. Filter by event, program, and location. kcls.org

April 7-8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Pop-Up Blood Drive, Hyatt Regency Lake Washington at Southport

April 15, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Pop-Up Blood Drive, Lindbergh High School

April 16, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Pop-Up Blood Drive, Lindbergh High School

April 24, 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Shred-a-thon & Prescription Take-Back

May 15, TBD. Recycle Event for metals and Styrofoam

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