ICYMI: The November 9, 2026 Renton City Council Meeting & COW

In case you missed it, we’ve got you covered. Here we recap the past week’s Committee of the Whole (COW) and Renton City Council meeting. Below, catch up on the conversations shaping our community.  

Committee of the Whole Recap 

The Renton City Council received two presentations during this meeting. 

The first was an update from Public Works on the city's Clean Economy Strategy (CES) 2.0.  

Adopted in 2023, this plan is Renton's guide for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting the environment, and preparing for climate change. 

Building a more sustainable community takes ongoing effort. Reaching these goals requires teamwork across all city departments. Recent projects and accomplishments include: 

Together, these projects help create a healthier, more resilient community. They support cleaner energy, improve environmental protection, preserve natural spaces, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

These investments not only benefit residents today but also help ensure a more sustainable Renton for future generations. Learn more about the CES 2.0 plan on our website. 

The second presentation was the end of budget deliberations.  Staff shared their proposals at each October meeting and finished last week.  Council members asked their remaining questions.       

Finance staff reviewed the proposed property tax increase, limited to 1% by state law, referencing the banked capacity available to the city for a larger increase.  With the proposed 1% property tax increase, the average homeowner will see an increase of approximately $5 per year.  These funds contribute to city services and maintenance of city-owned assets. 

Formal adoption steps for the property tax levy and the 2027-2028 budget will move forward.  

As a separate issue, Finance staff shared information about a possible councilmanic bond to support projects that address some near-term needs in the city.  As presented, because of the retirement of debt this year, this proposal would not require a tax increase.   

Projects proposed included: 

This proposal will be brought to the council in early 2027 with additional details.   

Council Meeting Recap 

The November 9 City Council meeting began with a special presentation. Councilmember James Alberson received his Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).    

After this came audience comments regarding the flock contract expiration and removal of cameras, council ethics and decorum complaints, minimum wage and affordability, a dock replacement project, traffic-calming measures on Jones Ave, meeting minutes, pending legislation on the use of public property and related programming, and naming of city buildings.   

Councilmember Rivera moved to amend the November 2 meeting minutes by removing the paraphrased public comments and retaining only the speaker’s name. This practice will continue going forward.  

There were five items out of the Finance Committee that were approved. All items were moved by Councilmember O'Halloran and seconded by Council President Pro Tem McIrvin: 

• ALL AYES: Council President Pérez, President Pro Tem McIrvin, Councilmember Alberson, Councilmember O'Halloran, Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Văn 
• NO: None 
• Excused Absence: Councilmember Prince 

The following ordinances were approved for second reading and final consideration at the next council meeting: 

Ordinance No. 6210: Dollar amount and percentage increase for the property tax to be levied for the year 2027 

Ordinance No. 6211: Property tax levy for the year 2027 for general city operational purposes 

The following ordinances were adopted: 

Ordinance No. 6208: Updating Utility Billing Classifications and Rates for 2027 and 2028 

Ordinance No. 6215: Granting Ezee Fiber Washington Assets, LLC (dba Ezee Fiber) authorization to do business within Renton 

Ordinance No. 6216: Zoning-related development of homeless services 

Ordinance No. 6217:  Solid Waste Rates 

At the end of the meeting, two motions were considered by the council:  

• Motion for the council to establish a clear communication process regarding code-of-conduct complaints involving city council members. (Motion passed)(Moved by Councilmember Rivera, seconded by Councilmember Văn)
  • AYE: Council President Pro Tem McIrvin, Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Văn
  • NO: None
  • No response or abstain: Council President Pérez, Councilmember Alberson, Councilmember O'Halloran
  • Excused Absence: Councilmember Prince
• Motion for the administration to provide an update on the status of the Flock camera removal. (Motion passed) (Moved by Councilmember Văn, seconded by Councilmember Alberson)
  • AYE: Council President Pérez, Council President Pro Tem McIrvin, Councilmember Alberson, Councilmember O'Halloran, Councilmember Rivera, Councilmember Văn
  • NO: None
  • Excused Absence: Councilmember Prince 

An additional motion was brought forward by Councilmember Văn, which did not receive a second and was not considered by the council. 

Topics for discussion next week include an update on the Vision Zero Transportation Program. 

Watch full meetings at rentonwa.gov/YouTube.