In case you missed Monday’s Committee of the Whole (COW) or Council meeting, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick recap of the conversations shaping our community.
Committee of the Whole Recap
To start, we received an update from the Renton Police Department (RPD) on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED is a proactive approach that evaluates the safety of a public space through landscaping, lighting, and signage. These strategies are already incorporated throughout our parks and public spaces. We continue to make them available as tools for businesses and neighborhoods.
CPTED focuses on controlling access through thoughtful landscaping, clear signage, and creating “eyes on the street” by encouraging visibility and community presence. It also includes maintenance and upkeep, social activation of spaces, and design choices that invite positive use of an area.
We are continuing to expand CPTED training for all city staff and are actively evaluating current locations to identify opportunities for improvement.
Next, Renton Police shared an update on the department’s community engagement work. Throughout the year, we host events that make it easy for residents to connect with officers and police leadership in a real, human way. These activities give people a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the department works, along with helpful information, resources, and tools.
Events like Bingo with the Chief, the Community Police Academy, Let’s Talk with RPD, and Dungeons and Dragons with Officers, are designed to meet residents where they are. The goal is to build friendly, approachable relationships with our officers.
Lastly, Chief Schudlt gave an update on the department’s involvement in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The department will be supporting the team staying in Renton throughout their travels to, from, and during their practice at the Sounders FC headquarters.
Council Meeting Recap
The council meeting kicked off with a special presentation recognizing the contest winners of Renton Historical Society's Student Writing Competition Awards for Renton’s 125th Birthday. Over 300 students submitted essays and videos reflecting on what Renton means to them.
During the audience comment portion of the meeting, Council heard comments on the use of ALPR cameras, protections in place for the LGBTQIA+ community, and asking for a moratorium on data centers in Renton.
The meeting continued with several agreements for approval for the Large Master Site Plans and Development and Planned Urban Development (PUD) Open Space, along with an agreement with Cascadia Consulting Group for Waste Prevention Technical Assistance to Commercial Customers. Learn more about the program and how the city is supporting businesses through state-wide changes in how we compost and recycle.
The Council also adopted two resolutions for interlocal agreements on behalf of the Renton Police Department. Both agreements are with City of Kent and City of Tukwila’s Police Departments to assist our police department with security and police services for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Two motions were moved forward:
- The first was to refer to administration the matter of banning ICE from accessing city property to the city administration.
- The second was to refer to administration on a potential moratorium on data centers in Renton.
Our next meeting will be held on Monday, June 8.
Watch full meetings at rentonwa.gov/youtube.