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
We received an update on two presentations from our Parks and Recreation Department and Finance Department.
First, our Parks and Recreation Department provided an update on the Urban Forestry Program and its progress over the past year.
The program has continued implementing the Urban Forestry Management Plan. This past year, the program has achieved a 2.5% increase in the city’s tree canopy, bringing total coverage to 4,800 acres of shade and urban tree protection. This milestone represents the successful completion of one of the plan’s long‑term goals. In addition, the program was recognized as one of only two cities to receive the 2025 Tree City of the World designation.
Looking ahead, the program will continue advancing key priorities, including developer design support and quality control and maintenance to ensure sustainable growth and long‑term tree health. The city is now at the midpoint of its 10‑year implementation period, and the program continues to move forward focusing on expanding canopy coverage, enhancing urban forest resilience, and supporting a healthier, more sustainable community.
Second, the Finance Department introduced the city’s new investment advisor, PFM Asset Management (PFMAM). PFMAM helps the city decide how to invest public funds, follow complex finance laws, manage municipal debt, and protect taxpayer dollars.
PFM explained how they review the city’s Investment Policy Statement, analyze cash flow, and create strategies for both short‑term and longer‑term investments. They also described ways the city can safely improve investment returns while keeping safety and liquidity as top priorities.
Their overall goal is to make sure the city’s money stays safe, available when needed for public services, and earning the best return possible with minimal risk.
Council Meeting Recap
The council meeting kicked off with two proclamations celebrating Juneteenth and National Go Skateboarding Day. This Thursday, June 18, the city will raise the Juneteenth flag for its second year. The flag will be on display from June 18 through June 22.
During the audience comment portion of the meeting, Council heard comments on the use of ALPR cameras, follow up from last week’s comments from a resident experiencing harassment, use of Renton Police Department patrols and policing practices, thoughtful tree plantings in residential areas and tree planters within our streets, and LGBTQIA+ protections.
The meeting continued with several approved motions out of Utilities Committee including two agreements for professional and telecommunications Services and AC water main replacement at the 116th Ave SE and Edmonds Way SE.
The following resolution for the full street closure of Ripley Lane North between the Virginia Mason Athletic Center North driveway and Eastrail Trestle was asked during the Transportation Committee to be pushed to the following meeting.
The city’s 2026 salary grade adjustments were approved to align with the latest minimum wage increase beginning July 1, 2026.
Two motions were brought and approved to the council at the end of the meeting:
- Motion to refer the matter to the administration for discussion on pressing charges against ICE officials who are breaking the law.
- Motion for administration to negotiate and advise the council a proposed agreement with the Renton School District to provide one-time Ready K program funding not to exceed $500,000 for the 2026-2027 school year to maintain the Ready K programming at Hilltop Heritage Elementary Talbot Hill Elementary
Our next meeting will be held on Monday, June 22 with an update on the Renton Downtown Partnership update and 2026-2027 Biennial Budget Update.
Watch full meetings at rentonwa.gov/youtube.