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 had two presentations from special guests - the Renton Downtown Partnership and the city’s Finance Department.
First, the Renton Downtown Partnership provided an overview of their purposes, their growth, future plans, and how they are supporting our downtown business community. Renton Downtown Partnership is a non-profit and Main Street Program focused on creating a thriving downtown core through business support, community programming and events, and beautification downtown
Second, the Finance Department gave their first update on the 2027-2028 Biennial Budget process. The budget is the city’s plan to reflect city priorities, provide services and invest in resources.
The department reflected on this year's budget survey process, overall budgeting process, and next steps.
This year, the budget is focused on reducing vulnerabilities, limiting liability, and ensuring safety.
Initial results from the budget survey collected from a random sampling of residents was over 800 respondents, doubling the amount of participation compared to the last budget survey. This process will continue through the end of the year and will include department presentations, public hearings, and approval of the final budget for 2027-2028.
Council Meeting Recap
The council meeting kicked off with a proclamation recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
During the audience comment portion of the meeting, Council heard comments on the use of ALPR cameras, follow ups from last council meeting comments and motions about moratoriums on data centers, LGBTQIA+ protections, and pressing charges against ICE officials.
Comments continued with speed reduction recommendations in the Highlands area, funding for our schools, impacts of gun violence, Juneteenth celebrations in Renton this past week, transparency and access to public meetings, and acknowledgement of recent flag raising and recognition of National Gun Violence Awareness Month proclamation.
The meeting continued with several approved motions out of Utilities, Finance, and Planning & Development Committee. These motions included payroll, several grant approvals for Parks, CED, and ESD, a continued sales tax credit with South King Housing and Homeless Partners (SKHHP), and additional items from the 2026 Title IV Docket #21 and Other New Work Program.
Grant assistance for a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Local Parks Program Project to the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board for the development of the Northeast Renton Park was approved. In addition to the approval to hold a public hearing on July 20, 2026 to authorize the release of an existing utility easement for city use.
Next, the council approved Intermountain Infrastructure Group to locate within McLeodUSA Infrastructure within the city’s rights-of-way for the purpose of fiber build outs.
Finally, the city’s 2026 salary grade adjustments were approved to align with the latest minimum wage increase beginning July 1, 2026.
Next Monday is June 29, the fifth Monday of the month - no Committee of the Whole or Coty Council meetings will be held on that day. The next meeting will be held on Monday, July 6, and will provide an update on the Renton Student Health Hub and an introduction from Vision House.
Watch full meetings at rentonwa.gov/youtube.