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 have a lot of fun in store this summer! During the Committee of the Whole, our Parks and Recreation Department shared the excitement ahead this spring and summer.
Fan favorites returning this year:
- Renton Farmers Market celebrates its 25th anniversary and returns to the soon‑to‑be‑renovated Piazza Park
- Summer concerts at Coulon
- Renton River Days marks 40 years of community celebration
New events to get excited about:
- Concert Truck
- Family Fun Night
- Hometown Fourth of July
- River Nights
All events can be found on our website, and check out the latest Let’s Go! Recreation guide for details on classes, camps, events, and more!
Council Meeting Recap
The council meeting began with two public hearings.
The first public hearing was to approve the petition for the street vacation of S. Tillicum St. and Alley and S. Tobin St. Requested by the Renton School District, this vacation supports the construction of the new, modernized Renton High School campus.
After hearing multiple speakers during the audience comment period of this public hearing, the council had extensive discussion and concluded with an affirmative vote to approve the petition.
The second public hearing of the night was regarding the March 9, 2026 Moratorium on the acceptance or processing of applications for the use, establishment, expansion, or development of detention facilities. This includes facilities that provide transportation or food services to people detained by local, state, or federal law enforcement. The council heard comments from multiple speakers in support of the moratorium.
During the audience comment portion of the Council meeting, the council heard from multiple speakers against the use of ALPR cameras by the police department. Later in the meeting, the council passed a motion to pause the use of these cameras until further information could be provided.
During the discussion, Police Commander Susan Hassinger responded to the council’s questions around use of the tool, policy, and accountability. As a result of the Council's action, the use of ALPR's have been paused by the police department.
Following up from the April COW, the Legacy Square artwork was included in the consent agenda. During the meeting, council pulled the item for discussion; during which Community Economic & Development Administrator Gina Estep provided an overview of the community engagement and Arts Commission process over the past year that led to the proposed design. After discussion, the council did not approve the artwork and requested additional community engagement and council input in the final design.
Lastly, Council adopted the ordinance to amend the 2025-2026 budget, including the 2026 salary table and fee schedule.
Looking ahead, the May 11 meetings will cover topics such as the Benson Hill Community Plan Update.
Watch both meetings back at rentonwa.gov/youtube.