RENTON, WA (SEPTEMBER 29, 2025) –– The City of Renton celebrated the first Workforce Development Month in September with a proclamation and reception honoring the work done through city programs, community partners, and Renton-based corporations.
During the September 15 council meeting, Mayor Armondo Pavone presented the proclamation to Renton Technical College staff commemorating the importance of creating opportunities for Renton residents, and the role that developing a highly skilled workforce plays in attracting employers to the city.
Prior to the meeting, a small reception was held for the mayor, city councilmembers, city leadership, and representatives from Renton Technical College, Renton School District, the Renton Chamber of Commerce, the City of Renton’s Economic Development team, Boeing, and businesses from throughout the community.
Mayor Pavone addressed the crowd, noting the importance of programs that support opportunity in Renton’s growing economy. “Workforce development supports our community, businesses and the health of our economy. It is a key priority that I share with Council – and I’m proud of the work we have done to establish programs like the Renton Promise in support of this.”
Pavone continued, “I appreciate the support of Council in providing city funding for Renton Promise, giving graduating high school seniors from the Renton School District the opportunity to attend Renton Technical College for free and obtain a two-year associates degree. This investment helps students obtain highly sought-after skills that will benefit them in the workforce and set them up for success in their lives and supports our technical colleges in providing high-quality, accessible education.
Other speakers included Kellie Luther, the worksite learning coordinator for the Renton School District, and Gina Breukelman, Boeing’s Senior Manager of Global Engagement.
During her speech, Luther applauded Renton's multi-partnership approach to workforce development. “We have a youth employment program that we are going to be starting up this summer, partially because of the City, the Chamber, and Renton School District working together, in order for students to be able to see what their potential idea of a career could look like out in the field.”
On the long-term commitment of Boeing to Renton’s workforce, Breukelman said, “We have a very significant early learning partnership with the Renton School District and Renton Schools Foundation, where we are currently investing in math success for third- through eighth-grade students. Math is a fundamental subject that all of our students need for all of our jobs at Boeing.”
“Continuing on to high schools, Boeing has the Core Plus Aerospace program, where students learn about manufacturing skills that can lead to jobs at Boeing, or in the construction or maritime industries. We’ve hired over 1400 high school students directly to Boeing through the Core Plus program statewide, with the largest concentration here in Renton. We are also partnered with Renton Technical College, filling skilled jobs with local talent.”
Accepting the proclamation was Wade Parrott III, the Executive Director of the Office of Innovation and Strategic Partnership for Renton Technical College.
“Renton Technical College’s slogan is, 'Be The Place', and we continue to do that through partnerships and programs like the Renton Promise”, said Parrott.
###
About City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 108,800 (2024), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton is the 17th most diverse city in the nation. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders FC, and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. You can find more information on our website, news releases, Facebook, Instagram, X, and Nextdoor pages.