Our Renton

January 2026

Navigating the aftermath

Renton's commitment to flood recovery and resources

IN DECEMBER, our region experienced an atmospheric river event that impacted Renton residents, particularly those near the Cedar River and surrounding low-lying areas.

Since then, the city has continued to manage the aftermath of this record flood event by checking and securing city buildings, trails, bridges, and roads, along with debris cleanup.

In an emergency, it is important to visit the city’s website for the latest updates at rentonwa.gov/emergencyinfo.

We know many of you want to pitch in and support your neighbors. Here’s a simple list to get started:

How you can help

Sign up for alerts and be informed Sign up for the following alert systems:

ALERT Renton: The city’s emergency notification system. Sign up at rentonwa.gov/alert. ALERT Renton is part of a countywide notifications system, ALERT King County (kingcounty.gov/alert).
Flood Alerts: Sign up for flood alerts through King County at kingcounty.gov/floodalerts. This is a separate system from ALERT Renton.

Be prepared and learn about:

Ready-Set-Go: King County uses the Ready-Set-Go Alert Levels during an evacuation. Learn how to prepare at rentonwa.gov/alert

Donate or volunteer

The NW Regional Red Cross is helping people in nearby cities who were displaced or affected and welcome donations to support their efforts. Donate at redcross.org/donate
If you are considering making a financial donation, one safe place to donate is through give.wa.gov, which has a page specifically designated for the 2025 WA State Floods at give.wa.gov/cfd/Disaster-Relief-Center
Visit Serve Washington at servewashington.wa.gov. This is the state’s official volunteer coordination program, which helps connect people with legitimate volunteer opportunities aligned with current needs.
The City of Renton always needs volunteers for regular programs. Sign up online at rentonwa.gov/volunteer
Join our CERT program by registering for the upcoming course in April 2026. Check rentonwa.gov/cert for information on upcoming classes.

Were you impacted by the flood?

Human Service resources

Call 211 or visit wa211.org for available information and a range of resources from utility assistance, food, housing, and more. 211 is a free, confidential, and multilingual helpline providing a one-stop connection to local community services.
The City of Renton’s Human Services Division funds multiple agencies that can help with daily necessities.
- List of food resources: rentonwa.gov/foodresources
- List of agencies: rentonwa.gov/fundedagencies

Flood damage recovery

Report damages to your residential home or business to King County at kingcounty.gov/floodrecovery under Property and Business Owner Resources
King County Public Health flood recovery resources are available at kingcounty.gov/health/flood
Washington Flood Emergency: Financial resources and recovery are available at dfi.wa.gov/flood-resources

The city will continue to gather information on resources as they become available and publish them at rentonwa.gov/floodresources.

Welcome to 2026!

Over the past year, the city focused on financial stewardship, investment in Renton’s future, and continued to maintain and preserve city infrastructure.

DURING THE DECEMBER 1, 2025 regular Renton City Council meeting, Councilmember Ruth Pérez was elected as the 2026 City Council President.

In her role as Council President, Pérez will set the agenda and conduct Committee of the Whole meetings, which provide in-depth explanations and discussions of topics facing the city. Councilmember Ryan McIrvin was elected President Pro Tempore for the 2026 calendar year.

Both councilmembers began their roles during the January 5, 2026, Renton City Council meeting.

With a new year comes a new legislative session in Olympia. The 2026 legislative session will begin on January 12 and conclude on or near March 13. This year is a 60-day short session.

During the December 1 Renton City Council meeting, the city’s Government Affairs Manager and lobbyist presented our 2026 priorities to the mayor and councilmembers. The city is prepared to advocate for the following key priorities:

Indigent defense: Support expanded state funding and local indigent defense services.
Transportation and Regional Connectivity: Advocate that funding already committed to WSDOT projects benefitting the Renton community is not further delayed due to funding shortfalls on other I-405 related projects or overall state funding shortfalls.
Public Safety: Support comprehensive resources and responses to address public safety and increasing rates of juvenile crime through upstream investments, early intervention, community-based programs, and accountability and outcomes.
Shared Revenues: Continuation and preservation of historical revenue-sharing partnerships between the state and cities i.e., Liquor revenues, Criminal justice assistance funds, etc.

Renton’s legislative agenda is an opportunity for the city to advocate its needs and concerns at the Washington State Legislature. This ensures Renton is represented by state lawmakers, strengthens the relationship between the city and state government, and increases the chances of getting support for local priorities.

For updates on the 2026 Legislative Agenda, visit rentonwa.gov/legislativeagenda.