Councilmember James Alberson earns Advanced CML from AWC

Published on November 12, 2026

RENTON, WA (NOVEMBER 12, 2026) – City of Renton Councilmember James Alberson has earned an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).  

AWC Board District 13 Representative and City of Kent Mayor Dana Ralph presented the award at Monday night's Renton City Council meeting. 

"I am very honored to be here tonight to present Councilmember Alberson with the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership. It shows that you are not just doing work here at your council and committee meetings, but also outside, building relationships, putting in time to learn from other council members across the state and also sharing your knowledge and expertise,” Mayor Dana Ralph. 

AWC’s Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in five core areas: 

Those who earn the advanced certificate have continued to strive for excellence by attending conferences and trainings, serving their community, and further developing leadership skills.   

“Being a city leader in Washington is a complex job,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “Through our Advanced CML program we are providing our elected officials with the knowledge they need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities.”  

Councilmember Alberson was awarded the advanced certificate after earning an additional 30 CML credits – including at least one training in the diversity, equity, and inclusion competency area – and demonstrating local community service. He earned the first step, the Certificate of Municipal Leadership, requiring 30 credits in 2024.  

Councilmember Alberson is serving his second term on the Renton City Council. He has chaired various committees during that time, including Public Safety, Community Service, and Utilities.  He also held the position of Council President during his first term.  Among other things, he’s proud to have championed successful city initiatives such as the Renton Promise and the Legacy Square in the heart of Renton’s downtown.  

Councilmember Alberson is the fifth member of the council to earn an Advanced Certificate, joining Council President Ruth Pérez (2019), Valerie O’Halloran (2022), Ed Prince (2023), and Ryan McIrvin (2025). Mayor Armondo Pavone (2023), Councilmembers Kim-Khánh Văn (2022) and Carmen Rivera (2025) also hold certificates of municipal leadership. 

###

About the City of Renton

The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 109,700 (2025), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. 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, Super Bowl Champion (2014 & 2026) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), 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.

About Association of Washington Cities   

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) serves its members through advocacy, education, and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, non-profit, nonpartisan corporation representing Washington's 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, executive branch, and regulatory agencies. AWC provides training, data, publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers' Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and AWC GIS Consortium.