Press Release: Councilmember Pérez elected to RRFA Governance Board
Published on December 22, 2025
RENTON, WA (DECEMBER 22, 2025) – Renton City Councilmember Ruth Pérez was elected by her fellow councilmembers to a three-year term on the Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFFA) Governance Board.
The vote took place during the December 8 council meeting. Councilmember Pérez’s term will begin in January 2026.
The seven-person governance board includes three (3) councilmembers, two (2) Fire District 25 Commissioners, and two (2) King County Fire District 40 Commissioners. The board is responsible for approving the annual RFA budget. Joining Councilmember Pérez on the board are Councilmember Ed Prince and Councilmember Ryan McIrvin. Councilmember Pérez played a significant role in the formation of the Renton Regional Fire Authority and was responsible for the recruitment and selection of current Fire Chief Steve Heitman. She was elected the first woman to chair the RFFA Governance Board and has served on the board from 2020 to 2024.
Three members of the City Council serve as the City of Renton’s representatives and are elected by their fellow councilmembers to fill these seats. Board seats are staggered and councilmembers serve 3-year terms. The process of electing members to serve on the Governance Board is grounded in the values of experience, trust, and responsibility. Electing a representative means choosing someone who has earned the trust of their colleagues. This selection is not just about filling a position, but about ensuring that the individuals chosen can truly represent the collective interests of the community they serve.
Councilmember Pérez is serving her fourth term on Renton City Council. First appointed in 2014, Pérez was re-elected in 2017, 2021, and again in November 2025. She will serve as Council President for 2026 and was previously Council President in 2020 and as President Pro Tempore in 2025. She is the first Latina and immigrant to serve on the Renton City Council. Pérez holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). She has an extensive background in public service and a professional career in communications, public relations, and marketing. During her tenure, Pérez has gained a wide array of experience, having chaired and served on every committee of the council. Currently, she serves as chair of the Finance Committee, vice-chair of the Transportation Committee, and a member of the Public Safety Committee.
The Renton Regional Fire Authority (RFA) Governance Board holds regular meetings each month. Find upcoming meeting information on the RFA’s website.
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About the 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'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) 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, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.