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Wednesday, September 20, 2023 | Vol. VIII | Issue 34
The city has completed the first update to its initial climate action and mitigation plan, Clean Economy Strategy 2.0 (CES 2.0), and is requesting community feedback. The draft plan is ready for comments from Renton residents, business owners, and other community stakeholders.
CES 2.0 plan was adopted in 2011 and is a roadmap of local policies to reduce Renton’s greenhouse gas emissions, enhance environmental sustainability, and prepare for climate change. The update responds to changing conditions, including significant population growth and new regional and state policies.
The CES 2.0 was developed in a phased approach, starting with a review of existing city and regional climate efforts, including a review of the original CES and measuring progress made in the decade since the original plan was adopted.
Next, project consultants completed a greenhouse gas inventory to quantify city and community emissions, followed by a qualitative multicriteria analysis to score CES actions based on carefully selected criteria that reflect Renton’s goals and priorities.
Implementing the strategies and actions within the CES 2.0 will support the creation of local green jobs, public health benefits, safer walking and biking routes, more accessible transit, long-term energy cost savings, and more robust emergency management systems. The city will lead implementation, but success will depend on collaboration across the Renton community: from residents, workers, and the business community.
The plan outlines 32 detailed actions across five focus areas to achieve Renton’s goals of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change impacts, and providing co-benefits to Renton’s community. The five focus areas are:
- Transportation and Land Use
- Consumption and Materials Management
- Water and Natural Systems
- Community Resilience and Wellbeing.
The draft plan is uploaded and available for review and the public comment period will remain open through October 4.
In addition, the public is invited to attend the Planning Commission briefing and public hearing on October 4 (in person or via Zoom) or send public comment to [email protected] or via mail:
Katie Buchl-Morales
City of Renton
Community and Economic Development
1055 S. Grady Way, 6th Floor
Renton, WA 98057
Background information on CES 2.0, including a complete project timeline and additional opportunities for community member involvement, can be found on the project’s website.
Embrace the vibrancy of Renton’s art and culture scene through two opportunities
Public art plays a role in Renton's vibrancy and economic development. The work done by community organizations, artists, the Renton Municipal Arts Commission, and city staff to shape Renton’s arts and culture scene is exceptional.
Take advantage of two opportunities to help shape Renton’s cultural future.
First, the city is crafting a comprehensive 10-year Arts and Cultural Master Plan for 2023. This plan will steer the direction of Renton’s arts and culture initiatives, fostering community engagement, diversity, economic development, and accessibility.
Take this quick quiz to help shape the plan.
In addition, the Renton Municipal Arts Commission is accepting applications for the 2024 Arts & Culture Grants. Individuals, organizations, and community groups are welcome to apply and enrich Renton residents and visitors. These grants support diverse artistic programming, encompassing art exhibitions, concerts, dance performances, festivals, educational workshops, readings, and theatre productions. The grant application process for 2024 includes four distinct funding rounds. The first round's deadline is October 13 at 4:30 p.m. The primary emphasis for this round is on projects and events scheduled for January through March 2024.
Time is ticking: Attend the last Renton Farmers Market on September 26
What a great 2023 Renton Farmers Market season! The last market will be open from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 26, at Piazza Park, 233 Burnett Ave S.
Here are a few reminders and activities to look forward to:
- Master Gardeners are available throughout the market to help provide landscape tips and advice on gardens, plus address environmental priorities
- Bring reusable grocery bags to carry market treats
First-ever Mooncake Festival
Celebrate the fall harvest and full moon at the city's first Mooncake Festival on Friday, September 29, from 5-7 p.m. at Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy.
Children and families are welcome to attend a night of joy and togetherness. Enjoy live performances, refreshments, mooncakes, crafts for kids, photo opportunities, and more. In addition, a screening of ‘Over the Moon,’ in the gym, will be at 7 p.m. This event is for all ages.
Celebrated in China and other Southeast Asian countries, the Mid-autumn Festival, also known as Mooncake Festival, falls on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. The full moon is considered a symbol of reunion, and the Mooncake Festival is celebrated by gathering with family and friends to enjoy each other's company, eat mooncakes, and celebrate togetherness.
Age-Friendly Senior 50+ Resource Expo is next week
Join us for a day of information and conversation at our annual Age-Friendly Senior 50+ Resource Expo. Over 35 vendor exhibit displays with various presentations on health, finance, transportation, housing, and more will be at the expo on Friday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center. Free transportation is available for Renton residents. Pre-registration for the expo is encouraged. Book online using the keyword 'expo' or call 425-430-6633.
For a list of all vendors and workshops, visit our website for all details.