Nov. 8, 2022
City of Renton Contacts
Chip Vincent, Community & Economic Development Administrator, 425-430-6588
Dave Neubert, Communications Manager, 425-757-0308 (cell)
City of Renton earns ninth Governor’s Smart Communities Award
Rainier/Grady Junction Transit-Oriented Development Subarea Plan awarded ‘Smart Vision Award’
Mayor Armondo Pavone accepts the Governor’s Smart Communities Award for the Rainier/Grady Junction Transit-Oriented Subarea Plan. The mayor is joined by Renton Planning Commission members, city Community & Economic Development staff, and Catherine McCoy, senior planner, Washington State Department of Commerce (far right), who presented the award.
RENTON, WA – The City of Renton’s Rainier/Grady Junction Transit-Oriented Subarea Plan, a people-focused, mixed-use neighborhood planned around the future South Renton Transit Center, has won a Governor’s Smart Communities Smart Vision Award. The Rainier/Grady Junction TOD Plan is the ninth project in Renton to win a GSCA award since the award started in 2006.
"I’m pleased that the planning and hard work of our staff has been recognized with a Governor's Smart Community Award," said Mayor Armondo Pavone. "Their plan successfully articulates a shared vision for our community and serves as a blueprint for other communities.
"The future transit center and introduction of Bus Rapid Transit service to Renton are significant investments to address the ever-growing transportation needs of our residents."
The Governor’s Smart Communities Awards recognize achievements by local governments and their partners. These programs promote thoughtful growth planning and projects that contribute to thriving communities, a prosperous economy, and sustainable infrastructure. The state department of commerce administers the awards and named eight cities 2022 Smart Communities Award winners.
The plan, adopted in late 2021, was developed in response to the upcoming relocation of Renton’s transit center from downtown to the intersection of Rainier Avenue S. and SW Grady Way. It outlines land use and development regulations for a people-focused, mixed-use neighborhood around the planned South Renton Transit Center. The center will be a transit hub for Sound Transit's expanded Bus Rapid Transit service and South King County.
The Washington State Department of Commerce awarded the city a competitive grant for $250,000 to complete a planned action ordinance and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). When complete, this work allows for a more streamlined and predictable environmental review process for project proposals within the EIS boundary. As a result, future development will effectively use public and private investment to build a mix of pedestrian-friendly residential housing, commercial space, office space, and open space built around the transit center.
Renton and the Governor’s Smart Communities Award
Renton’s nine Governor’s Smart Communities Awards:
City Center Community Plan and 20-year Parks Plan (2012)
Sunset Area Community Plan (2013)
Meadow Crest Early Learning Center and Meadow Crest Accessible Playground (in 2014)
Kirkland Avenue Townhomes (2015)
Downtown Renton Library (2016)
Galvanizing Art Project (2017)
Sartori Elementary School (2018)
Willowcrest Townhomes (2021)
Rainier/Grady Junction Transit-Oriented Subarea Plan (2022)
The City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 107,500 (2022), 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 HendrixMore information can be found on our website, news releases, or Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
Governor's Smart Communities Awards
The Governor’s Smart Communities Awards recognize the outstanding efforts of local communities and their partners throughout the state to create vibrant and livable communities. These efforts align with the goals of the state's Growth Management Act and other community development objectives. The Department of Commerce administers the awards program. Since 2006, the awards have recognized the exceptional planning efforts of local governments. These efforts significantly enriched communities in job growth, economic development, housing affordability, homelessness, parks and recreation, transportation, and subarea development. These achievements are outstanding models for Washington’s local governments.
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