You can find the full presentation video at rentonwa.gov/sotc and presentation PowerPoint available on this page in the right-hand column. Thank you all for attending and participating in this year's State of the City address.

Public safety is the most frequent concern I hear from residents. It is a fundamental need for all and a top priority. Here is what we are seeing and how, as a city, we are aiming to combat these concerns:

• In 2024, we reviewed data from the past three years and noticed an upward trend in juvenile crime. This issue is not confined to Renton; the trend is evident throughout the region.
• In September 2024, the City of Renton collaborated with the mayors of Auburn, Kent, and Federal Way to publish an editorial in the Seattle Times to call for accountability and a new approach to addressing juvenile crime.
• Crime in Renton is on a downward trend overall in 2024:
  • Motor vehicle theft has decreased by 35%
  • Malicious mischief has decreased by 21.2%
  • Juvenile suspects have decreased by 25.4%
  • Commercial burglary has decreased by 35.2%
  • Robbery has decreased by 35%
  • Assault via firearm decreased by 15%
  • DUI cases increased by 35.3% due to increased patrols
• Renton Police Department prioritizes strategies combining effective policing, community engagement, and targeted interventions.
• Increased number of patrol units (8)
• Specialized Units:
  • Violent Crime Unit: Dedicated to combatting violent crime and gang activity. The unit is the department's response to the increase in violent crime, especially juvenile crime.
  • Special Enforcement Team: This team focuses on undercover operations and conducts long-term investigations that target the 20% of criminals responsible for 80% of the crimes, such as high-level organized retail theft rings and narcotic investigations.
  • Directed Enforcement Team: This team focuses on collaboration with residents, businesses, and community organizations on short-term investigations and proactive community outreach.
• In 2024, there were 302 firearms confiscated. In 2025, thus far, 52 guns have been removed.
• The department is among the first cities in the nation to implement a drone program to support investigations and assist with in-progress calls on the street.
• Focusing on upstream investment before crime becomes an option for our youth (Youth Academy, Renton Health Hub, etc.).
• An example of cross-departmental collaboration to enhance public safety is through Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). This proactive strategy employs specific design principles to optimize public spaces and deter criminal behavior before it occurs, including natural access control, improved visibility, lighting, and landscaping.
• Example of projects that incorporates CPTED in the design plans:
  • South 7th Street Corridor project
  • Burnett and Talbot
  • Family First Community Center
  • Piazza Park
• Traffic calming measures focus on design improvements, traffic signaling, and increased patrols to significantly enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians. Completed projects include Lake Washington Boulevard and Puget Drive, which resulted in drivers traveling over 30 MPH dropping by 93% and the average speed decreasing by 12 MPH.
• Public safety includes providing a safe and healthy environment, including stormwater planning through road designs for flood mitigations and preventing pollution from entering our rivers, streams, and lakes.
• The city conducts environmental reviews for all projects impacting water safety and quality.
• The city's Public Works Maintenance crews have one of the region's fastest road clearance response times for snow, ice, wind, and roadway debris.

Strengthening social services is a priority of our city and council, and investing in preventative measures, particularly for youth, will improve community health and reduce reliance on crisis intervention. The city is accomplishing this through:

• Evidence-based and data-informed partnerships to increase our "upstream" investment.
• Strategic investment in human services by implementing solutions that address community needs. This includes addressing food insecurity, lower utility bill rates for seniors, and the Housing Repair Assistance Program.
• Enhancing youth access to critical health services. One way this is being done is through the Renton Student Health Hub.
  • The Renton Student Health Hub is a partnership with the city, Renton School District, and Health Commons that provides quick access to behavioral and mental health services. It utilizes technology to connect students with the appropriate resources they need most.
• To support the community's most vulnerable populations investments have been made in solution-driven approaches, such as expanding the use of FD CARES, a specialized unit within Renton Regional Fire Authority staffed with registered nurses and social workers that connects individuals in need of medical care, social services, and long-term support to break the cycle of repeated 911 calls.
• In June 2024 alone, our crews removed over four tons of garbage (or ten full dump trucks) from just two encampment sites.
• Looking ahead, we are exploring additional tools to maintain safety and accountability, such as the Stay Out of Drug Areas (SODA) program, which would allow the courts to prohibit repeat drug offenders from entering specific areas where drug-related crimes are concentrated.

We are investing in transportation infrastructure, revitalizing our downtown, managing code compliance, and planning upgrades to our city facilities and parks. This is done through:

• Plans for a public square (Renton Market) and upgrades to Piazza Park. Construction is expected to wrap up in early 2026.
• The Legacy Square project will transform an empty lot downtown into a space for gatherings, events, and sports viewing, just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The project will be completed by March 2026.
• Our Downtown Safe & Clean program employs dedicated teams for ongoing maintenance, including regular litter collection, monthly deep cleaning, pressure washing, and graffiti removal.
• Launching our 'Paint with Purpose' program to transform graffiti into beautiful murals.
• The Housing Repair Assistance Program assists those who are unable to make necessary repairs to their homes.
• Education and clear communication are key to helping residents understand city codes and ensure they are in compliance with those regulations. When those efforts aren't effective, code compliance cases are formed, and potential litigation occurs as a last resort.
• Promote the use of Renton Response for issues that require immediate attention, such as potholes, sign damage, or graffiti removal. In 2024, we answered nearly 6,300 requests and achieved a closure rate of 96%, reducing our average response time by one-third.
• Allocated a budget of $22 million for capital improvements in transportation, parks and recreation, and city facilities.
• Several investments have been made in parks, trails, outdoor structures, and community facilities, such as replacing the Springbrook boardwalk and Legacy Square.
• Focusing on renovations and upgrades on parks and facilities that are in need of attention such as Talbot Hill Park, Highlands Neighborhood Park and Neighborhood Center, and Maplewood Playground.
• The city is investing in technology to effectively manage and maintain streets, roadways, bridges, and underground utilities.
• Several capital improvement projects focus on bridge repairs, street resurfacing, and planning efforts in collaboration with agencies like Sound Transit to enhance public transit access.
• Rainier Avenue S. Phase 4 was completed in 2025. It includes updates to utility infrastructure, wider sidewalks, improved lighting, enhanced transit lane access, and new pedestrian and bike trails.
• Purchases a cement truck to accelerate the comprehensive walkway plan and allow the city to deliver street maintenance more efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Over the last two years, we have received $49 million in grants for capital improvement projects, programs, and maintenance of our sidewalks and paved surfaces.

Additional priorities that have been a focus of the mayor throughout both terms have been making strategic investments in economic development and our infrastructure. As Renton grows, we need to scale up to address rising needs as our population increases. These efforts are evaluated and implemented through:

• Our Comprehensive Plan, which evaluates growth and identifies where the city needs to invest, including in transportation, infrastructure, land use, housing affordability, and human services, was recently completed.
• Communicate with the Washington State Legislature to address the statewide housing crisis through involvement with developing state policies. This included hiring a full-time in-house Government Affairs Manager to ensure we stay informed about emerging issues and potential impacts on Renton.
• Adding 22 new staff members to increase service levels. This included eight new police officers.
• Efficient budgeting, making Renton one of the most efficient cities at delivering a wide range of services at about $8.18 per resident per day in costs of service for a population that has doubled in the last 20 years. Services include water provision, police protection, road maintenance, developments, and infrastructure within the city.

Renton is the center of opportunity and it is encouraging to see this recognized through investments from businesses, public-private partnerships, and global events. Promoting economic development has been a consistent priority of the mayor. Some long-standing and strong relationships include:

• Boeing with an annual economic impact of about $725 million
• PACCAR
• Wizards of the Coast
• IKEA
• Blue Origin
• Seattle Seahawks
• Seattle Reign
• Seattle Sounders
• Valley Medical and their newest cancer treatment center

New developments from 2024, 2025, and beyond include:

• Sunset Gardens and Renton Housing Authority's new office space
• Solera Apartments Phase 1
• Rainier/Grady Junction Transit-Oriented Development Plan
• LiveAway Suites
• Winco
• Kennydale Gateway
• Camellia Court
• Willowcrest Phase 2
• Triton Towers
• Towns on 12th
• Longacres revitalization

One of the most exciting developments in the immediate future is that Renton will host one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup teams at the new Sounders facility at Longacres.