What's Brewing with Ed

The What's Brewing with Ed series gives residents the opportunity to have conversations about ongoing city projects and initiatives with Renton's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Ed VanValey.

Each session will be hosted by CAO VanValey alongside city guests on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, and share their thoughts on projects and initiatives in Renton. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP through Facebook or directly to communications@rentonwa.gov to help with planning

WHAT'S BREWING IS PAUSED FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

1^st Wednesday of the month 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Luther’s Table - 419 S 2nd St

3^rd Wednesday of the month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at The Berliner - 221 Main Ave S

Summaries of each What's Brewing can be found here in the "Recaps" Section below.

The What's Brewing with Ed series gives residents the opportunity to have conversations about ongoing city projects and initiatives with Renton's Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Ed VanValey.

WHAT'S BREWING IS PAUSED FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

1^st Wednesday of the month 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Luther’s Table - 419 S 2nd St

3^rd Wednesday of the month from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at The Berliner - 221 Main Ave S

Summaries of each What's Brewing can be found here in the "Recaps" Section below.

Recaps

May 21 Recap

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Staff in Attendance: CAO Ed VanValey, Deputy CAO Kristi Rowland, Economic Development Director Amanda Free, Government Affairs Manager Eric Perry, Communications and Engagement Director Laura Pettitt, Code Compliance Inspector Sheila Madsen, Community Outreach Coordinator Casey King
Summary:
- 7 community members were in attendance
- Lasted just over an hour
- Topics Discussed:
  - Residents have voiced their increasing concerns about speeding. The city has previously conducted a speed study, which provided insight on 18 collision- of those the majority were not serious injuries, however, one was a reported fatality. The study also revealed that most accidents occurred due to distracted driving and no collision took place in the same location. Following the news of a new collision from Monday, May 19th, city council will be conducting a new speed study.
    - An attendee raised the point that drivers need to cautious and alert around unplanned, natural crossings where people may cross over to apartment buildings, restaurants, or public transit spots.
  - The city is aware of frustrations that Rainier Ave construction has caused residents. The city attempts to ease project frustration with communications throughout the construction process.
    - An attendee asked if work is being done at night. The construction is completed at night to lessen the impact on drivers and businesses.
    - A community member shared that the lanes are not marked clearly, with minimal to no signage, resulting in cars being confused and too many near collisions. A few suggestions were made by attendees on how the city could mitigate the issue.
  - Transit Center Update: City is hoping that the transit center is moved by 2028, however shared that the goal date is a moving target. Mayor Pavone and the city hope to work with Sound Transit to speed up the process.
  - Park and 6th Updates: The city shared of the ongoing litigation process between the city and the property owners. The city continues to fine property owners everyday; the owners have not been complying. Public Works and Community and Economic Development continue to go out to the building everyday.
  - A community member raised the question; Could Renton anticipate budget impacts from a federal level? Government Affairs Manager shared that Renton would feel the impacts of budget cuts, however we cannot anticipate what the impacts will be. Fortunately, for Renton our budget is in good health, and we receive a smaller percentage of federal funding than the state does.
  - Cedar Trail Update: Police’s Directed Enforcement Team (DET) has been making more contact with the homeless population on the trail, offering available services.
    - Residents have shared that they have seen a positive difference.
  - A question was asked about what is happening on 7th and Burnett Street.
    - New bike lanes are being added, more trees are being planted, the number of lanes will remain the same, but the project is focusing on improvements to the interceptions.
  - Attendees thanked the Code Compliance Team for all they do.
May 14 Recap

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Staff in Attendance: CAO Ed VanValey, Economic Development Director Amanda Free, Solid Waste Program Manager Meara Heubach, Government Affairs Manager Eric Perry, Communications and Engagement Director Laura Pettitt, Community Outreach Coordinator Casey King
Summary:
- 3 community members were in attendance
- Lasted just over an hour
- Topics Discussed:
  - Renton High School Expansion: The city has no legal authority to interfere with the School District’s actions. The School District assess the value and offers a fair market value for the property.
    
    A question was asked if trees would be impacted by the expansion. The city shared that the expansion will be towards the North and the trees in question would not be demolished or uprooted.
    
    Another question was asked if the expansion will eliminate Tobin Ave, the city shared that it would, it will impact 2 areas of Tobin.
  - Park and 6th Updates: The City shared of the ongoing litigation process between the city and the property owners. The city continues to fine property owners everyday, the owners have not been complying. Public Works and Community and Economic Development continue to go out to the building everyday.
  - May 9th Shooting: The city shared information about a shooting that happened on the afternoon of May 9th. Police were attempting to arrest a suspect when the suspect fled to the Highlands area. The Police Department’s Drone was deployed and identified to PD that the suspect and others in the vehicle were armed, causing SWAT to be deployed. As standard for any officer-involved shooting, for integrity purposes, the King County Sheriff’s Office OIS team is handling the case, and the city cannot provide further comment at this time.
  - Pavilion and Piazza Updates: Community and Economic Development is leading the project. As of now, there are two “anchor” permanent tenants and 12 kiosk areas for tenants. The Pavillion plans to be open and activated 363 days of the year.
    To keep updated visit: Public Market and Square Page
  - Zero Waste Plan: The Solid Waste Program Manager introduced the city’s first Zero Waste Plan. The plan outlines 40 strategies to get the city to produce less waste.
    
    Questions asked included: what happens when there is no more space in the landfill? As the landfill is projected to reach capacity around 2040, cities are actively trying to extend that date as much as possible. Once capacity is reached, King County has two options:
    
    1. Transport trash by train daily to Eastern Oregon and Washington landfill, increasing cost for end users.
    
    2. Build an large-scale incinerator and ship a smaller volume of ash to Eastern Oregon and Washington landfill, also increasing cost for end users.
    
    Once the landfill is full, it will be closely monitored for about 30 years.
    
    To provide input on the plan: Zero Waste Plan
  - Downtown speed of both public buses and cars was shared as a concern. CAO VanValey to extend connections to public works team responsible for traffic calming measures for downtown and provide updates on status of returning S. 3rd to a two-way street.
  - Attendees shared their concerns on the current conditions of Lake to Sound Trail.
    
    The city shared that public safety as the number one concern, new ordinance permits the city to remove trash now.
April 16 Recap

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Staff in attendance: CAO Ed VanValey, Deputy CAO Kristi Rowland; Communications and Engagement Director Laura Pettitt, Utility Systems Director Ron Straka; RPD Officer Chandler Swain, Parks and Recreation Administrator MaryJane VanCleave, Mayor’s Office Executive Assistant Linda Moschetti, Recreation Director Jen Spencer, Organizational Development Manager Ryan Spencer; Government Affairs Manager Eric Perry.
Summary:
- 7 members of the community attended the discussion at The Berliner.
- Several staff from city departments were in attendance.
- The event lasted an hour.
- Topics discussed:
  
  Review of Renton’s Tax Revenue:
  
  Review of Renton's Expenditures:
  
  Find Monthly Sales Tax Summaries
  
  January
  
  February
  
  March
  
  Concerns were raised about the former Boeing Building- Park and 6th
  
  The Community and Economic Development Department and Public Works are in agreement on the importance of upkeep and security for the building. The city agreed trespassing and the drug activity are not permissible. Updates were shared on the vision for the property, including retaining the parking garage structure and demolishing the main building. Public Works are going out regularly to keep the building secure, fencing and no trespassing signs have been posted. The City assesses per day fees for the building being out of code compliance, from $13,000 - $20,000/day. The issue has risen to a Legal – compliance through code enforcement is our first goal as a City. The complication is that property soil is next to a contaminated area, and a mixed-use structure may not be feasible. Security enhancements continue.
  
  Comments about the barricade suggested that poles go in, conjoined instead of place to keep the area more secure. The city shared that the legal issues slow it down, are we liable, we want it secured.
  
  Accidents on Maple Valley Highway – This is a location with some of the most collisions or accidents, police have put speed cameras there.
  
  The city shared about its free Microchipping program for pets.
  
  In partnership with the Renton Community Foundation and Eastside Veterinary Associates, free microchipping services are available for Renton pets. This service normally costs around $70 per animal. Renton residents can visit Eastside Veterinary Associates, 1700 NE 44th St., Monday through Friday.
  
  Check-in is at 11:30 a.m. No appointment is necessary. Proof of Renton residency via a driver's license or utility bill is required during service.
  
  Bothell's proclamation on an Inclusive City: Renton is following in footsteps to “renew our vows” with a highlight on the original Inclusive City Proclamation.
  
  Rainier Ave: Complaints were raised on how long the project has taken and the traffic that has resulted, city staff addressed expanded communications efforts on delays and estimated time of project completion.
  
  Sound Transit: There is an estimate of 10 years to develop the transit lot in Renton, CoR staff to welcome Dow Constantine to the role of CEO for Sound Transit.
  
  Renton River Days: City staff discussed the reason behind changes made to the weekend post-COVID, including hosting vendors inside, expanding playzone and beer garden, use of Liberty Park.
  Keep updated on 2025 River Days events here
March 19 Recap

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- 14 members of the community attended our first discussion at the Berliner Pub, almost twice the amount of our first event
- Several staff from various departments were present to address different topics and provide subject matter expertise
- The event lasted an hour.
- Topics discussed:
  - Cedar River Trail l the city is aware of the increasing safety concerns on the trail. Beginning April 1st, PD will increase the number of patrol officers on the trail.
  - Transportation Updates
    - Rainier Ave l currently in Phase 4 of 5. Click here to get updates on the project.
    - Light Rail l currently no plans for the light rail to expand to Renton. However, Renton is part of a Sound Transit Feasibility Study, the Renton study will begin towards the end of ST3 to better align with ST4.
    - Attendees raised a question on the 3rd Street and S 2nd Street: The street will undergo a conversion with the streets stripped with double yellow liens, similar to Wells Street.
  - SODA (Stay Out of Drug Areas): A new approach that Renton will begin to implement following Auburn's success with this model. This approach allows courts to prohibit repeat drug offenders from entering specific areas where drug-related crimes area concentrated.
    - Renton is looking into a new location for a new Crisi Connection Care Facility for Renton Police Officers and Renton Regional Fire Authority to connect individuals in crisis to the services they need.
    - King County is determining a location in South King County for a new behavioral health facility, at this time, there are no plans for the facility to be located within Renton city limits.
    - Some attendees expressed their concern that these designated areas would move the problem of encampments and illegal drug use.
  - World Cup l as the HQ for Sounders, we will experience an influx of guests from the home country of the team that selects Renton as its basecamp
    - We will be updating our website with Renton-specific information as it becomes available from FIFA
  - Economic Development Projects Coming l welcoming WINCO to Renton, Costco is interested in a location in Renton
  - Renton School District Eminent Domain Issue l the school district's decision to expand is not a city decision. The Renton School District has jurisdiction over this decision.
  - Renton Responds l Some attendees shared their recent experiences with the app. Staff has looked into the specific concern that was raised.
  - Residents asked questions on:
    - Progress on the N 1st street promenade l the plans were scrapped due to neighborhood feedback. The project was part of the City Center Community Plan. Details of the amended plan can be found in the City Clerk’s records linked here.
    - The city's plans for the maintenance of current infrastructure while the city continues to increase the amount of housing l Newly retired Water Maintenace Manager, George Stahl, was in attendance at the session. Stahl shared the city’s process of replacing aging water mains and infrastructure within the necessary time frames to support the city’s continued growth.
March 6 Recap

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- Seven members of the community joined our inaugural discussion at Luther’s Table.
- Several staff members were on hand to assist guests and to provide subject matter expertise, if needed.
- The event lasted just over an hour.
- Topics discussed:
  - HB 1380 | the impact if passed by legislature. More information about this can be found here. Ed urged folks to learn about the impact and voice their opinions to their legislators.
    - For more information, the city has a page on this here or you can follow the legislation with the state here.
  - HB 1110 | passed last year, and the impact we are seeing – click here to see our efforts around informing the community on these state-mandated changes, which impacts all future development, including parking.
    - For more information, view the second open house held last weekend to explain the impacts. For planning-related questions, please contact PlanningCustomerService@RentonWA.gov and include the property address/parcel ID.
  - World Cup | as the HQ for Sounders, we will experience an influx of guests from the home country of the team that selects Renton as its basecamp | some attendees raised concern about traffic and parking during the high-impact period which the city will be working to mitigate as well as possible.
    - We will be updating our website with Renton-specific information as it becomes available from FIFA.
  - Downtown Core updates – new tenant in Pavilion, Pavilion Park will be improved to allow more flexible (and frequent) activation of the space (driving more foot traffic downtown and into area businesses) | some attendees did not like the changes underway.
    - We will be adding more information about these three, parallel projects underway on our website.
  - Asphalt plant | The city shared information, and several attendees expressed disagreement on how the city could legally respond..