May 19 Recap

World Cup

  • Renton will serve as Belgium’s basecamp for training sessions for the duration of the World Cup.
  • Spokane will also host a team for World Cup.
  • City is working with businesses to promote matches.
  • City Council has adopted interlocal agreements with Auburn and Federal Way Police Departments to support the Renton Police Departments during the World Cup. Service levels for Renton residents to remain the same throughout the festivities.

Parking Legislation

  • State mandated laws to new developments.
  • These changes do not affect parking requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which remain in effect.
  • Once adopted:
    • The city cannot require more parking than the state allows.
    • Developers may choose to build more parking than required, based on project needs and market demand.
    • Parking requirements will still vary depending on project size, use, and the standards established by the state.
  • Visit the Planning Division at Farmer’s Market throughout the summer to learn more.
  • Leave questions or comments on the project page: State Law ESSB 5184 - Parking Reform | Your Voice Renton

Downtown Transit Center

  • Center will be moving to Rainier and Grady Way.
  • Once the transit center has moved the space in front of the Pavillion will be used for activations.
  • CED is working on bringing experiential businesses to downtown Renton.

ALPR Cameras

  • ALPR Cameras (FLOCK cameras) capture vehicle’s license plates.
  • In the past ALPR Cameras allowed Renton Police to solve a homicide case and is a tool during investigations.
  • Residents are concerned about the cameras and access to camera data.
  • ALPR cameras are only permitted on state highways.
  • There are several restricted zones where ALPR Cameras cannot be placed, including:
    • School zones
    • Hospitals
    • Facilities conducting immigration matters defined in RCW 19.154.020
    • Places of worship
    • Courts
    • Food banks
  • A project page shares what the ALPR cameras can and cannot do. ALPR Cameras | Your Voice Renton

Moratorium on Detention Centers

  • Several residents are urging city council for a longer mortarium to keep detention centers out of Renton.
  • The moratorium prohibits government from coming in and buying property to turn into detention centers or immigration detention facilities.

Increase in Homelessness

  • Due to multiple factors
    • With the weather warming up, the unhoused will be outside
    • People are being moved or moving to resources which are located in South King County cities. (Renton and south end cities have resources)
  • To combat Renton’s homelessness issues the city has hired a new Human Services Director, Kent Hay, who will establish a new stabilization center in Renton. A stabilization center will be the central location for transportation, medical, and job support resources. Using designated 1590 funds, the city purchased property on East Valley Road to build the center.

New playground at the Highlands Neighborhood Center

  • The new park meets ADA requirements.

Increase in Electric Motorized Bikes

  • Individuals can be seriously hurt by electronic motorized bikes.
  • Laws are coming out at the state level focusing on electronic motorized bikes.

Talks on the Block with Mayor Pavone

  • Talks on the Blocks 2026 series officially kicks off in June.
  • Mayor Pavone will come out to neighborhoods to have hyper local conversations and address neighborhood questions.
  • Openings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from May – September
  • Reserve your spots online.

Ceremonial Pride Flag Raising

Ceremonial Juneteenth Flag Raising

Juneteenth Game Day Pop Up

  • Legacy Square from 10 am - 4 pm, Friday, June 19.
  • Featuring black-owned brands and businesses, a DJ, an interactive art experience, and more, adjacent to the energy of the Legacy Square Watch Party.
  • Find details on the Juneteenth Game Day Pop-Up here.

Question: With the Belgium team being hosted in Renton, is there going to be an uptake in tourism?

  • The Pacific Northwest has one of the most concentrated locations of expat Belgians in the United States. Approximately 1,000 Belgians live in Washington State.
  • We are expecting regional tourism around Renton as Legacy Square will provide the best experience in the area.
  • Renton Police Department is preparing for the summer.
    • Specialized unit will be located by the parking lot.
    • Interlocal agreement in place across neighboring cities for additional Police response.
    • The World Cap will not impact resident response by Renton Police.

Question: Is Legacy Square done?

  • Yes, the Grand Opening is scheduled for June 6.
  • On June 6 the city will hand over the keys of the Pavillion to the operator.
  • Find details on the Grand Opening.

Queston: With the increase of homelessness at the library, can the Police Department have a presence at the library?

  • The city is working with the King County library to separate the resources from the library trying to separate resources from library, so folks don’t congregate there.
  • Police go where they are needed. When calls come in, the data tells the city and police officers where there are concern areas.
  • Police conduct random patrols, which includes the library

Question: What is the status with the mixed-use trail on Burnett?

  • The trail is still included in the master plan.
  • There are parking concerns that arise from finishing the trail.
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