City of Renton, WA
09/22/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/22/2022 14:19
This Week in Renton
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Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022 | Vol. VII | Issue 24
The Bronson Way bridge over the Cedar River in downtown Renton will close to vehicular and pedestrian traffic in both directions for approximately six weeks starting Friday, Sept. 23 until Friday, Nov. 4.
The closure allows work on the first phase of a two-phase seismic retrofit and painting project. This initial phase installs worker access and containment systems, removes existing paint, repairs corrosion damage, and applies a new protective paint system.
Construction on the second phase is scheduled to begin sometime in late winter/early spring 2023. Phase two involves extensive repair work, seismic retrofitting, and new asphalt pavement installation.
Project information and updates are available on our website. You can also sign up for a project update e-newsletter.
Suggested detour routes:
- Northbound traffic on Main Avenue S should turn right to Houser Way
- Eastbound traffic on S Third Street should go straight onto Houser Way
- Southbound traffic should turn westbound (right) onto N Fourth Street and southbound (left) onto Logan Avenue N.
- Please note that WSDOT plans to close the SB I-405/169/Sunset/Bronson on-ramp at night on Friday, Sept. 23, and through next week.
Renton City Councilmember Valerie O'Halloran accepts her Advanced Certification of Municipal Leadership certificate from Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone (right). At left is Councilmember O'Halloran's husband Michael.
Councilmember O'Halloran earns Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership
Councilmember Valerie O'Halloran has earned an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).
The certificate program recognizes city- and town-elected officiants for accomplishing training in five core areas:
- Roles, responsibilities, and legal requirements
- Public sector resource management
- Community planning and development
- Effective local leadership
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
Councilmember O'Halloran completed more than 60 hours of training and demonstrated local community service. She previously earned her Certificate of Municipal Leadership during the pandemic in 2020.
Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, non-profit, nonpartisan corporation representing Washington's 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, executive branch, and regulatory agencies. It serves its member cities through advocacy, education, and programs.
Let's Go Renton!
Let's Go, Renton! our recreational guide to fall and winter classes, afterschool programs, sports, and programming for youth through seniors is now available. The guide also has adaptive recreation programming and the first look at our upcoming holiday events: Olde Fashioned Halloween Scavenger Hunt, Small Business Saturday, Holiday Lights, and Polar Bear Plunge.
Scholarships covering course fees are available for youth 18 or older, adults 50 and older, and individuals participating in Adaptive Recreation programs. This program is funded through generous donations from individuals, service organizations, local businesses, and grants.
Complete an application or donate at rentonwa.gov/scholarship. For questions, email [email protected]
Senior Resource Expo is Sept. 30
Our fourth annual Age-Friendly Senior 50+ Resource Expo is Friday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Don Persson Renton Senior Activity Center (211 Burnett Ave. N).
The expo is an excellent opportunity for our senior community to connect under one roof with over 40 organizations offering valuable resources. There will also be health, finances, transportation, and housing workshops. In addition, Costco will provide free flu shots, and Renton Regional Fire Authority will offer free blood pressure checks. Renton police will also be there, hosting "Coffee with a Cop" to discuss issues of importance to seniors.
Spanish and Vietnamese interpreters will be provided.
Pre-registration is encouraged, but walk-ups are welcome. Masks are optional, but we will follow recommended guidelines from local and state health departments.
For more information, visit our website or contact Amy Eng at 206-300-2839 or [email protected].
Fall is in the air and on the ground
Because of our dry weather, leaves are beginning to drop, which means clogged storm drains.
The city's Street Maintenance Section has three street sweepers deployed daily to clear debris as quickly as possible. Additionally, one operates at night in the downtown core.
Even with our emphasis, keeping up with the leaves and debris from our fall and winter weather is impossible.
You can help our crews by following these simple tips:
- Place leaves and debris from your yard into your yard waste bin. Please do not sweep or blow them onto the sidewalks or the street.
- Check nearby storm drains periodically to keep them from being clogged by debris. This will help minimize flooding during heavy rains.
- Trim trees and vegetation along the sidewalks and streets to allow access. Trees and hedges over sidewalks should be trimmed up to 8 feet and should be 6 inches away from the sidewalk edge. Trees along the street should be 14 feet above the street and at the curb for Sweeper and truck clearance.
City crews will be checking and cleaning storm drains as much as possible. Your help is very much appreciated by our Public Works Maintenance crews. If you have questions or concerns, please call us at 425-430-7400, or make a report via our Renton Responds app.
Thank you for your help and here's to a safe fall and winter in the City of Renton.
Funding available for art and events
There are several opportunities available where your talents can enhance the culture in our community.
Renton Municipal Arts Commission is currently accepting grant applications. Individuals, organizations, and community groups with arts and culture projects and events serving Renton residents are encouraged to apply.
The commission supports innovative projects by artists and communities that fill cultural gaps and inspire new forms of creative participation, particularly for underserved groups.
The deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2022. Awards will be announced in December. Priority for this round of grants is given to projects and events scheduled between January and March 2023.
On Monday, Sept. 26, commission members will host a Q&A session from 6 to 7 p.m. at Renton History Museum. There is no need to register for this informal session, but it would help planners to know how many people to expect. Questions can be directed to [email protected] Visit rentonwa.gov/rmac for 2023 Arts grant program information.
Tourism promotional grants
Tourism Promotion Grants are also available for events scheduled in 2023.
The application deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, and finalists will present via Zoom to the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee on Nov. 8. The committee will then forward funding recommendations to Renton City Council, which makes the final determination.
LTAC encourages applications involving multi day events, including athletics and events promoting diversity and inclusivity. Additionally, the committee seriously considers projects with a proven record of attracting overnight visitors.
In other news this week
A recap of news posted on the city's social media accounts. You can find us (@cityofrenton) on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. Renton residents can also find us on Nextdoor.
City Council update (agendas, documents and video from the most current meeting)
COVID-19 (vaccine locations, current mandates, resources)
Parks Projects (Coulon, Kiwanis)
Pop-Up Lunches on Tuesdays (Oct. 4, 12:30-2 p.m., Sunset Neighborhood Park, 2680 Sunset Lane NE 98056)
Recreation Guide (current classes, activities, leagues & events for September to December)
Renton Farmers Market (Piazza Park, Tuesdays 2-6 p.m. (new time) Ends Sept. 27)
Traffic Projects (impactful traffic projects)