This Week in Renton: 2025 State of the City

Published on February 20, 2025

The inaugural Renton Civic Academy has begun!

In December 2024, the City of Renton announced the inaugural Renton Civic Academy, a free five-week program that gives Renton residents and businessowners an inside look at how the city runs.  

This program, designed to inform and engage the community, kicked off last week with 35 residents coming to city hall ready to engage.  

Topics from this first session included: Renton’s history, types of cities and forms of government, authority breakdown, the city’s Business Plan and its pillars. This session was led by Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Ed VanValey and Deputy CAO Kristi Rowland.

Sessions are paused this week for Renton School District’s mid-winter break and will resume next week with a focus on the city’s Executive Services and Finance Departments. Follow along on social media (@cityofrenton) as we share weekly highlights.

With nearly twice as many applicants as spaces available, a second session is being considered. If you are interested in this program, please sign up for updates at rentonwa.gov/civicacademy. 

The annual Dragon’s Landing Celebration is flying closer, and the Renton Municipal Arts Commission is looking for fantasy-themed artisans, vendors, performers, and interactive experiences to be part of this enchanting family-friendly event. The event will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Renton. 

If you are interested in showcasing your craft or talent, please apply today!  

Why a Dragon? 

Renton’s rooftop dragon, Erasmus, sits on top of the Old Western hotel building at the corner of Wells Avenue South and South Third Street downtown. The downtown art installation was managed by former Arts Commissioner Marsha Rollinger and the piece was fabricated and installed by Western Neon. 

Unveiled in April 2019, the mythical beast highlights Renton’s rich connection to the fantasy and gaming world, with key players such as Wizards of the Coast headquartered here. Its ability to fly also represents our historic ties to aviation through the Boeing plant and Renton Municipal Airport. The magnificent piece of art was made possible by the Renton Municipal Arts Commission in partnership with the Renton Downtown Partnership. 

Stay informed against vaping with an upcoming community meeting 

According to the Center for Disease Control, 1.21 million high school students nationwide are using e-cigarettes or vapes. To help inform parents about the risks of vaping which may lead to other substance abuse, the City of Renton, Renton Police Department, and Steered Straight will be hosting a ‘Parent Academy’ community meeting on Friday, February 28, at 6 p.m. at Lindbergh High School Theater, 16426 128th Ave. SE. 

With many health threats hiding in plain sight, the meeting will help inform parents about current dangerous trends and how to respond.   

This program covers: 

The Renton School District will also present similar messaging at school assemblies across Renton's four high schools later this month. 

Opportunity for small business owners to connect with Entrepreneurs in Residence 

Startup425, in partnership with the city’s Community and Economic Development Department, hosts free monthly events for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and founders.  

The next event is Thursday, February 27 from 10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Renton Technical College, 3000 NE Fourth St., Building C.  

Attendees will have the opportunity to unlock resources and support available at Renton Technical College, learn how to develop a workforce strategy and connect one-on-one with Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) and receive personalized feedback.  

RSVP at startup425.org. 

Around Renton 

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