This Week in Renton: Get ready for spring and Renton’s Festival of Col

Published on February 28, 2025

The City of Renton is excited to launch a new outreach series, What’s Brewing with Ed. 

This series of events 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. 

The kick-off event is Wednesday, March 5, from 10–11 a.m. at Luther’s Table, 419 S. Second St. Future morning events at Luther’s Table will take place on April 2, May 7, and June 4. 

Can’t make the mornings? Ed will also be having conversations at Berliner Pub, 221 Main Ave. S. on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m.: March 19, April 16, May 21, and June 18. 

Both locations are family-friendly and making a purchase is not required. 

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP through Facebook or directly to communications@rentonwa.gov to help with planning. Stay connected on our social media (@cityofrenton) to get additional updates. 

A little about Ed 

CAO Ed VanValey is a Renton native and graduate of Lindbergh High School. Ed has worked for the city for over 35 years and previously served as Renton’s Police Chief from 2018 to 2020. 

Starting in mid-March, the city’s software used for permitting and licensing, Civic Access, is upgrading. 

Existing customers will need to re-register. This update will make things easier for users and improve the overall experience. This update will allow individuals and businesses to login once to apply for permits, pay invoices from different jurisdictions, and handle other tasks. 

Here’s how to access the portal after the second week of March 2025: 

If registering on behalf of a business, please remember to register with one company login. This will allow the company’s business licenses to be registered under one user. Individuals of the company can create their own logins in addition to the company login.  

For more information, instructions, or assistance during this transition, please visit rentonwa.gov/permitservices. 

Bezos Academy applications now open for 2025-2026 school year 

Located within the North Highlands Neighborhood Center, the Bezos Academy has been offering tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschool programs since its establishment in 2023.  

With an enrollment of 51 students, including 23 Renton families, the academy has become a resource for Renton residents seeking quality and affordable early childhood education.  

There are two eligibility requirements: 

Applicants are selected through a lottery system. 

Find more details, check your eligibility, and apply online at bezosacademy.org/eligibility. 

The partnership between the City of Renton and the Bezos Academy began in 2021 when the academy and the city's Parks and Recreation Department discussed North Highlands Neighborhood Center becoming the permanent home of the Renton Bezos Academy. 

Middle housing update online open house this Saturday, March 1 

The city’s Community and Economic Development Department will host their second online open house to discuss middle housing and update the public about House Bill (HB) 1110 on Zoom on March 1 at 10 a.m.  

The meeting will focus on summarizing the draft ordinance as the city moves toward adopting the new standards per HB 1110 as set by the state. 

Register for the webinar or visit Your Voice Renton and engage in the conversation around middle housing at rentonwa.gov/MiddleHousing.

Around Renton 

• Winter Lights occurs nightly until February 28. Enjoy soft illuminations from 5 to 10 p.m. downtown around Piazza Park, 233 Burnett Ave. S., and from 5 to 9 p.m. at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N.
• March 1 – Online Middle Housing Open House,10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Virtual on Zoom. Hosted by the city’s Community & Economic Development Department. Register now. Free.
• March 5 - What’s Brewing with Ed (Morning) – Conversations with Renton’s CAO, 10 - 11 a.m. Luther’s Table, 419 S. Second St. Hosted by the City of Renton. Free.
• March 15 – Holi - Renton Festival of Color, 12 – 4 p.m. Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation and Voice of Planet. Register now. Free.
• March 16 – Renton City Concert Band: Destinations, 2 p.m. Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 S. Second St., 98057. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Purchase tickets at the Senior Activity Center, Renton Community Center, or at the door on performance day.
• March 19 – What’s Brewing with Ed (Evening) – Conversations with Renton’s CAO, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Berliner Pub, 221 Main Ave. S. Hosted by the City of Renton. Free. 
• March 26 – City of Renton 2025 State of the City with Mayor Armondo Pavone, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, 1053 Lake Washington Blvd N. Hosted by the City of Renton. Register now. Free.
• March 28 – Teen Bingo Night, 6:30 – 9 p.m. Renton Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave. NE. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now. Ages 14-17. 

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