This Week in Renton: Middle housing update & online open house

Published on February 14, 2025

This Week in Renton February 14 edition: Middle housing online open house

Middle housing update & upcoming community opportunities

In 2023, the Washington State Department of Commerce released a statewide housing needs report that estimated Washington State would need more than one million additional units to accommodate population growth.  

To address this need, the Washington State Legislature passed House Bill 1110 (HB 1110) to help promote the development of middle housing.  

Middle housing contains two or more homes that are attached, stacked, or clustered together. This efficiency in land use and construction makes middle housing an affordable option for some. 

The city’s Community and Economic Development Department will host their second online open house to discuss 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. 

Want to know more about House Bill 1110? Register for the webinar or visit Your Voice Renton and engage in the conversation around middle housing at rentonwa.gov/MiddleHousing.  

 

Double the opportunities with Startup425  

On January 31, 2025, Startup425 hosted its first Renton event at the Renton Library, where attendees explored library resources like Gale, Book a Librarian, and more.  

As part of a free monthly series, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and founders are invited to join Startup425 in partnership with the City of Renton for the next event on February 27. It will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 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.

Applications are now open for the second cohort of Startup425’s Accelerator Program. This free 15-week educational program helps new entrepreneurs develop their business ideas, build essential skills, and launch their companies. 

To be eligible, applicants must live or be building a business in a Startup425 partner city—Renton, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, or Redmond. The program runs from February 24 to June 3, with all sessions held online. Applications are due by Friday, February 21. 

Apply today at startup425.org/accelerator. 

 

Hey downtown, how are you feeling? 

The city’s Community and Economic Development Department and Renton Downtown Partnership is working with Main Street America to explore ways to energize and enhance the downtown experience. Whether you live, work, or visit downtown, your feedback matters and will be seen by city planners!  

Take the survey here by March 10. The survey is anonymous and should take about ten minutes to complete. 

 

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. Free.
  • February 16 – 3rd Annual Black Makers & Creatives, 2 – 7 p.m. Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, 1053 Lake Washington Blvd. N. Hosted by Hyatt Regency Lake Washington. Register now.
  • February 21 – Moonlight Masquerade Winter Family Dance, 6 – 8 p.m. Renton Community Center, 1715 Maple Valley Hwy. Hosted by Renton Parks & Recreation. Register now.
  • February 27 – Startup & Small Business CoWorking Renton, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Renton Technical College, 3000 NE 4th St, Building C. Hosted by Startup 425. Register now.  Free.
  • March 1 – Online Middle Housing Open House,10 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. Virtual on Zoom. Hosted by the city’s Community and Economic Development Department. Register now. Free. 
  • March 15 – Holi: Renton Festival of Color, 12 – 4 p.m. Liberty Park, 1101 Bronson Way N. Hosted by 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 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. 

In other news this week 

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