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Friday, November 5, 2021
Number 8
We’ve committed to be a government reflective of its evolving community. We have engaged with our residents to identify challenges to overcome and opportunities to build upon.
We have listened, made significant changes, and launched new initiatives over the past year that we believe will move us in the right direction:
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In May, the city council approved the city’s 2022-2027 Business Plan. One of the amended goals is "Building an inclusive, informed, and hate-free city with equitable outcomes for all in support of social, economic, and racial justice."
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We’ve created a new city department, Equity, Housing, and Human Services, to align and allocate resources to help the most vulnerable in our community.
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A new Equity Commission will ensure we are listening to our residents and eliminating barriers to success.
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Our “Age-Friendly City” designation is identifying and creating an action plan to improve resources and design with our senior residents in mind.
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Renton ADA Transition Plan is our blueprint to identify remove barriers that effect mobility challenges.
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We have scheduled a workshop designed to encourage minority-and women-owned businesses to contract with the city by opening and clarifying the contracting process.
Here’s a closer look at how we’re currently using diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Renton Equity Commission
Renton City Council unanimously approved the creation of the Renton Equity Commission at last Monday’s meeting. It will be connected to Equity, Housing, and Human Services department and will provide another strong connection with our community.
Over the past year, city staff met with 11 community groups representative of our city’s diverse population to identify inequities and barriers to access.
Based on what we heard, the primary goal of the commission will be to develop recommendations that will enable community members to achieve equitable outcomes by removing racial, economic, and social barriers in city programs, services, and policies.
The commission will consist of nine members, who are either Renton residents or business owners. One member must be between 18-25 years old. The membership will commit to equity and reflect the diversity of our city including, but not limited to ethnicity, race, age, gender, faith, gender identity and expression, and profession. Members will be appointed by the mayor and subject to confirmation by the city council.
Inclusion in city contracts
On Wednesday, Nov. 17, we will host Navigating City Contracting from 12-2 p.m. This Zoom workshop will assist more businesses, including women- and minority-owned, contract with the city.
We have breakout sessions scheduled to allow vendors to meet with city departments, network with other local vendors, and build diverse business opportunities.
A representative from the Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) will also present. Local governments use MRSC for contracts, requests for proposals, and consultants.
Barrier-Free Mobility
We’re working towards barrier-free mobility for all through our ADA Transition Plan.
The draft plan is online and open now for public comment through Dec. 6. First, the plan provides us the opportunity to review our programs, activities, and services. Second, it will identify barriers and implement changes allowing individuals with disabilities to fully participate in civic life. Finally, it will guide future planning and design to incorporate ADA accommodations.
With your help, the plan will help us identify, prioritize, and remove barriers, specifically for those with disabilities. I invite you to review it and give us your thoughts.
“Age-Friendly City”
One year ago, Renton earned “Age-Friendly City” status from AARP and the World Health Organization (WHO). We are only the second city in King County to join this global network of cities. The designation is to design a city framework that senior residents can thrive.
Over the next 10 years, the number of Renton residents 65 and older will double to one in five. Our Senior Citizen Advisory Board has reviewed our current program offerings to gauge their effectiveness and identify what is missing. Their work will be crucial work with residents, non-profit organizations, businesses, and faith-based communities.
In July, our "Age-Friendly" designation led to the opening of the first and only, FitLot outdoor exercise equipment park in the state. Sponsored by AARP, you can find the covered park at North Highlands Neighborhood Center. Seniors can also sign up for free exercise classes.
PREVIOUS MAYOR'S UPDATES
- October 1, 2021 - Human Services Funding: City Council increases Human Services budget almost three-fold; approves three projects through HB 1590
- August 31, 2021 - Solera is the cornerstone of our ongoing redevelopment of the Sunset area
- June 22, 2021 - Support Housing: Mayor Pavone and county executive announce Renton hotel is part of Health Through Housing initiative
- December 18, 2020 - City Council passes emergency ordinance for interim zoning controls
IN OTHER NEWS THIS WEEK
Navigating City Contracting: Nov. 17
ADA Transition Plan: public comment period open
Eastside Virtual Job Fair: Nov. 18
Fall Harvest Food Drive: Nov. 6
Lunch Pop-Up: Nov. 9
Photo Album: Olde Fashioned Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Keep storm drain clear
Traffic Projects
In-person services available at city hall
City Council update
COVID vaccination information
UPCOMING
Nov. 6, Fall Harvest Food Drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Renton Community Center. Parks and Recreation staff's annual food drive collecting nonperishable, unopened food items for distribution to food banks in Renton.
Mondays, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Sustainable Renton free drive-through grocery store at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. NE.
Wednesdays, 6 p.m., Renton Live! online connection promoting business, nonprofits and activities within the greater Renton community. Find the weekly link on the Renton Live Facebook page.
Daily, Library resources and events, ongoing. Filter by event, program, and location.