Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. earns Certificate of Municipal Leadership
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Laura Pettitt | Communications Director, Executive Services
Renton City Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. earns Certificate of Municipal Leadership from Association of Washington Cities
Councilmembers complete 30 hours of training in five core areas to earn this distinction.
RENTON, WA (July 9, 2024) – City of Renton Councilmember James Alberson, Jr. has earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC). Council President and AWC Board Member Ed Prince presented the certificate at Monday’s regularly scheduled Renton City Council meeting.
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“Congratulations to Councilmember Alberson for earning this distinction,” said Council President Prince. “This achievement reflects his commitment to serving the people of Renton above and beyond the standard duties of a councilmember.”
AWC’s Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city- and town-elected officials. Councilmember Alberson was awarded the certificate after completing more than 30 hours of training, including at least one workshop within diversity, equity and inclusion, and demonstrating community service for a minimum of six months in duration, including service on statewide commissions, committees, councils and task forces, board or committee chair positions with community organizations or leadership on projects such as fundraising efforts, campaigns and major events.
"I am honored to have earned my Certificate of Municipal Leadership, and to be able to bring this experience back to advocating for our residents here in Renton in my role as city councilmember. I’m proud to be able to do this work on behalf of my community,” said Alberson.
Councilmember Alberson is serving his first four-year term as a City Councilmember, currently also serving as the Council President Pro-Tem. He chairs the Community Services Committee, vice-chairs the Planning & Development Committee, and is a member of the Utilities Committee. Past roles include serving as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Renton, as a member of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, where he eventually served as Board Chair, and currently remains on as a Board Member. Alberson also served as the HOA President of his neighborhood’s homeowners’ association for 13+ years.
Councilmember Alberson graduated at the top of his class with an M.B.A. in Marketing from Purdue University and a B.S. in Computer Technology. He currently owns and operates a Sandler Training Franchise, where he works with company leaders and their teams to put structures, processes, and skills in place to create greater company growth and success. With fifteen years of experience as a business owner, and in various corporate leadership positions prior, his strategic planning and tactical execution serve the City of Renton well in his role as Councilmember.
“Being a city leader in Washington is a complex job,” said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. “Through our CML program, we are providing our elected officials with the knowledge they need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities.”
Councilmember Alberson joins Councilmembers Ryan McIrvin and Kim-Khánh Văn and Mayor Armondo Pavone in earning this certificate of municipal leadership. Councilmembers Ruth Pérez, Valerie O’Halloran, and Ed Prince have earned the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership.
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About City of Renton
The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 107,900 (2023), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. You can find more information on our website, news releases, Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.
About Association of Washington Cities
The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) serves its members through advocacy, education, and services. 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. AWC provides training, data, publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers' Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and AWC GIS Consortium.
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