Every year, the Renton City Council steps back from the day-to-day work to focus on the big picture—where we've been, where we're going, and how we can make Renton an even better place to live. This year’s retreat, held at Maplewood Greens on February 27-28, was no different. Two days of conversations, brainstorming, and planning helped set the course for the city’s future.

As I reflect on these discussions, I see clear connections to the work ahead—not just for Renton, but for King County as a whole. The challenges we tackled, from housing affordability to public safety, are regional issues that require regional solutions. These are the kinds of conversations I want to continue leading at the county level.

Looking Back Before Moving Forward

We kicked off the retreat with a check-in on the priorities we set in 2024. A lot of progress has been made, but we still have work to do:

• Public Safety: We’ve been working to fill all 133 commissioned officer positions and continue to focus on recruitment and retention strategies.
• Sustainability: The Clean Economy Strategy (CES) 2.0 is officially in motion, driving new environmentally friendly initiatives.
• Attracting Large Retailers: We’re working to secure commitments from major retailers to invest in Renton.
• Multimodal Transportation: Expanding transit options is a major priority in the upcoming Comprehensive Plan Update.
• Behavioral Treatment Center: We’re collaborating with regional partners to establish a much-needed treatment facility.

Reflecting on these efforts reminded me of how much work goes into making real change happen—but also how much Renton is capable of achieving when we stay focused on solutions. And that’s exactly the kind of focus I want to bring to the King County Council.

Money Talks: Budgeting for a Better Future

Budget discussions are never the most exciting part of any retreat, but they’re critical. We took a deep dive into our financial standing, looking at debt management, spending priorities, and how to balance investing in the future while keeping the city’s finances stable.

At the county level, these same financial challenges exist. We need smart fiscal leadership that prioritizes long-term sustainability while ensuring we have the resources to tackle urgent needs, like expanding behavioral health services and addressing homelessness.

Housing: Affordability & Access

We spent a lot of time talking about one of the biggest challenges facing Renton (and the region): housing affordability. Renton, like many cities, is navigating new state housing policies, including:

• HB 1042: Making it easier to convert commercial buildings into residential units.
• HB 1110: Requiring cities to allow middle housing (duplexes, triplexes, etc.) in residential areas.
• HB 1337: Expanding accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permissions.
• HB 1998: Establishing co-living development guidelines to maximize affordable housing options.

The housing crisis isn’t just a city issue—it’s a county issue. We need regional strategies that help cities like Renton meet demand while ensuring affordability. That means collaboration, investment, and innovative solutions to make housing accessible for everyone.

Building a More Transit-Friendly Region

Renton is growing, and with that growth comes a need for better transportation options. We reviewed progress on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects, particularly the Rainier/Grady Junction plan, which aims to create a high-density, pedestrian-friendly district with easy access to transit. Investing in infrastructure like bike lanes, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossings will make it easier for people to get around without relying solely on cars.

But this isn’t just a Renton conversation—it’s a county-wide conversation. King County’s transit network must be reliable, accessible, and designed to connect communities efficiently. As a councilmember, I’ll push for investments that expand transit options and improve mobility across the region.

Renton & The 2026 World Cup: A Huge Opportunity

The World Cup is coming to our region in 2026, and Renton has a chance to be part of the action. We’re moving forward with Legacy Square, a community gathering space designed to welcome visitors, host events, and provide a hub for soccer fans. Plans include:

• Transforming a vacant space into a vibrant, multi-use public area.
• Creating economic opportunities for local businesses.
• Hosting live broadcasts, community events, and art showcases.
• Featuring an urban soccer pitch (donated by the Sounders RAVE Foundation!).

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and we want to make sure Renton—and the entire region—benefits from the economic impact. The investments we make today will shape how King County presents itself to the world in 2026 and beyond.

Public Safety: A Regional Priority

Day two focused heavily on public safety—always a top concern for our community.
Some key areas of discussion:

• Traffic Safety Measures: Addressing excessive speeding in key areas, including the possibility of installing traffic safety cameras.
• Recruitment & Retention: Continuing efforts to fill police vacancies and keep experienced officers in Renton.
• Crime Reduction Strategies: Using data-driven policing to target high-crime areas and improve community safety.

Keeping our communities safe requires a comprehensive approach. That’s why I support regional investments in behavioral health, diversion programs, and smart policing strategies that reduce crime while building trust with residents.

Emerging Issues & What’s Next

We also tackled some emerging challenges and opportunities, including:

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as a potential funding tool for development projects.

A compensation study to ensure city employees are paid competitively.

The possibility of a new community resource center to provide essential services for residents.

Strengthening support for the unhoused community with more targeted resources and policy solutions.

These are all issues that extend beyond Renton’s borders. To truly address them, we need a regional approach that brings together city, county, and state leaders.

Final Thoughts

This retreat was an opportunity to refocus, realign, and recommit to making Renton a safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive city. We left with clear priorities, ambitious goals, and a shared sense of purpose. Now, the real work begins.

As I continue my campaign for King County Council, I’m bringing these conversations with me. The issues we face in Renton are the same ones we see across the county—housing, transportation, public safety, and sustainability. I’m ready to take the experience I’ve gained at the city level and apply it to a larger stage.

I’m excited about what’s ahead, and I’ll continue to keep you updated as we move forward. Got thoughts on these topics? Questions? Ideas? Let’s talk—I’d love to hear from you!

- Ryan