Sue Carlson, the city of Renton
City of Renton
Sue Carlson, the city of Renton's first economic development director, attended the dedication of a bench in honor of former Mayor Jesse Tanner recently. Carlson died last week after a battle with cancer.

Sue Carlson, a key architect of Renton's economic development, dies of cancer; memorial is Nov. 24

By DEAN RADFORD
Renton Reporter Editor
November 14, 2008 · Updated 10:56 AM 

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Sue Carlson, who many credit with helping to lay the foundation for much of Renton’s economic development today, died Thursday morning after a long battle with cancer.

A memorial service will be at St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 1700 Edmonds Ave. N.E., Renton at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 24.

Carlson was the city’s first economic development director and was the administrator of Economic Development, Neighborhoods and Strategic Planning from 1993-2002.

After she left the City of Renton, Carlson went to work for Tukwila businessman Mario Segale.

As a result of her work, downtown began to transform into a mixed-used center of activity, the auto dealers consolidated at the auto mall, the foundation was placed for The Landing and IKEA came to Renton.

Mayor Denis Law credits Carlson and city staffers with the hard work to redevelop the Port Quendall property on Lake Washington that eventually became the home of the Seattle Seahawks.

“She had an incredible can-do spirit,” Law said of his friend.

Carlson’s husband Rune is suggesting donations in her name to the Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center or a cancer organization of the donor’s choice. Also, a scholarship in her name is being proposed to be administered through the Renton Community Foundation.

Contact Renton Reporter Editor Dean Radford at editor@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484, ext. 5050.

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