For two days in mid-February, city leaders from Renton will attend the Association of Washington Cities Legislative Action Days in Olympia.
The Action Days allow the cities the opportunity to share its legislative priorities for the upcoming year.
From Feb. 15 to 16, city leaders will meet with legislators and advocate for their priorities.
At the end of last year, the City Council adopted its 2017 Legislative Agenda which includes the priorities city leaders will present during Action Days.
There are four key priorities Renton will address. Those include addressing public safety, enhancing the quality of life, investing in transportation and promoting fiscal stability.
Public Safety
According to a brochure from the city, Renton will support a $2.4 million supplemental operating budget appropriation in order to address a backlog with regards to the Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
Quality of Life
There are two areas under quality of life that the city of Renton will present.
The first being the Sunset Neighborhood Park. The brochure stated the city will ask for $3.05 million from the 2017-2019 capital budget to help with Phase II and Phase III of the 3.1 acre park.
“The gateway park will be a catalyst for transforming the neighborhood and bringing the community together,” the brochure stated.
The second area includes affordable housing, homelessness prevention and mental health.
Renton will support funding initiatives to help local communities tackle these issues.
Transportation
When it comes to transportation, the city will ensure that any savings from Interstate 405 projects will be reinvested into the corridor.
The savings will give the Washington State Department of Transportation the authority to invest $25 to $30 million of I-405 shoulder lanes between state Route 167 to SR 169.
It will also allow the improvement of two freeway bridge structures and the ability to build a direct access entrance onto I-405 at 44th Street near the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Fiscal Stability
Renton will set out to protect state-shared revenues, fund key programs, make structural changes to local agencies and also support legislative changes to enhance efficiency.
Support/Oppose
The brochure also stated issues the city supports or opposes.
These issues include matters regarding budget and fiscal matters, criminal justice, public safety, fire and courts, environment and natural resources, land-use and growth management, economic development and infrastructure, local government, human resource issues and transportation.
The brochure listing the support of opposition positions can be found on the city website at www.rentonwa.gov and at the Renton Reporter website, www.rentonreporter.com.
