Two-term Renton City Councilmember Greg Taylor has opted not to run for a third term, creating an open seat on the council in this year’s election.

Taylor said in a press release his business as a “a consultant, specializing in personal and organizational development training through an equity and social justice lens” has expanded over the past few years and made it difficult to devote the time to his council duties as he would like.

“I can no longer devote the necessary time and attention to the job of councilmember that the residents of Renton deserve as the demands of my business require more and more travel away from the region,” he said. “Thank you to all of the residents of Renton for the opportunity and privilege of serving as your council member.”

Taylor was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. He is currently chairman of the Utilities Committee, vice chair of the Finance Committee and a member of the Public Safety Committee. He has also served on the Community Services, Planning and Development and Transportation Committees.

Taylor said his dedication to progressive politics and a passion for Renton will not change and he said he would continue working toward those goals in a different capacity.

“It is my hope that the residents of Renton to continue to challenge city leaders to authentically embrace, engage and empower the ethnic diversity of our community and work to be more inclusive of and responsive to the ever emerging needs of all of the people who live here through the policy decisions they make,” he said.

Three candidates have filed for Taylor’s position. There will be a primary in August with the top two vote-getters moving on to the general election in November.