How well do you know your Renton City Council? The Renton Reporter is asking Renton City Council members questions to learn more about their leadership styles, top issues of concern and more.

This week, the Renton Reporter spoke with Councilmember Ruth Pérez.

Q: What is your relationship with Renton and what do you do outside your role as a city council member?

A: I was born and raised in Mexico City, but Renton has been my home for the last 17 years. I was appointed in 2014 to the Renton City Council, becoming the first Latina and immigrant to ever serve in this body. In 2015, I was elected to complete the term and re-elected in 2017 and 2021. I hold a BA in Communications and a Master’s in Business Administration. In 2019, I was elected by my colleagues to serve as Renton City Council President. During my tenure on the Council, I have served at least once on every council committee and in 2021, I was elected to be the first female to serve as Chair of the Renton Regional Fire Authority Governance Board. I have an extensive background in public service and a very successful professional career. I began my career as a television reporter and later was the editor-in-chief and founder of three magazines. I also worked with former Governor Gary Locke as well as at the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle. Currently, I am a partner in a Government Affairs Consulting LLC.

Q: Why did you want to become a Renton City Council member?

A: Representing the residents of Renton and fighting for our needs has been my top priority. Our city is blessed with tremendous energy and prosperity but faces many challenges requiring strong leadership and commitment to develop smart policy solutions. As a Renton City Councilmember, I have worked to ensure Renton is a place people are proud to call home, focusing on the issues that truly impact Renton residents’ everyday lives – working to ensure a strong economy, bringing more jobs, reducing crime and homelessness, supporting inclusive policies, expanding access to housing, tackling our city’s transportation and traffic issues, and balancing a sustainable municipal budget. I am committed to leading Renton into our new chapter and to continue to advocate for our residents at every turn.

Q: What do you love or admire about the Renton community?

A: Here in the heart of Washington’s flourishing Puget Sound region, where the Black and Cedar Rivers meet, the possibilities are endless. Wherever you come from, you can make yourself at home in Renton! Renton is a place where people have come together to build a community. Renton’s multicultural roots and history have helped shape the city into what it is today: One of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States where everyone can thrive. Boeing, Seahawks, Valley Medical Center, RTC, IKEA, Kaiser Permanente, Wizards of the Coast, Top Golf and Sounders are just some of the prosperous businesses that have chosen Renton as home helping us to build and maintain a sustainable community, provide jobs, attract skilled workers and generating capital investment. Our hidden gems make Renton truly one-of-a-kind. Renton offers numerous outdoor activities: 29 developed public parks, 13 miles of trails, 813 acres of public open space, an 18-hole golf course, two lake-front beaches and a public boat launch to name a few. Also, Renton is an amazing place to shop and dine. SipStop, BOGA, Rain City Market and Macadons are four new places that opened their doors in recent months. We are very lucky to have some of the best restaurants in the region right here in Renton.

Q: What are some of the biggest problems facing the Renton community currently?

A: Safety and crime continue to be at the top of many of our neighbors’ minds. It is the conversation that I have most frequently with residents, regardless of the neighborhood. I’ve heard stories of mail theft, vandalism, car prowls, and burglaries. It is clear that we must do more to stem this tide of crime in our city and region. First, I believe we must invest in community policing. This gets police officers out of their cars and engaging with our residents, building trust between the police department and our neighbors. A community policing program is part of that ounce of prevention that we need to prevent the pound of cure down the road. Second, we must make sure that our police department has the resources they need to do their jobs. Finally, we must be actively pursuing innovation and creativity in our police department. Whether it’s reducing response time or building out educational and prevention programs, we should be looking for new solutions in our continually growing and changing region. As technology changes, so must our ways of harnessing it to keep our communities safe.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish during your career as a council member, or what are you already most proud of?

I have been hard at work to provide transportation options for all. I, like many of you, am tired of getting stuck in the traffic that surrounds us. Two months after I was appointed as a city council member, I was already testifying in Olympia before the House Transportation Committee and I have not stopped since then. I am fighting to ensure that we have our fair share of projects in our community to reduce traffic and make sure that we can get around the region. As your City Councilmember, my focus has been and will continue to be fighting for Renton and our residents. When our city faces roadblocks or challenges, I work with our community and with our regional partners to find solutions and get results for Renton.

I will continue to put Renton residents first and at the forefront of the City Council’s decision-making.Improving public safety so all our residents can feel safe and comfortable in their neighborhoods

Building a strong local economy and continuing to create jobs right here in Renton

Advocating for better transportation options so you can get to work, school, and home to your family

Working to ensure we have affordable housing so every resident of Renton can continue to live and thrive here