Renton City Councilmember Ruth Perez announced today that she will seek re-election to retain her seat on the Renton City Council. As the first and only Latina and immigrant elected in Renton, Ruth Perez has proven to be an experienced public servant, effective, committed, and a true leader.
“Since joining the City Council six years ago, representing the residents of Renton and fighting for our needs has been my top priority. As we work to rebuild our economy after the pandemic, it is imperative to center the needs of our community in the decision making process. I am committed to leading Renton into our next chapter with a focus on collaboration. Because when we work together, commit to protecting the rights of our community and unite instead of divide our community — we all win.” Perez stated.
In 2014, Councilmember Perez was appointed, among 18 applicants, to the Renton City Council. In 2015, Perez was elected to complete the term and despite facing a challenger in 2017, she was successfully re-elected to the Council. In 2020, perhaps Renton’s most challenging year, Councilmember Perez served as Renton Council President successfully leading the efforts to develop policies to protect Renton’s residents during the pandemic outbreak.
“Over the years, our city has been blessed with tremendous energy and prosperity but now it faces many challenges requiring strong leadership and commitment to develop smart policy solutions. As a Renton City Councilmember, I will keep working to ensure Renton is a place people are proud to call home, focusing on the issues that truly impact our residents’ everyday lives – working to ensure a strong economy, bringing more jobs, reducing crime and homelessness, supporting inclusive policies, tackling our city’s transportation and traffic issues, expanding access to housing, and balancing a sustainable municipal budget.” Perez added.
Councilmember Perez has represented Renton and the Region on many regional boards and committees, including the National League of Cities Transportation & Infrastructure Services Committee, Association of Washington Cities Federal Committee, Eastside Transportation Partnership, South County Area Transportation Board, and the Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force. During her tenure on the Council, Councilmember Perez has served at least once on every council committee. Currently, she serves as Chair of Public Safety Committee and as Chair of the Renton Regional Fire Authority Governance Board, the first woman to hold this position.
In endorsing her re-election, State Representative Steve Bergquist had this to say about Ruth: “Ruth listens to our concerns. She tries to help our communities in need and move Renton forward. She is the right choice for our council and I strongly urge you to re-elect her!”
Perez is the only councilmember in Renton that has received an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities for stepping beyond her current role as an elected official and advancing her education to better advocate for the community. She was voted “Renton’s Best Elected Official” in 2019 and 2018, and honored as a “Woman of the Year” in 2016. Ruth holds a BA in Communications and a Master’s in Business Administration.
