Renton is among 32 communities out of 354 applicants selected to receive technical assistance under the Sustainable Communities Building Blocks program.

Renton’s Department of Community and Economic Development applied for the grant funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an effort to receive additional assistance in the development of a plan to improve the pedestrian environment in the Benson community .

“We’re confident that this effort will act as a catalyst for strengthening this community’s economic vitality and improve the quality of life for its residents,” Mayor Denis Law said in a press release.

Much of the Benson community’s one-square-mile area was built in the 1960s, following a typical suburban model of single-purpose zoning.

However, the area fails to provide a pedestrian friendly environment, which has negatively impacted the growth and vitality of the community, according to the city.

The city will participate in a day-long session with the EPA, private sector experts, community leaders, staff and stakeholders to participate in a walkability assessment, as well as explore other ways to make progress toward community goals for an environmentally responsible, economically healthy development.