HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Retreat - 01 Apr 2022 - Agenda - Pdf
CITY OF RENTON
AGENDA - Council Retreat
8:30 AM - Friday, April 1, 2022
Videoconference
8:30 AM 1. WELCOME
8:35 AM 2. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
• Policies addressing zoning and density impacts (Smart Growth/Comprehensive Plan)
• Affordable Homeownership
• Economic Development Strategies 2023-2024 (Priorities, challenges, and opportunities)
• Business Development Incubation for Renton companies and city contracts, and Economic
Recovery Task Force for businesses, particularly small businesses and BIPOC businesses
throughout Renton and not just downtown; task force; supporting small businesses
• Devise a proactive plan to bring targeted businesses to the downtown corridor
• Discuss small business and workforce development
10:15 AM 3. BREAK
10:30 AM 4. EQUITY, HOUSING, & HUMAN SERVICES
• Equity Commission
• Events and outreach (Calendar of events and special circumstances)
• Human Services Efforts
• Affordable Homeownership
12:00 PM 5. LUNCH
1:00 PM 6. PRIORITIES
• Top Council Priorities for 2022
2:00 PM 7. COUNCIL ONLY TIME
Currently, due to the spread of COVID-19, all regularly-scheduled committee meetings will be held as
necessary via video-conference. City Hall is closed to the public.
If you would like to attend this week's meeting remotely, you can do so by going to
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84217473110?pwd=NjBkRy9pb3I0d3V2TzZ6enYyQzFMQT09
Zoom Meeting ID: 842 1747 3110, Passcode:249161
You can call through Zoom at (253) 215-8782 and use the Meeting ID.
POLICIES ADDRESSING ZONING AND DENSITY IMPACTS
(Smart Growth/The Comprehensive Plan)
BACKGROUND:
• The City’s Business Plan states that the city supports planned growth by fostering development of
vibrant, sustainable, attractive, mixed-use neighborhoods in urban centers.
• The City has accepted responsibility for planning for 17,000 new household and 31,780 new jobs by
2044 as identified in the King County Countywide Planning Policies.
• According to Urban Growth Capacity Report, which evaluates the number of households the City
can accommodate based on current zoning, the City has the capacity to accommodate 16,503 new
households.
• 2020 Census data shows that 58% of Renton’s residents who are people of color live in single family
zones (RC - R-8 zones).
• Recent projections from the Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) indicate the region needs to plan
for 1.8 million more people and 1.2 million more jobs by 2050.
• Since the adoption of Growth Management Act (GMA), the State has put significant limitations on
the authority of cities to tax residential development.
o Generally, residential growth no longer pays in taxes the cost it requires for facilities and
services.
• When the GMA was adopted, there was an expectation that the State would provide additional
funding for infrastructure to ensure adequate facilities were in place at the time of development.
This has not occurred. There have been mixed results with state investments.
• The City adopted the current Comprehensive Plan in 2015. It establishes the vision of the City and is
the blueprint for how Renton will grow.
• It has 9 elements, they are: Land Use; Transportation; Housing and Human Services; Economic
Development; Parks, Recreation, Natural Areas, and Trails; Community Planning; Utilities; Capital
Facilities; and Shoreline Management.
• While the Land Use element specifically identifies Land Use Mapping designations and where those
are located, all the elements work together to establish policies related to how the City will
accommodate growth and density. The Land Use element also identifies what the characteristics
each zone is intended to facilitate in development and some locational characteristics.
CURRENT WORK:
• The City is required to update the current Comprehensive Plan by December 2024. Work on this
has begun. A public participation plan has been drafted and it has been presented to Council and
the Mayors Inclusion Task Force.
• An Interdepartmental Team of many of the City’s different departments is being convened and
each department will be responsible for their related element.
• This update will need to have the new growth targets integrated into elements, especially Land
Use, Transportation, and Capital Facilities. It will be reviewed with Renton’s Equity Lens to ensure
the Plan works to meet the City’s goal of building an inclusive informed and hate-free city with
equitable outcomes for all in support of social, economic, and racial justice. It will integrate the
outcomes of the goals established in the Clean Economy Strategy 2.0.
AGENDA ITEM #2. •
• There will also, for the first time, be affordable housing targets identified for each affordable
income level. This is a new requirement that was passed by the Legislature last year. The
Department of Commerce is working on developing a framework for how to derive targets and will
release that information next year.
NEXT STEPS:
• Participate in Countywide assessment and designation of affordable housing targets.
• Continue to monitor land availability data.
• Continue to plan and construct Capital Facilities and Transportation infrastructure in areas
where density is planned.
• Continue to coordinate with and represent Renton on the King County Growth Management
Policy Board, the PSRC, and the Sound Cities Association.
• Participate in State (Legislature), regional (PSRC), and countywide planning bodies (SCA, GMPB)
to ensure Renton vision for growth and development are consistent with the work products of
these bodies/organizations.
AGENDA ITEM #2. •
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Communities throughout the Puget Sound region continue to see rising home prices, higher rents, and
diminishing options for subsidized housing. The booming economy, combined with a shortage of units, continues
to pressure prices upward making home ownership unattainable for many and threatens basic shelter for some
in our community. Renton has established a multi-pronged approach targeting different income levels of
affordable housing using partnerships, incentives, regulations, plans & statutes, preservation, and funding.
BACKGROUND
PARTNERSHIPS:
•The City works closely with the Renton Housing Authority (RHA).
•Last year, Homestead Community Land Trust completed Phase 1 of the Willowcrest Townhomes, the
first affordable home ownership development built with green features that significantly reduce utilities
costs and climate impacts. The 12 dwellings were built on land provided by RHA in the Sunset
neighborhood. The 3 and 4 bedroom townhomes achieve net zero energy usage.
INCENTIVES:
•In 2003, Council adopted a Multi-Family Housing Property Tax Exemption for market rate and
affordable housing. This incentive originally applied to 3 targeted areas, Downtown, Sunset, and South
Lake Washington. After more than 1,000 multi-family units were constructed, the incentive was
removed from South Lake Washington, but it has been consistently renewed for the other 2 targeted
areas. In 2021, Council adopted a new eligible area at the Rainier Grady TOD (Transit Oriented
Development) Subarea for new affordable and market rate housing and reinstated the South Lake
Washington area for affordable housing only.
•Fee waivers have been established for eligible owner-occupied units constructed Downtown and in the
Sunset area, as well as eligible rental occupied multifamily housing in Sunset.
•Parking reductions have been adopted throughout the City for affordable housing; requiring 1 space
per 4 dwelling units. In Downtown, parking reductions are also in place to reduce development costs
for commercial projects, including market-rate and/or affordable housing projects.
REGULATIONS:
•Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are small residences detached from a single-family home. The
relatively small size of ADUs often makes them more affordable – even at market rates. To promote
ADU development, the City developed a Permit Ready ADU (PRADU) Program that offers 8 pre-
approved, designed, and engineered ADU model base plans. The model base plan range in size from
415 - 1,000 sq. ft. and vary in architectural styles so the ADU will complement the existing home.
•Development fees for ADU’s have been eliminated. Renton School District and Renton Fire Authority
Impact Fees, and all planning and building fees are $0. Utility connection fees have been reduced by
50%. The fee reductions/waivers will sunset at the end of 2022.
•In 2021, the City adopted new standards for Cottage Housing, a group of small dwellings surround a
common area. These smaller homes are ideal for first-time home buyers, small families, empty
nesters, and older residents. These developments efficiently use urban residential land and contribute
to missing middle housing. To incentivize these projects the City allows 2.5x the density of the
underlying zone. Homes can be no larger than 1,500 sq. ft. and at least 50% of all them can be no
larger than 1,000 sq. ft. (Link to Powerpoint on both Renton’s PRADU and Cottage Housing.)
AGENDA ITEM #2. •
PLANS AND STATUTES:
• The City adopted the Housing Action Plan (HAP) in 2021. The Housing Action Plan is action-oriented
and focuses on near-term solutions to increase housing availability and affordability over the next 5
years. The goals of the plan are: to promote diverse neighborhoods, build sustainable and complete
housing ecosystems, promote more market rate housing production, expand local housing
opportunities for low and moderate incomes, and to increase the supply of subsidized, income
qualifying housing.
• A Subarea Plan for the Rainier/Grady Junction was adopted last year. It sets a 20 year vision to ensure
the area evolves from a primarily linear strip commercial area to a pedestrian friendly, amenity rich
community. With bus service running every 10-15 minutes that connects to other regional destinations
for work and entertainment. Residents will be able to deboard the bus and run errands (pharmacy,
grocery store, etc.) without getting in their car.
PRESERVATION:
• The Housing Repair Assistance Program (HRAP) is focused on making homes healthy for eligible
homeowners. The services are provided at no cost to them. The maximum expenditure per client per
calendar year is $6,000. There is a 10 year limit of $10,000. The distribution of this funding is based on
the priority of repairs/services. The highest priority repairs/services are: if it is moisture or air quality
related, an emergency, a hardship if the repair is not completed in a timely manner, if there is funding
from other sources so that funds can be leveraged, the scope of work, date of request, and cost.
FUNDING:
• City Council created the Housing Opportunity Fund in 2008 and allocated $200,000 for the fund.
Proceeds have supported the Renton Housing Authority’s Glennwood Townhomes and Kirkland
Avenue Townhomes in the Sunset Area, and the Habitat for Humanity La Fortuna project in Benson.
CURRENT WORK
• Continue to participate in the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle/King County.
• Continue to participate in the South King Housing and Homelessness Partnership (SoKiHo). The City
secured a grant from the Department of Commerce and partnered with other SoKiHo cities to develop
a dashboard to track affordable housing units.
• Linkage Fees – A surcharge for all new commercial permits in the city, which would establish a fund for
affordable housing projects. The Commerce grant mentioned above will also be used to develop the
basis for the City to adopt linkage fees.
• A planned action Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Rainier Grady TOD Subarea will be
initiated this year with a second grant the city received from Commerce. Similar to the one the City
adopted for the Sunset area, this EIS will identify environmental impacts associated with a plan for a
specific geographic area before individual projects are proposed.
NEXT STEPS:
• Continue work with countywide non-profit and regional partners to identify and collaborate on
different strategies to help advance affordable housing.
• Affordable development on surplus public land, work with Housing Authorities and/or affordable
housing developers to utilize surplus public lands.
AGENDA ITEM #2. •
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES 2023-2024
PROACTIVE PLAN TO BRING BUSINESSES TO THE DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR
(Priorities, challenges, and opportunities)
BACKGROUND:
Economic Development has been in a reactionary mode and focused on recovery with our businesses
for the last 2 years and confined to the day-to-day planning. Listening to and understanding our
businesses and their needs has been key to working with our partners and finding opportunities where
we can. As the City comes out of the pandemic, Economic Development recognizes that the world,
especially the business world, is different and there is a need to review the City’s efforts and direction.
CURRENT WORK:
• Major Development pipeline projects shown on the attached map. More detailed information
can be viewed HERE.
• Applying for grants that support strategic opportunities.
• Building relationships and leveraging partnerships to increase our awareness and support for
City and regional initiatives that impact our community.
NEXT STEPS / STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES:
• Downtown Focus:
o Civic Core implementation – establish a City interdepartmental team and external
partners to review, evaluate and work towards the task items listed.
o Pavilion – continued efforts and support for the Pavilion by establishing the future use,
lease, and redevelopment of the site.
o 200 Mill – continued efforts and support on the redevelopment of the 200 Mill site to
align with City and downtown vision.
o Main Street Program – continued efforts to establish the Renton Downtown Partnership
as a designated Main Street program; define the roles and responsibilities of the City,
Main Street and the Chamber to best support the downtown businesses and initiatives.
• City-wide Focus:
o Private Development areas – Southport, Longacres, Rainier and Grady Transit District,
and Sunset are in various stages of development; support as needed with coordination
in planning and infrastructure; partner with developers to attract businesses in those
developments.
o Partnerships and resources – work on establishing or cultivating partnerships and
resources to fill the gaps in needs, services, and opportunities through funding,
opportunities, and workforce development.
• Funding Opportunity:
o Evaluate and establish a TIF (tax increment financing) by reviewing the opportunities
within the City limits that meet the state requirements.
o Market opportunities to advance development and planning in the proposed TIF area.
AGENDA ITEM #2. •
• Marketing and Tourism:
o www.VisitRentonWA.com; www.rentondowntown.com; www.whyrenton.com
o Collaborate with the partners of the Renton Community Marketing Campaign to
showcase Renton as a premier location for business, as well as a tourism destination
and an active, revitalized downtown.
o Develop and execute a local business support campaign to address challenges and
increase spending to overcome disruptions caused by COVID-19.
o Conduct targeted economic development media outreach to position Renton as the
Puget Sound city of the future with a business-friendly climate, strong infrastructure,
convenient locale, available commercial space and authentic character of the
community (diverse, current, housing options).
o Increase awareness of Renton as a leisure destination for out of state visitors with the
Port of Seattle leisure tourism campaign.
o Partner with nonprofits on projects that assist with tourism development and
promotion of the city through the Lodging Tax grant program.
• Arts and Creative Economy:
o Evaluate steps and support needed to define a creative economy for our arts and
culture to thrive in Renton.
o Work with the Renton Municipal Arts Commission and the Port of Seattle to promote
Renton as a center for arts and culture.
o Participate in regional Arts & Economic Prosperity study (to be completed during fiscal
year 2022) to measure the economic impact of spending by nonprofit arts and cultural
organizations and identify new opportunities for arts and culture within the city limits.
o Continue to build on the partnerships with the Renton History Museum, Arts
Commission, Renton Theatre, REELRenton, Renton School District and other groups to
create more programming opportunities to encourage diversity in the arts.
o Evaluate a dedicated arts space for youth, small businesses, and BIPOC communities
within the downtown to create an inclusive and welcoming environment.
o Create a toolkit with resources and testimonials about the create economy in Renton,
including links for how to get involved.
• Capital Improvement Program:
o Identify opportunities to encourage business and development through public capital
improvement projects.
o Apply for grant or other funding sources to advance these opportunities.
o Examples: Downtown Streetscape Program, Façade Program, Pavilion renovation, and
other Civic Core items.
AGENDA ITEM #2. •
SMALL BUSINESS, BIPOC AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
PROCTIVE PLAN TO BRING TARGETED BUSINESSES TO THE DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR
BACKGROUND:
There is a need for resources and support for small businesses, BIPOC communities, and our next
generation entering the workforce. The Economic Development strategies are intertwined with finding
and promoting these opportunities for these communities. The past couple of years has highlighted the
work we have done and the work we can be doing.
CURRENT WORK:
• Continue to adapt and iterate programs to provide targeted, strategic support and stability for
businesses disproportionately impacted by the pandemic in concert with the Startup 425
partnership.
• Leverage local resources through collaborative efforts to stabilize and strengthen women,
minority, and BIPOC owned businesses and small businesses.
• Administering grant opportunities through ARPA with the approved Council funding.
• Applying for grants to support our strategic opportunities.
NEXT STEPS / STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES:
• Business Incubation:
o Perform assessment on multiple locations to determine a sustainable space for business
incubation; currently evaluating city facilities, another option is to incorporate a space
within the Pavilion as we evaluate the redevelopment of the space.
o Look at other spaces throughout the city that may be potential incubation locations
such as the Benson Hill or Highlands neighborhoods.
o Work with local businesses or those that would use this space to confirm the needs and
resources for these locations.
o Partner with regional organizations to provide the necessary resources for these
businesses and communities to help them thrive.
• Regional partnerships:
o Startup 425 – this initiative is focused on providing general business support services
and creative solution for those struggling to regain stability following COVID-19.
o Revisit the ARPA funding opportunities to investigate if the Flex Fund for small
businesses is a viable option to provide funding for local businesses.
o Renton Reporter Shop Local program is under evaluation to highlight and provide
marketing support for local businesses.
• Downtown Focus:
o Main Street – continue progression towards being a designated program which will
provide additional funding opportunities for local businesses to defer taxes, offer
programs and other services in the downtown.
o Incentives for new business – Port grant application included a program that would
provide incentives for new businesses relocating to the downtown area.
AGENDA ITEM #2. •
o Film Frenzy – Port grant application included a program that would highlight local
businesses in short film competition with the goal to use these as marketing for various
media outlets.
• Workforce Development:
o Identify, promote, and encourage training and educational programs throughout the
City and region.
o Communicate with businesses to understand the workforce needs and match them with
regional partners if possible.
o Evaluate creative national marketing companies focused on highlighting a community
and bringing new people to the area.
• Marketing:
o Renton Reporter Shop Local program – provide marketing assistance to local businesses
with focus on women, minority, and BIPOC owned businesses and small businesses.
o Targeted advertising in various media platforms to promote our women, minority, and
BIPOC owned businesses and small businesses.
AGENDA ITEM #2. •
Renton City Council Retreat March 31, April 1, 2022
Equity, Housing and Human Services
HUMAN SERVICES AND EQUITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
EHHS has contracted with Koné Consulting to complete this work. The project is divided into two phases:
Phase I: Human Services and Equity Assessment (February to July)
The Human Services and Equity Assessment will provide a picture – drawn from data and lived experience –
of the broad spectrum of human service needs and gaps in services. Tasks within this phase include a Rapid
Assessment, a Providers Survey, and Lived Experience Focus Groups.
Phase II: Human Services Implementation Plan (August to October)
The Human Services Implementation Plan will be developed by stakeholders and contain a list of strategies
and an implementation schedule for the City. This phase will include “Sense-Making” Workshops with key
stakeholders to create the implementation plan
Below is an overview of the project timeline, key tasks, and deliverables:
EQUITY
EQUITY COMMISSION
• April 7, 1st meeting; bylaws to
be presented and upon the
Commission’s approval the
bylaws will be presented to
Council for adoption
• Consider scheduling
updates/discussions with
Council Committees
• Department Equity Analysis
HOUSING
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
AND HOME OWNERSHIP
• Housing Action Plan
• Partnerships
• Funding
• Looking to the Future
• Affordability – Ownership
versus renting
HUMAN SERVICES
COLD WEATHER
SHELTER
• Timely and compassionate
shelter response during cold
weather
• Looking at creative solutions
for social services Village of
Hope, caseworker
• HB 1590 progress -FD CARES
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
Renton City Council Retreat March 31, April 1, 2022
2
Additional Handouts:
• Renton City Council Affordable Housing, by Hannah Bahnmiller/Mark Santos-Johnson
• Renton Equity Commission Charter
For questions please contact
Preeti Shridhar, pshridhar@rentonwa.gov
206-491-8158
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
AB - 2962
City Council Regular Meeting - 18 Oct 2021
SUBJECT/TITLE: Establishment of the Renton Equity Commission
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Refer to Committee of the Whole
DEPARTMENT: Equity, Housing, and Human Services Department
STAFF CONTACT: Preeti Shridhar, Equity, Housing, and Human Services Administrator
EXT.: 6569
FISCAL IMPACT SUMMARY:
Establishment of the Renton Equity Commission has no fiscal impact. In alignment with other city boards,
commissions, or committees, the members are not compensated for their service to the Commission.
SUMMARY OF ACTION: The Department of Equity, Housing, and Human Services (EHHS) is requesting Council approval and adoption of an
ordinance to establish and staff the Renton Equity Commission. Members will be appointed by the Mayor and
subject to confirmation by the City Council. The Equity Commission will consist of 9 members and include one
youth representative between 18-25 years old. The Commission membership will reflect the diversity of the
city including, but not limited to ethnicity, race, age, gender, faith, gender identity and expression, and
profession. Since the Commission will provide recommendations to the City Council, Councilmembers will not
be eligible to serve on the body. Commission members will have a demonstrated history of supporting equity.
If approved the Commission and staff will work together to establish a regular meeting schedule and work
plan.
On May 10, 2021, the City Council approved the 2022-2027 Business Plan. The Business Plan includes goals
that work toward, "Building an inclusive, informed and hate-free city with equitable outcomes for all in support
of social, economic, and racial justice.” Creation of the Department of Equity, Housing, and Human Services
last summer gives the city an opportunity to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Such a focus in
conjunction with the EHHS Housing and Human Services divisions offer a community and internal scope that
can have greater impact as a bridge between the community and internal processes. The Commission will be
able to examine city policies, practices, and processes using the Renton Equity Lens to develop
recommendations that eradicate inequities and achieve equitable outcomes by eliminating racial, economic,
and social barriers in inter practices, city programs, services, and policies.
EXHIBITS: A. Ordinance
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt the ordinance to establish the Renton Equity Commission and present the ordinance for first and
second reading.
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
CITY ATTORNEY
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: October 11, 2021
TO: Jason A. Seth, City Clerk
FROM: Patrice Kent, Sr. Assistant City Attorney
SUBJECT: Ordinance Amending Chapter 2‐7 RMC
Renton Equity Commission
The above‐mentioned legislation is approved as to legal form.
/s/ Patrice Kent
PK: scr
Cc: Preeti Shridhar
Enc.
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
1
CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. ________
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, REPEALING AND
REPLACING CHAPTER 2‐7 OF THE RENTON MUNICIPAL CODE, ESTABLISHING THE
RENTON EQUITY COMMISSION, PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, AND
ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS the City of Renton established an Advisory Commission on Diversity to address
general practices of discrimination; and
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the Advisory Commission on Diversity does not
meet the full needs for equity and inclusion in the City; and
WHEREAS, the City has undertaken a year‐long effort to identify how to improve equity
and inclusion in a meaningful and on‐going way including holding 11 meetings with community
members reflecting the diversity of Renton to seek their input; and
WHEREAS, the City proposes the formation of an Equity Commission to address the full
needs of equity and inclusion in alignment with the Renton Mission and Business Plan;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, DO
ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. All portions of the Renton Municipal Code in this ordinance not shown in
strikethrough and underline edits remain in effect and unchanged.
SECTION II. Chapter 2‐7 of the Renton Municipal Code is repealed in its entirety and
replaced as shown on Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated by this reference.
SECTION III. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or work of this
ordinance should be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court or competent jurisdiction,
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
ORDINANCE NO. ________
2
such invalidity or unconstitutionality thereof shall not affect the constitutionality of any other
section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or word of this ordinance.
SECTION IV. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect thirty (30) days after
publication of a summary of this ordinance in the City’s official newspaper. The summary shall
consist of this ordinance’s title.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this _______ day of ___________________, 2021.
Jason A. Seth, City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this _______ day of _____________________, 2021.
Armondo Pavone, Mayor
Approved as to form:
Shane Moloney, City Attorney
Date of Publication:
ORD:2179:10/11/21
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
ORDINANCE NO. ________
3
EXHIBIT A
RENTON MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 2‐7
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
ORDINANCE NO. ________
4
CHAPTER 7
RENTON EQUITY COMMISSION
SECTION:
2‐7‐1: Declaration of Policy
2‐7‐2: Creation of Renton Equity Commission
2‐7‐3: Duties and Powers Of Commission
2‐7‐4: Appointment and Members
2‐7‐5 Compensation
2‐7‐6 Selection Process
2‐7‐7: Appointment of Subcommittees
2‐7‐8: Investigations, Public Hearings, And Research
2‐7‐9: Procedure, Meetings, And Interpretation
2‐7‐10: City Council Review
2‐7‐1 DECLARATION OF POLICY:
The City Council herewith finds that all forms of prejudice and the general practice of
discrimination against any individual, group, or organization by reason of race, color, creed,
national origin, age, sex, gender identity and expression, the presence of any sensory, mental or
physical disability, or marital status have a detrimental effect on the public welfare and well‐
being. To eliminate such prejudice and discrimination an instrumentality should be established
through which the employees and officials of the City may obtain advice and assistance using the
Renton Equity Lens to identify and address inequities in order to eliminate racial, economic, and
social barriers identified in City programs, services and policies.
The City Council further finds that it would be in the interests of all citizens of the City of Renton
to include in its Mission and Business Plan the importance of building an inclusive, informed, and
hate‐free city with equitable outcomes for all in support of social, economic, and racial justice.
Whenever a word is used herein, the definition given to that word shall be that of RCW 49.60.040
(Definitions) which is incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
ORDINANCE NO. ________
5
2‐7‐2 CREATION OF RENTON EQUITY COMMISSION:
There is hereby created the Renton Equity Commission in furtherance of the goals identified in
the Declaration of Policy.
2‐7‐3 DUTIES AND POWERS OF COMMISSION:
Duties and powers of the Renton Equity Commission are intended to advance equity and
inclusion in support of the City’s goal to build an inclusive, informed, and hate‐free city with
equitable outcomes for all in support of social, economic, and racial justice. The Renton Equity
Commission shall have the power and duty to:
A. At request of City staff or officials, review City practices, policies, or procedures under
their authority to provide recommendations to the requestor .
B. Renton Equity Commission recommendations will be based on analysis of how or whether
the practice, policy, or procedure may tend to create or support inequity, including what
community or communities may be impacted, and how those impacts may emerge.
C. Renton Equity Commission recommendations will, to the extent possible, provide specific
actions to resolve the identified inequities.
D. The Renton Equity Commission will provide an annual report to the Council on goals,
outcomes, and recommendations for future goals to be included in the report described in
Section 2‐7‐10 (City Council Review).The Commission will provide an annual report to the Council
on goals, outcomes, and recommendations for future goals, to be included in the report
described in Section 2‐7‐10 (City Council Review).
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
ORDINANCE NO. ________
6
E. Within the first six (6) months of formation, the Renton Equity Commission shall develop
a Mission, Vision, and By‐Laws including elections of officers as needed to further manage its
operations according to the terms of this Chapter.
2‐7‐4 APPOINTMENT, TERM, AND MEMBERSHIP:
The Renton Equity Commission will consist of nine (9) members appointed by the Mayor, and
confirmed by City Council as follows:
A. At the time of initial appointment, three (3) members shall be appointed for one (1) year;
three (3) members hall be appointed for two (2) years; three (3) members shall be appointed for
three (3) years. At the expiration of the initial term, three (3) members shall be appointed each
year for three (3)‐year terms.
B. Terms shall be from January 1 of the appointment year, through December 31 of the term
expiration year.
C. Membership should reflect the diversity of the City including but not limited to ethnicity,
race, age, gender, faith, gender identity and expression, and profession. Due to the size of the
Renton Equity Commission, it is understood that it is possible that not every group may be
represented.
D. Members shall, from the time of their appointment and confirmation through their term,
be a resident of, or business owner in, the City of Renton and able to attend meetings as
necessary. If they no longer reside or have a business in Renton, they forfeit their membership in
the Renton Equity Commission as of the date of their move.
E. Applicants for appointment shall have a demonstrated commitment to equity.
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
ORDINANCE NO. ________
7
F. At least one member shall be a “youth” member between the ages of eighteen (18) and
twenty‐five (25) at the time the member is confirmed in their appointment.
G. No sitting City Council member shall be a member of the Renton Equity Commission; if a
Renton Equity Commission member is elected or appointed to City Council, they shall forfeit their
membership on the Renton Equity Commission effective at the date of their swearing‐in as a City
Council member. Nothing in this section is intended to discourage former City Council members
from applying for appointment so long as they meet other appointment requirements.
H. No current City employee or consultant shall be a member of the Renton Equity
Commission; if a Renton Equity Commission member becomes employed or contracted by the
City, they shall forfeit their membership on the Renton Equity Commission effective on their first
day of employment or contract with the City. Nothing in the section is intended to discourage
former City employees or consultants from applying for appointment so long as they meet other
appointment requirements.
I. A majority of the members appointed and confirmed shall constitute a quorum for the
purpose of conducting the business of the Renton Equity Commission.
2‐7‐5 COMPENSATION:
In alignment with other City boards/commissions/committees, there will be no compensation for
serving on the Renton Equity Commission
2‐7‐6 APPOINTMENT PROCESS:
The Mayor shall develop and post a procedure by which interested Renton residents or business
owners may apply for membership on the Renton Equity Commission. The procedure shall
include, at a minimum:
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A. Public notice calling for applicants; and
B. Provision for interview protocols for all applicants.
2‐7‐7 APPOINTMENT OF SUBCOMMITTEES:
A majority of the members of the Renton Equity Commission may name such subcommittee or
subcommittees, as in its judgment, will aid in effectuating the purpose of this Chapter and may
empower any such subcommittee to review policies, practices, and procedures and advise the
full Renton Equity Commission regarding its findings on equity issues for the Renton Equity
Commission to take action within the purview of this Chapter.
2‐7‐9 PROCEDURE AND MEETINGS:
The provisions of this Chapter shall be construed for the accomplishment of the purposes set
forth in this Chapter. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to amend, repeal, or modify any
of the provisions of any civil rights law or any other law of the federal or state government, or
any other provisions of this Code relating to discrimination because of race, color, creed, national
origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or
marital status as defined in this Chapter.
A. Renton Equity Commission members will receive training on how to use the Renton Equity
Lens, and for compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act and the Public Records Act within
ninety (90) days of their appointment on confirmation, and every two (2) years thereafter.
B. A City staff person will be assigned as part of their regular duties to provide administrative
support to the Renton Equity Commission.
1. Administrative support will include but not be limited to retaining records as required
under RCW 42.56 (Public Records Act), ensuring compliance with RCW 42.30 (Open Public
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Meetings Act), and providing coordination as needed with other City staff to provide policies,
procedures, practices to the Renton Equity Commission and to facilitate presentations on
materials to the Renton Equity Commission.
2. The staff person will ensure that City Subject Matter Experts are available to brief
Commission members on items pertinent to the practice, policy, or procedure under review.
3. The staff person will also prepare recommendations of the Renton Equity Commission
for presentation to City staff and/or elected officials.
C. Members may, from time to time, participate in “town hall” or similar meetings open to
the public, in order to help analyze and provide recommendations on policy, procedures, and
practices. Any such meetings will be reviewed for compliance with applicable public
transparency and records retention requirements.
D. The Renton Equity Commission may request information as needed from other
community groups including, but not limited to, the Mayor’s Inclusion Task force, Latino Forum,
Vietnamese/Chinese Forum, African American Pastoral Group, Renton Police Advisory
Committee, etc.
E. Members who have more than three (3) unexcused absences may be removed by action
of the Mayor.
2‐7‐10 CITY COUNCIL REVIEW:
The Renton Equity Commission shall submit unto the City Council, by January 31st of each year,
a summary of all actions taken by the Renton Equity Commission, including analysis of policies,
programs, services, and procedures and recommendations therefrom, during the preceding year
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so that the City Council may fully review the manner in which the Renton Equity Commission has
implemented and enforced the provisions of this Chapter.
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
COMMITTEE REPORT
October 25, 2021
Establishment of the Renton Equity Commission
(October 18, 2021)
The Committee of the Whole recommends concurrence in the staff recommendation to
approve the establishment of the Renton Equity Commission, adopt the ordinance
establishing the Commission and present it for first and second reading.
Randy Corman, Council President
cc: Preeti Shridhar, Equity, Housing, and Human Services Administrator
Benita Horn, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant
Mark Santos-Johnson, Housing Manager
Guy Williams, Human Services Manager
Linda Moschetti-Newing Administrative Assistant
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Communities throughout the Puget Sound region continue to see rising home prices, higher rents, and
diminishing options for housing. High-income workers and a shortage of housing units continue to push
homebuying and rental prices upward. High housing prices and cost-burden make homeownership
unattainable for many and threaten basic shelter for some in our community.
The City of Renton’s Comprehensive Plan aims to develop strategies to achieve a diverse housing stock that is
affordable for the following minimum Area Median Income (AMI) percentages of the City’s households:
0-30% AMI 30-50% AMI 50-80% AMI >80% AMI
2012 COMP PLAN GOAL 12% 12% 16% 60%
2017 NUMBER OF UNITS 1 1,720 7,285 10,160 20,133
AS % OF HOUSING STOCK 4% 19% 26% 51%
By this measure, the City is not meeting the Plan’s affordability goals for extremely low (0-30% AMI). The City
has undertaken many past efforts, described in detail in the Housing Action Plan (HAP) in “Current Housing
Initiatives.” Below are some efforts currently underway or planned to continue to address the need for
affordable housing.
CURRENT WORK
Partnerships:
• The City works closely with the Renton Housing Authority (RHA), the South King Housing &
Homelessness Partners (SKHHP), and the Housing Development Consortium (HDC). As part of HDC,
the City participates in the Seattle Foundation’s Civic Commons “Black Home Initiative.”
• The City has elected representatives on the King County Affordable Housing Committee and SKHHP
Executive Board
• Partnerships with affordable housing developers are key to achieving our housing goals. Below are two
examples.
o In 2021, Homestead Community Land Trust completed Phase 1 of the Willowcrest Townhomes,
the first affordable multi-family homeownership development in Western Washington state
built with green features that significantly reduce utility costs and climate impacts. The 12
dwellings were built on land donated by RHA in the Sunset neighborhood. The City provided
$357,000 in funding for the project (including the last $25,000 available in the Housing
Opportunity Fund).
Work is currently underway with Homestead Community Land Trust to help secure
funding for the proposed 19-unit Willowcrest Townhomes Phase 2 project on land to
be donated by the Renton Housing Authority on the adjacent property to the Phase 1
project in the Sunset Area
o In 2021, the Renton Housing Authority completed the 60-unit Sunset Oaks affordable rental
housing project. The City helped RHA secure $5 million in King County funding to help pay for
the development. The City also provided $700,000 in funding for the project.
1 2017 housing unit figures were obtained from the 2021 King County Countywide Planning Policies Housing Element
Table H-3.
AGENDA ITEM #4. •
Incentives and Planning:
• Continue to provide incentives for affordable and “missing middle” type housing; current work
includes providing fee waivers for affordable housing and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), density
bonuses for affordable units and cottage housing, and the Permit Ready ADU (PRADU) program with
pre-approved, designed, and engineered ADU model base plans.
• In 2021, the City adopted the city’s first Housing Action Plan. The HAP is action-oriented and focuses
on near-term solutions to increase housing availability and affordability over the next 5 years. The
goals of the plan are to promote diverse neighborhoods, build sustainable and complete housing
ecosystems, promote more market-rate housing production, expand local housing opportunities for
low and moderate incomes, and increase the supply of subsidized, income-qualifying housing.
o Work is currently underway to implement the Housing Action Plan through Department of
Commerce grant projects, including projects to conduct a residential land use study, conduct a
nexus study to assess the feasibility of an affordable housing linkage fee, and partnering with
South King County cities to develop a dashboard to track affordable housing units.
• A Subarea Plan for the Rainier/Grady Junction was adopted last year. It sets a 20-year vision to ensure
the area evolves from a primarily linear strip commercial area to a pedestrian-friendly, amenity-rich
community.
o As part of this Plan, the City is currently working with Sound Communities to help plan for
equitable transit-oriented development around the future Renton Transit Center and to secure
Housing Benefit District and/or other funding to acquire, assemble, and/or landbank adjacent
land to be developed into affordable and mixed-income housing.
Funding:
• City Council created the Housing Opportunity Fund in 2008 and allocated $200,000 for the fund.
Proceeds have supported two affordable rental housing and two affordable homeownership projects.
The Housing Opportunity Fund is currently depleted.
• City Council authorized HB 1590 funding in 2021 and allocated $1.5 million to the RHA’s Sunset
Gardens. The funds may be used for housing or housing-related services 2 and are limited to eligible
target populations at or below 60% AMI. Annual collections are based on actual revenue collections
but are estimated at approximately $3 million/year.
• City Council authorized the pooling of SHB 1406 funding to the SKHHP Capital Fund through 2022.
Annual collections are based on actual revenue collection but are not to exceed $236,000/year for
twenty years.
UPCOMING WORK
• Continue to implement the Housing Action Plan’s five-year Implementation Schedule, including
adopting appropriate missing middle strategies and establishing affordable housing as a public benefit
for Planned Unit Developments (PUD).
• Develop an internal housing tracking and monitoring system to track progress in meeting affordable
housing goals.
• Update the Housing and Human Services Element of the Comprehensive Plan.
• Advocate for and help secure additional resources to support more affordable rental housing and
homeownership development in Renton.
• Pursue potential use of surplus public lands to support affordable housing development.
2 Reference full allowed uses of the funds and target populations in the legislation here.
AGENDA ITEM #4. •