The City of Renton has been honored by Washington Gov. Jay Inslee with a Lifetime Achievement Award, as the Washington State Growth Management Act marks its 25th anniversary.

The award recognizes extraordinary efforts by communities throughout the state to envision and plan for the future. The honorees were selected from the pool of past Governor’s Smart Communities Award winners.

“We are honored to be acknowledged for our efforts to promote smart growth in our city,” Renton Mayor Denis Law said in a press release. “As a lifetime achievement award, this particular recognition reminds us that we are on the right track for our community and encourages us to continue to strive for a better quality of life for all our residents.”

As a four-time recipient of the Governor’s Smart Communities Award, Renton has been recognized for identifying goals and implementing strategies that ensure growth will occur in a way that enhances and sustains essential elements of a livable community. The projects for which Renton has been recognized include:

• 2012: Smart Vision Award for Comprehensive Planning, for the Parks, Recreation and Natural Areas 20-year vision;

• 2013: Smart Vision Award for Comprehensive Planning, for the Sunset Area Planned Action;

• 2014: Smart Partnerships Award for a Development Project to Implement a Plan, for the partnership between the City of Renton and Renton School District Meadow Crest Early Learning Center and Meadow Crest Accessible Playground; and

• 2015: Judges’ Merit Award, for the Kirkland Avenue Townhomes.

“Quality of life is one of the chief reasons people choose to live, work and play in Washington state – it’s foundational to a thriving community and economy,” said Inslee. “Over the 25 years since the inception of the Growth Management Act, these projects showcase the successful collaborations it takes to plan effectively for business expansion, revitalization of a downtown area and promote jobs, housing, community amenities and regional transit facilities.”