At the May 20 Renton City Council meeting, Councilmember Kim-Khánh Văn gave a special mention of thanks to the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander communities.

“As we are in the month of May, I want to acknowledge and recognize the contribution of our Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander American Community members. And, per the 2020 census government site, 26 percent of those residing in Renton are from AANHPI ancestry, and I want to thank them for making Renton their home, establishing businesses here, and thank them for their resilience not just only to survive, but to thrive and build a better community here for all,” Văn said. “Given that we came out of a global pandemic, with lots of stereotypes and Asian hate and hate crimes, it’s important to recognize and remind of the contributions of our AANHPI community is tremendous to the betterment of our city.”

Văn also wanted to thank the numerous volunteers and commissioners who serve Renton for bringing their authentic selves, ensuring that Renton is welcoming to all. She also noted that seeing Judith Subia as the first AANHPI Renton Chief of Staff means a lot to see, as she is also from the AANHPI community. She also wanted to acknowledge Renton Equity Commission member Manami Imaoka and Renton Inclusion Task Force Member Dr. Vasudha Sharma

In other council action

• Mayor Armondo Pavone requested the confirmation of his appointment of Stephen Ratzlaff to the Renton Airport Advisory Committee for a term expiring May 7, 2027. Approved.

• The Community and Economic Development Department recommended an execution of grant agreements from the Port of Seattle to receive $80,000 with the City of Renton matching $40,000. These grants are to support small businesses and tourism opportunities in Renton. Approved.

• The Parks and Recreation Department submitted fee waiver requests from Sky Urban Institute for the Juneteenth Celebration at Liberty Park for $1,850, and the Renton Historical Society Annual Fundraising Gala at the Don Persson Senior Activity Center for $1,500.

• Ordinance No. 6135 was approved. The City of Renton seeks to provide an alternative incentive option for projects that propose affordable housing units in exchange for density bonus as well as provide additional submittal requirements, and provide updated standards and criteria for affordable housing projects to ensure the units remain affordable, consistent with code. This ordinance amends density bonus regulations, and authorized corrections.