By TERRI BRIERE

Member, Renton City Council

The City of Renton has major hurdles to overcome in today’s faltering economy. There are difficult choices to be made. We are fortunate that, in the good times, Renton has been fiscally responsible. It is becoming increasingly clear that this may not be enough. It will take teamwork of the city staff, council, boards, commissions and, most importantly, our citizens to get Renton through these difficult times.

Council committees, boards and commissions are an important part of the team. I currently chair the council’s Community Services Committee. This committee oversees policy for parks, recreation, libraries, the arts, diversity, human services and more. Working with city departments and citizen boards and commissions in each of these areas enhances our community while being watchful of our resources.

For most of my nine years on council, I have served on the council’s Planning and Development and Utilities committees. The work that happens in these committees affect how our city looks, develops and runs. Working together with the Planning Commission, we have responded to concerns about development and redevelopment. When neighbors were upset with tightly packed houses being built among existing large-lot homes, there was a new zoning classification R-4 (four residences per acre) developed to ease the transition of new development in existing neighborhoods.

I have seen great strides made by working with residents. Several years ago, the city presented a plan to get redevelopment jump-started in the Highlands. Residents felt their true concerns had not been heard. The city responded by creating the Highlands Task Force. As I chaired this group of residents, owners, businesses and organizations that call the Highlands home, I felt proud to be a part of this collaborative approach the city has toward development. Staff from various departments worked with the task force to find solutions to concerns. The community and city worked together as a team.

Serving on the City Council and working alongside our city staff and volunteers, I feel comfortable in knowing that we are all ready to take on the challenges that come with our new world economy. By working with the citizens, I firmly believe that our city will emerge in better shape, with a leaner, meaner foundation. I know it won’t be easy. Nevertheless, I encourage you make a difference by volunteering and continuing to contact the council with your concerns. We are, after all, in this together.

City Council member Terri Briere can be reached at tbriere@rentonwa.gov