City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

The City Council of Renton held a meeting on May 4, 2026, which included significant discussions on two main procurement-related topics. First, the council considered a street vacation petition submitted by the Renton School District to vacate portions of South Tilghum Street and South Tobin Street to facilitate the expansion of Renton High School. After extensive public testimony expressing concerns about traffic impacts, pedestrian safety, and historical significance, the council voted to approve the petition to proceed with the appraisal process, with conditions that compensation be set after construction begins. Second, the council held a public hearing on a six-month moratorium related to detention facilities and associated transportation and food service operations, with public comments strongly supporting the continuation of the moratorium to prevent ICE detention centers in Renton. Additionally, the council debated and ultimately approved a motion to pause the use of Flock license plate reader (ALPR) cameras in the city pending further information and community feedback, citing concerns about privacy, data security, and potential misuse. Other procurement-related actions included the approval of a memorandum of understanding with the city of Kent for a grant and the adoption of a first quarter budget amendment ordinance. The council also voted to pause the Legacy Square Art Project's stage door installation to allow for additional community input.