Committee of the Whole - June 15, 2026

The City of Renton's Committee of the Whole meeting on June 15, 2026, included two main agenda items: an update on the urban forestry program and an introduction to the city's new investment advisor, PFM Asset Management. The urban forestry discussion highlighted progress in increasing the city's tree canopy coverage from 29% to approximately 31%, ongoing customer service efforts addressing tree-related concerns, and plans to bring certain contracts, such as watering, in-house to improve quality control. The council also discussed balancing urban canopy growth with development needs and enhancing partnerships and volunteer programs. The investment advisor presentation detailed PFM's services, emphasizing their fiduciary role, active portfolio management, and strategies to optimize the city's investment returns while maintaining safety and liquidity. Updates to the city's investment policy statement were reviewed, including administrative improvements and risk mitigation measures. Council members engaged with the advisors on investment opportunities, including extending portfolio maturities and diversifying into corporate bonds and supranational securities to increase yields.