City Council Meeting - July 20, 2026

The City Council meeting of Renton on July 20, 2026, focused heavily on public concerns regarding the use of Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, specifically those provided by Flock Safety. Numerous residents spoke during public comment opposing the renewal of the Flock contract, citing privacy, civil liberties, and data security issues. Council members discussed motions to keep the Flock cameras off while continuing to use in-car ALPR cameras and parking enforcement cameras, with a motion passed to pause the Flock cameras pending further contract review. Another motion to explore third-party auditing of all ALPR systems was also approved. Additionally, the council approved several procurement-related items including a utility easement release, a full weekend street closure for a fish passage culvert construction project, and a maintenance agreement with the Washington State Department of Transportation for an intersection improvement project. The council also adopted an ordinance amending the 2025-2026 biennial budget, increasing revenues and expenditures by over $7 million and $10 million respectively, reflecting position and salary adjustments. Overall, the meeting combined significant community input on surveillance technology procurement and oversight with routine infrastructure and budgetary approvals.