Mayor Kathy Keolker delivered the State of the City address last Wednesday. You can read her address online at http://rentonwa.gov/.  

In her speech, Mayor Keolker spoke about the state of the city as opposed to the places the city needs to go. She covered future goals as well but mostly focused on the progress the city has already achieved. 

Based on her speach, here is my report card... 

440 New companies have located to
Renton, with 1,338 employees in the last year.  

Renton's bond rating improved from A+ to AA- 

Renton's taxable retail sales increased by almost 10% in 2006 and is expected to increase another 7.5 percent in 2007. At this rate of growth, Renton will surpass King County's taxable retail sales receipts in the next few years. 

Over the seven-year period from 1999 to 2005, the city's population growth averaged 2.8 percent per year. 

The number of permits issued for new houses in Renton between 1999 and 2005, was 55 percent greater than in the previous seven-year period. 

For the next few years, the rate of increase in Renton jobs is expected to be 1.5 times that of King County.  

From 2004 to 2006, Renton collected almost $65 million in grants, and other revenues from various federal state and local agencies. 

The 2007 budget total is $210,861,478. It will focus on basic services, public safety, economic growth and community resources. 

Conner Homes broke ground on its 20acre luxury lakefront residential development just south of the Seahawks site.  

In 2007, construction of over $350 million in improvements to the 1-405, SR 167 corridor through Renton will get started. 

Thefts decreased by 24% last year resulting in a 15% overall reduction of Class I crimes. 

In closing, May Keolker asked that we work together to make sure that Renton will live up to the hope we have for our children. 

Mayor Keolker's speech also focused on lessons learned, although very briefly. What are your thoughts? Is Renton as rosy as Keolker would have us believe? I'd say it is.   

David Edwards

REALTOR®

Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound

425-890-8045

E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.com

Website: http://www.davidjedwards.com/

Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/renton-info-blog.asp 

David J Edwards is a full time real estate agent and REALTOR® with Keller Williams specializing in Residential Real Estate for buyers and sellers in Renton and
Newcastle Washington.