News

Renton City Council members like Kim-Khanh Van have heard from constituents that it can be hard to obtain masks, as they are such a hot commodity. “With the mask mandate, some of our community members can’t just afford to buy masks,” said Van, who was helping to hand out masks on Wednesday. “And if you are able to afford it, as you can see from other online sources, it’s scarcity at this point … so there’s a huge need in our community.” … Read More

Councilmember Kim-Khanh Van asked administrators what the city could do for small businesses both right now and for recovery once the coronavirus shutdown is through. During the council meeting Van proposed a small business stabilization fund of $200,000.... Van also addressed the backlash Asian communities around Renton have received from racism and misconceptions related to novel coronavirus, both at the committee meeting and the regular council meeting, reminding that Renton is an inclusive city that doesn’t tolerate discrimination. … Read More

At the meeting, Councilmember Kim-Khánh Van proposed that the city place a moratorium on evictions for renters and provide additional funds for small businesses. Van said she wanted to explore this more for the 42.8 percent of Renton residents that are renters, residents of color and vulnerable people being hurt by the outbreak. … Read More

[Van] has a strong vision for Renton’s future, with plans to work with law enforcement and housing agencies to develop inclusion and economic opportunity. Van’s civic résumé includes volunteer work and leadership roles with several organizations focused on helping immigrants. Her work as an attorney also has prepared her to shape public policy. … Read More

Twice Denis Law went looking for candidates to fill political positions in Renton, and both times he was persuaded by others to run himself. The first time was for city council, where he served one term; the second was for mayor, where he won three terms, the last two unopposed. Law probably could be a Daley-esque mayor-for-life, but he is building a new house in a decidedly nonurban part of Skagit Valley and will not seek re-election.

Renton will miss him.

If an entire city can be woke, then Renton might be the wokest. Law hasn’t just been the face (of color) of this city for 12 years, his administration has remade Renton’s public sector to be more accessible and answerable to a changed citizenry. It won a national award in 2014 for diversity from the National League of Cities and the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, and is an in-demand adviser on inclusion to individual cities across the country and organizations such as the Association of Washington Cities and U.S. Conference of Mayors.

… Read More