For a Better Renton group eyes council elections and more
New association is intended to address local issues.
A new association was launched to spearhead efforts to fight issues in Renton such as the Logan 6 development, the Renton High School eminent domain case and the abandoned building on Park Avenue.
Sheryl Friesz, president of For a Better Renton, commonly speaks during the Renton City Council’s public comments about issues. She announced the formation of the new association at the May 5 city council meeting.
Friesz said the association consists of more than a dozen individuals and covers five different generations and six different neighborhoods.
“Basically everybody has had numerous thoughts, challenges, issues with Renton, specifically with city council and the mayor, and we want to impact change,” Friesz said.
Friesz said a focus of the association is to create a city council that engages more with the community and its concerns.
“We’ve asked for more than a year, and that’s being generous, with city council to engage us differently. Have dialogue with us, be transparent, and be professional. That is what we are hoping to see,” Friesz said.
Protesters take on Renton High School expansion
As the plans to expand and replace the school have progressed, more Renton residents have become angry.
Two hours before the June 25 Renton School Board meeting, a protest took place outside the IKEA Performing Arts Center at Renton High School, where people with For A Better Renton held up signs, chanted and took signatures for their new petition, which calls to stop the expansion of Renton High School.
Over 30 protesters were present, carrying signs that read, “Honk if you support people not parking lots,” “Stop the Waste RSD” and “Save Catherine’s home!!!” One protester named Angie Laulainen said that she was there to support her friend Catherine Ploue-Smith.
Why Renton, WA homeowners are paying for a dilapidated Boeing building
The Brief
- A former Boeing office in Renton has become a safety hazard due to vandalism and squatting.
- The building’s decay has led to financial losses for local businesses and reduced city tax revenue.
- The property is for sale, but environmental issues complicate redevelopment, and demolition is planned.
KVI Morning Ride with Phil Mikelson
https://www.kvi.com/episode/september-10th-2025-the-morning-ride/
(fast forward to minute 70)
We spoke at the 11th Dems Meeting on September 16th.