RENTON CITY

Renton is a city in King County, Washington, USA, 13 miles (21 km) southeast of Seattle. The population was 50,052 at the 2000 census. The Washington State Office of Financial Management estimates the 2007 Renton population at 60,290. Effective March 1, 2008, the Benson Hill communities added approximately 18,000 residents for a total population approaching 80,000 [3]. Renton's Growth Management Act Planning Area, including the city proper and the Potential Annexation Areas, PAAs, of Fairwood, Skyway, West Hill, and East Renton Highlands had a population of over 110,000 in 2000.

Throughout the past 5 years[when?], Renton has worked hard[citation needed] to shed its image as a blue collar city that is stuck in the past. Today, many new housing and retail developments are currently under construction or are in the planning stages. The city has attracted big names throughout the years such as Boeing, IKEA, Kenworth, the Federal Reserve Bank, FAA, Seattle Seahawks Headquarters and the proposed King County Events Center which would have been the new home of the Seattle Sonics NBA franchise and the Seattle Storm WNBA Franchise. The downtown core has seen the biggest impact of revitalization throughout the past few years, as a new transit center was constructed as well as many high-end condominiums and a farmers market. The biggest development in city history is currently under construction along the south shores of Lake Washington near Boeing. Known as "The Landing", this 68-acre urban development will bring many new restaurants and retailers to the city[citation needed]. The City has an annexation plan that would expand the city to over 130,000 in population. A resolution to annex one such area, a nearby plateau area referred to as Fairwood, was defeated in a special election.[6] The resolution to annex Benson Hill passed in a recent election adding approximately 18,000 residents to the city effective March 1, 2008.[7]