Renton council adopts first-quarter budget amendment, authorizes pay changes tied to Initiative 23-02

The Renton City Council adopted an ordinance at second and final reading that amends the 2023–24 biennial budget and authorizes pay changes to comply with Initiative 23‑02, the voter-approved local minimum-wage measure.

City staff summarized the ordinance as a first-quarter budget amendment that increases budgeted revenues by $76,945,749 and expenditures by $195,227,693 and includes provisions to align pay with the requirements of Initiative 23‑02. After the second reading, the council conducted a roll-call vote; all present members voted aye and the ordinance was adopted.

The vote followed public comments from residents and workers urging implementation and enforcement of Initiative 23‑02. Ellie Robertshaw, a five‑year Renton resident speaking virtually, reminded the council that the initiative passed with 58% of the vote and said the city has a responsibility to implement and enforce it: “It is now your responsibility to implement this initiative,” she said, urging the council to ensure employers do not exploit workers.

At the meeting, Michael Westgard, speaking for a Raise‑the‑Wage group, urged the city to define employer tiers clearly and to develop a timeline for regulatory compliance and enforcement resources so workers have access to information and legal support. Council members did not amend the ordinance at the meeting; the ordinance passed as read.

The ordinance text references prior budget ordinances (No. 6,088 and later amendments) and sets an effective date as specified in the adopted document. Council members and staff indicated implementation details and enforcement timeline will be handled through administrative processes and subsequent committee work.