Dear Community
Dear Renton Community,
I recently took a walk down 3rd Street, from Main Street to Shattuck Avenue, and as I walked those six blocks, I noticed something that I believe we, as a community, can address together. Along the sidewalks, curbs, drains, and grassy areas, I saw an accumulation of trash—scattered pieces here and there, some caught in the wind, some tucked into corners, and some likely dropped by accident.
This is not a letter of complaint, nor is it an attempt to assign blame. Instead, this is an invitation—an invitation to shift our mindset and take collective responsibility for the spaces we share. Too often, the prevailing thought is: “I didn’t put it there, so it’s not my job to pick it up.” But what if we looked at it differently?
What if, instead of assuming that litter is the result of intentional neglect, we considered that much of it may have ended up where it is by chance—a gust of wind, an item slipping from a pocket, or something falling unnoticed when stepping out of a car? What if we focused less on who is responsible for the mess and more on how we, together, can create a cleaner, more welcoming Renton?
A movement doesn’t start overnight, and I know change takes time. But imagine if every person picked up just one piece of trash a day. Imagine if businesses took a moment to check the area in front of their shops. Imagine if we didn’t just rely on the city’s cleanup efforts but instead worked with them to keep our streets and sidewalks clean. Small actions, spread across many, create a powerful impact.
Renton is a vibrant city with a strong sense of community. Let’s extend that spirit to the way we care for our shared spaces. This is not about obligation—it’s about pride. It’s about taking ownership, not because we have to, but because we can.
I hope you’ll join me in this simple yet meaningful effort. Whether you’re a business owner, a resident, or a city official, your contribution matters. And together, small acts of care can lead to big changes. Please like and Share this to spread the love
With appreciation,
Jeffrey M. Lawrence
