THE RIGHT VOICE FOR RENTON

“Renton is the heart of the working people of our region and it is a privilege to serve the families who are building their lives here.” 

It is with great enthusiasm and with great pleasure that I announce that I am running for Re-Election for Renton City Council.

I am very proud to be the first Latina and immigrant elected in Renton. It has been an honor to serve as your councilmember. From bringing good jobs to our city, to addressing public safety concerns, and increasing our transportation options, affordable housing, and equity, I am committed to continue leading Renton with steady, well-informed leadership as we search for responsible ways to pare the budget and find long-term revenue solutions to improve our economy. 

I have 25+ years' experience working in government and community advocacy. When passing City and Fire Authority budgets, I have consistently prioritized law enforcement training and public safety resources needed to improve safety in our neighborhoods. I have championed policies to increase public transportation options, affordable housing, and human services, as well as proven my commitment to making our community better with upgrades to our parks and senior services. I have protected natural spaces and supported improvements in regional trails network, as well as funded salmon habitat and floodplain restoration projects.

With your support, I will lead Renton into our next chapter as a collaborative and inclusive city where working families, multicultural neighborhoods, and businesses work together to create a place where all are welcome, and all can thrive. 

Welcome to #TeamPérez

STRONG, STABLE, RELIABLE, AND EFECTIVE LEADERSHIP

Ruth Pérez was appointed to the Renton City Council in 2014, becoming the first Latina and immigrant to ever serve in this body. In 2015, she was elected to complete the term and she was successfully re-elected to the Council in 2017 and 2021. 

In 2019, Councilmember Ruth Perez was unanimously elected by her colleagues to serve as Renton Council President and in 2024 as Council President Pro Tem. In 2021, she proved her leadership by being elected to be the first female to serve as Chair of the Renton Regional Fire Authority Governance Board. During her tenure, she has chaired and served on every council committee.

“Since joining the City Council eleven years ago, representing the residents of Renton and fighting for our needs has been my top priority. Our city is blessed with tremendous energy and prosperity but faces many challenges requiring strong leadership and commitment to develop smart policy solutions. As a Renton City Councilmember, I have worked to ensure Renton is a place people are proud to call home, focusing on the issues that truly impact Renton residents’ everyday lives-- working to ensure a strong economy, bringing more jobs, reducing crime and homelessness, supporting inclusive polices, expanding access to housing, increasing human services, tackling our city’s transportation and traffic issues, and balancing a sustainable municipal budget.

I am committed to leading Renton into our new chapter and to continue to advocate for our residents at every turn.”

Perez was the first councilmember in Renton that received an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities for stepping beyond her current role as elected official.  She was voted “Renton’s Best Elected Official” in 2018 and 2019, and honored as a “Woman of the Year” in 2016. During her tenure on the City Council, she has represented the people of Renton on many regional boards and committees. Councilmember Pérez holds a BA in Communications and a Master’s in Business Administration.  

MEET RUTH

I was born and raised in Mexico City, at the time the largest city in the world. I began my career as a television reporter and later was the editor-in-chief and founder of three magazines. I moved to Seattle in 1997, studying English as a second language at the University of Washington and then finishing my Master’s Degree in 2000. Before graduation, however, I became involved in Washington’s dynamic economic development potential. In 1998, I worked with Governor Gary Locke during his first trade mission to Mexico.

During this mission, two things happened that would change my life forever: I met the man who would become my husband years later— and I met the Consul of Mexico in Seattle, who offered me a position in the Consulate of Mexico, a post I held for 10 years. 

During my tenure at the Consulate’s office, I was head of the educational and health programs for Mexican Communities Abroad. I traveled all over Washington State bringing educational programs and strategic plans to reduce the educational achievement gap among Spanish-speaking students and implemented programs for students to be able to learn English in class, but keep up with their peers by taking high-school level classes, such as geometry and physics, online in Spanish. I also established the first educational programs offered in Spanish at the Federal Detention Center. This program provided inmates with an opportunity to spend their leisure time in focused, constructive activities. I coordinated the First Binational Health Week in Washington State and led the Health Window project, which united efforts with diverse health institutions in the State of Washington to provide health education and medical screenings to the community. 

I moved to Renton in 2007. I heard that there was an opening on the Renton City Council and I applied thinking that my experience in public service, private business and in integrating different cultures into America’s lifestyle could all be a benefit to the City. I wanted to give back to the community that has given so much to me. 

I became the first immigrant and Latina elected in the City of Renton. In 2019, I was unanimously elected by my colleagues to serve as Renton Council President and in 2024 as Council President Pro Tem. During my tenure, I have chaired and served on every council committee. Furthermore, in 2021, I proved my leadership by being elected to be the first female to serve as Chair of the Renton Regional Fire Authority Governance Board

I believe I represent a new source of energy and enthusiasm for the City of Renton. With your support, I will lead Renton into our next chapter as a collaborative city where people, communities, neighborhoods, and businesses work together to create a place where all are welcome, and all thrive. It is time to come together to lift each other up, and promote the economic and social well-being of all Renton residents. 

As a councilmember, I stay busy continuing educating myself and serving Renton. Currently I am the Chair of Finance Committee, Transportation Committee Vice Chair, and Public Safety Committee Member. I have represented Renton and the Region on many regional boards and committees, including the National League of Cities Transportation & Infrastructure Services Committee, Association of Washington Cities Federal Committee, Eastside Transportation Partnership, South County Area Transportation Board, Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force, Sound Cities Association Public Issues Committee, PIC Nominations Committee, and LEOFF Board.

JOIN TEAM PEREZ!

Email: [email protected]