Remote Surveillance Trailer in Renton, WA

RENTON, WA (AUGUST 13, 2025) – City of Renton Councilmember Carmen Rivera has earned a Certificate of Municipal Leadership (CML) from the Association of Washington Cities (AWC).

AWC board member, Councilmember Ed Prince, who received his Advanced CML in 2023, presented the award at Monday night's Renton City Council meeting.

"I welcome Councilmember Rivera as the most recent Renton councilmember to earn the Certificate of Municipal Leadership from AWC," said Councilmember Prince. "This certificate requires time and dedication from our elected officials with the ultimate goal to better serve our residents."

AWC's Certificate of Municipal Leadership program recognizes city and town elected officials for completing training in five core areas:

"Being a city leader in Washington is a complex job," said AWC CEO Deanna Dawson. "Through our CML program we are providing our elected officials with the knowledge they need to effectively operate within the law, plan for the future, secure and manage funds, foster strong relationships, and work to build more equitable communities."

Councilmember Rivera was awarded the certificate after earning 30 CML credits – including at least one training in each of the five competency areas.

City elected officials can earn credits toward their CML once they have taken office. Specific training is required in three of the five core competency areas to achieve the total number of credits needed.

Councilmember Rivera is serving her first term on the Renton City Council. She currently serves as the Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Vice Chair of the Utilities Committee, and Member of the Community Services Committee. She continues her service on regional boards and committees including Sound City Association's Regional Law Safety and Justice Committee, the State of Washington's Sentencing Guidelines Commission, All Washington Cities' Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Cabinet, and the South King Housing and Homelessness Partners.

“Renton raised me, and I’m honored to give back through public service,” said Councilmember Rivera. “Earning the Certificate of Municipal Leadership is part of my commitment to showing up with the knowledge and tools our community deserves. This training strengthens the work I do every day, fighting for equity, transparency, and practical solutions that serve our entire community. Renton deserves leaders who never stop learning. As an educator, I know I’m a forever student, and this training helps me continue growing as a thoughtful, informed leader for Renton.”

Councilmember Rivera joins the rest of her colleagues on Renton City Council in earning this certificate.

Born and raised in Renton, Councilmember Rivera resides in the Tiffany Park area with her spouse.

About City of Renton The City of Renton, Washington, with a population of 108,800 (2024), is located on the southeast shore of Lake Washington, just south of Seattle. Renton's strong economic base, diverse marketplace, and favorable business climate have attracted nationally recognized companies wishing to provide employees and their families with an outstanding quality of life. Renton is the home of Boeing, PACCAR, IKEA, Super Bowl Champion (2014) Seattle Seahawks, two-time (2016 & 2019) MLS champion and CONCACAF Champion (2022) Seattle Sounders FC (in 2024), and the eternal resting place of rock icon Jimi Hendrix. You can find more information on our website, news releases, Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor pages.

About Association of Washington Cities

The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) serves its members through advocacy, education, and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington's 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies. AWC also provides training, data and publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers’ Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and AWC GIS Consortium.

This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Summer winds down and the school year looms ahead, excitement of fresh notebooks, new outfits, and sharpened pencils can mean stress.

As summer winds down and the school year looms ahead, the excitement of fresh notebooks, new outfits, and sharpened pencils can quickly turn into anxiety when your wallet says, “Not this year.” For many families and students, the start of school isn’t marked by shopping sprees—it’s marked by stress. If you're staring down the calendar with no money for school clothes or supplies, you're not alone. And more importantly, you're not without options.

The Reality of Back-to-School Costs

Let’s be real: school is expensive. Between backpacks, binders, calculators, and clothes that fit after a summer growth spurt, the costs add up fast. According to recent surveys, families spend hundreds of dollars per child on back-to-school essentials. But what happens when your budget is already stretched thin—or nonexistent?

Whether you're a parent trying to make ends meet or a student navigating this on your own, the pressure to “show up prepared” can feel overwhelming. But preparation isn’t just about what you bring—it’s about how you show up mentally, emotionally, and resourcefully.

Creative Solutions When Funds Are Low

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a full bank account to start school strong. You just need a plan, a little creativity, and the courage to ask for help.

Reframing the Narrative

It’s easy to feel embarrassed or discouraged when you don’t have what others do. But remember: your worth isn’t measured by your wardrobe or your pencil case. Show up with confidence, kindness, and a willingness to learn—that’s what truly matters.

If you're a student, know that you're not alone. If you're a parent, know that your effort and love are more powerful than any price tag. And if you're a teacher or community member reading this, consider how you can help bridge the gap for those in need.

Starting Strong Without Spending Big

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to be a financial nightmare. With resourcefulness, community support, and a shift in perspective, you can start the year with everything you truly need. Clothes and supplies are tools—but resilience, creativity, and determination are superpowers. So take a deep breath, reach out, and step into the school year ready to thrive—no matter what’s in your backpack.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?