The city council has a new leader for 2025. According to a press release by the City of Renton, Councilmember James Alberson, Jr., was elected City Council President. Elected by his peers at the council meeting last Monday, Alberson is prepared to set the agenda and conduct Committee of the Whole meetings, which are crucial precursors to the city council assemblies.
In the middle of serving his four-year term, having been elected in 2021, Alberson is no stranger to leadership. Before being appointed City Council President Pro Tempore for 2024, he has been actively contributing to the city's framework, currently chairing the Community Services Committee, vice-chairing the Planning & Development Committee, and playing active roles in several other municipal committees and boards such as the Utilities Committee and the Renton Regional Fire Authority Governance Board, whose chair he will become in 2025.
Alberson's background includes a stint as Planning Commissioner for Renton and engagement with the Renton Chamber of Commerce, where he didn't just serve but led as Board Chair for a time. Underscoring his long-term commitment to the community, he has presided over his neighborhood’s homeowner association for over 15 years. His business acumen is supported by M.B.A. and B.S. degrees from Purdue University, bolstering his business owner and consultant profile.
Earlier this year, Alberson's dedication to leadership development was recognized with a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities. He completed more than 30 training hours, encompassing diversity, equity, and inclusion workshops. Adding to his list of duties, Alberson serves on the Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board, South County Area Transportation Board, Eastside Transportation Partnership, and several other crucial economic and advisory boards.
The outgoing Council President, Ed Prince, will be succeeded by Alberson. At the same time, Councilmember Ruth Pérez, a trailblazer in her own right as the first Latina and immigrant to serve on the Renton City Council, has been elected to fill the position of President Pro Tempore. She is set to run council meetings in Alberson's absence. Pérez, who previously held the presidential role in 2020, and Alberson will start their new duties as the calendar turns to January 2025.
