The way we are thinking about public safety in our communities is changing, and this is certainly true in Renton. During the pandemic, we saw our social systems tested and stressed as hospitals and clinics went understaffed and overloaded with patients. We saw our shelters for the unhoused reach capacity as they ran out of beds for those in need of a warm place to sleep. We realized we need more behavior and mental health resources and clinics. We know our first responders became overburdened as the overflow of need for these services began to spill into their laps. During the Sept. 19 forum where Renton’s City Council candidate laid out their platforms and policy priorities for voters ahead of the November election, Renton City Councilmember Valerie O’Halloran spoke about a changing perspective on what public safety looks like in this new era.