James Alberson brings proven leadership, business expertise, and strong community ties to his service on the Renton City Council. As Council President and Chair of the Renton Regional Fire Authority Governance Board, he plays a central role in public safety, regional coordination, and local decision-making. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Renton Chamber of Commerce, where he remains closely engaged with the city’s business community.
With a background in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, James has worked with hundreds of business owners, executives, and managers to improve performance and drive results. Since 2010, he has run a successful business consulting and training firm, helping companies navigate real-world challenges. His experience gives him a clear understanding of what it takes to build a strong local economy and a responsive city government.
James is focused on the fundamentals: public safety, housing, homelessness, and economic growth. He supports community-based policing, visible enforcement, and co-responder programs that improve trust and accountability. On housing, he backs zoning reform, permitting improvements, and missing middle development to expand affordability while maintaining neighborhood character. He also supports creative solutions like converting underused commercial buildings into housing.
His approach to homelessness emphasizes both compassion and structure. He advocates for a centralized service hub model that connects individuals with housing, treatment, job training, and long-term support. He believes progress depends on regional coordination and clear expectations.
James also understands the importance of economic development. He supports Renton’s efforts to attract new employers, strengthen job training programs, and improve permitting efficiency. His leadership reflects a strong belief in policies that support innovation, small business success, and long-term investment in the local workforce.
On fiscal matters, James supports responsible budgeting with a focus on transparency and fairness. He is open to revisiting the one percent property tax cap, but only with resident input, clear spending priorities, and protections for low and fixed-income homeowners. He supports using a mix of broad-based and targeted revenue tools when they are tied to public value and measurable outcomes.
James also recognizes the role of infrastructure and mobility in Renton’s future. He supports improvements to traffic flow, bus rapid transit, and pedestrian and bike connections. He believes bringing more jobs into Renton will reduce regional congestion and create a more resilient economy.
As a community leader, James is visible, engaged, and accessible. He regularly attends neighborhood meetings, community events, and business openings. His leadership style is collaborative, steady, and focused on results.
James Alberson brings the kind of thoughtful, business-focused leadership that helps communities grow with purpose and stay connected to the people they serve.
