CC Minutes - 01/05/06 State of the City

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Changes. We passed a measure to put in place a Police Civilian Review Board and an Independent Auditor. In addition, our Chief of Police has committed to a policy of community po- licing that will make our neighborhoods safer and empower our citizens to participate in creating a safer community. • Priority #3 - Conclude Discussion of City Hall Complex. We completed the initial review and have begun a city hall public engagement process to deter- mine the kind of structure that would best meet our community needs and truly offer a place for civic engagement and democracy to thrive. • Priority #4 - Facilitate the Development of a Hospital in Eugene’s Central Core. There is a hospital site chosen by McKenzie Willamette/Triad now under consideration. It is not in the preferred central city area but it is in Eugene. • Priority #5 - Push Arts and the Outdoors as a Theme for Eugene. We adopted the city motto “World’s Greatest City for the Arts and Outdoors.” In one year’s time, we moved to achieve my proposal that we promote our area’s combination of arts and the outdoors. We adopted an official motto, landed the Olympic Trials and welcomed new art galleries. Kudos to all involved in our parks and recreation activities. Kudos for the vast range of performance offer- ings, including internationally recognized dance and music groups, choral and vocal groups, reper- tory and local theatre offerings, as well as national touring shows. Kudos for the cooperative galler- ies, genre-specific galleries, and new galleries. In fact, we even have an official gallery district just across the street. And you are standing here today in a well-known and appreciated performance hall, our own magnificent Hult Center. • Priority #6 - Launch Neighborhood Initiative. We have undertaken a neighborhood initiative. As I proposed, we have begun to strengthen the City’s ties to neighborhoods by recognizing the important role of neighborhood associations in our planning processes, funding more newsletters and website opportunities, and reaching out to our RiverRoad/ Santa Clara residents and neighbors. • Priorities #7 and #8 - Develop City Council Position on Racial Issues; Develop a Strategy to Help the Homeless In Eugene. We have continued to address race and homelessness. A year ago, I talked about our desire to be a welcoming community for all. To reach that goal, we have begun educating ourselves through privilege training. Staff also participates in training and strategic planning sessions. Both internally and externally, we have committed ourselves to staying the course. Putting a civilian review board and independent auditor in place is part of the “action, not just talk” that has been asked of us. Our priority to reduce homelessness is challenging. We work with partners to grow our supply of low-cost housing in Eugene and yet we recognize that too many have no home at all. We also strive to address the rights and access to services, including the library, for those without addresses. We applaud our Police Commission and Human Rights Commission for the work they do to help inform and guide us. We thank the representatives of communities of color who serve on both these bodies and those who met with the council to help focus the work we have ahead. I invite you to keep working with us. MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 5, 2006 Page 5 State of the City