CC Minutes - 01/04/07 State of the City

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Despite the recent economic upswing, an Oregon Employment Department study noted that wage inequality is increasing for Oregon workers, with “jobs in the low wage sector growing faster than jobs in average and high-wage industries.” Indeed, since 2003, 40 percent of all new jobs created in Oregon have been in low- wage industries. To take an example closer to home, of the 10 occupations projected to add the most jobs to Lane County’s economy in the next decade, nine pay average salaries that are lower than the county average of about $32,000 per year (Oregon Employment Department, December 2006). Here in Eugene, because we are a center for high wage occupations like education, research and develop- ment, manufacturing and wood products, health care and government services, and others, we might take solace in somewhat rosier economic projections than these. But Eugene is not an economic island; our economic future is intricately tied to that of the larger region and state. There are still too many in our community who do not have high-wage occupations, who struggle for food, housing, good physical and mental health services, and access to education and training. While we have noted institutions of education and a remarkable range of social services agencies, their funding has been inadequate. Fewer of our young people enter college to prepare for the future and too many of our citizens find themselves at the bottom of our economy. Developing additional high-quality job opportunities and support for education and social services will help all boats to rise. We also face daunting environmental challenges. From climate change to peak oil, scientists agree our world resources are finite and the planet is warming. Furthermore, there are ominous predictions of economic crises and threats to the social fabric if we do not, in the coming decades, directly confront our current dependence on non-renewable energy supplies and do not reverse the trend of global warming. While our federal government has been slow to either acknowledge or act on these threats, local governments both in the United States and in other countries have taken up the charge. So have we, and here’s how. Building on a long history of stewardship, the City of Eugene has stepped up to the challenge. We were recognized by Green Guide as the Number One Green City in America, for providing one of the healthiest, most environmentally conscious, energy-efficient, and least polluting places to live. We put policies in place that encourage green design and usage of alternative energy, prevent sprawl, and preserve a high percentage of green space. We are building our public transportation system and offering rebates and tax exemptions for using alternative power sources. We’ve enacted smoke-free public places, developed affordable housing programs, and supported efforts to improve local wages and provide social services. All these efforts are making a difference. We are talking sustainability here, the triple bottom line, caring for our natural resources and our people while building a strong economy. MINUTES—Eugene City Council January 4, 2007 Page 4 State of the City