Laserfiche WebLink
reach out to the homeless and needy. This wonderful event will occur again in March and I <br />encourage you to get involved. <br />? <br /> Downtown developments moved forward in 2008 and continue to inspire confidence that we will <br />soon have a downtown we can all be proud of. Progress is already being made on plans to <br />renovate the Centre Court and Washburn buildings and to fill the adjoining pit. Plans to <br />construct a mixed-use development to fill the pit across from the Library are also progressing, <br />and The WestTown on 8th affordable housing project was completed in 2008 and includes a mix <br />of businesses. <br />? <br /> Our police, fire, and emergency services staff did outstanding work in providing Olympic Trials <br />security, ensuring the safety of visiting national presidential candidates and overseeing a massive <br />move of patients from downtown to the new RiverBend regional hospital. The crisis intervention <br />training program for our police was initiated to better equip them with tools for dealing <br />effectively with the mentally ill. This year, Eugene received recognition for being one of the safest <br />communities in the country. <br />? <br /> Eugene continued to move forward with its “green” goals by adopting the priorities identified by <br />the Sustainability Commission regarding climate change, transportation, land use, green <br />building, business, food, and waste. A climate and energy action plan is under development to <br />achieve zero carbon emissions by 2020. A City staff team is putting in place a triple bottom line <br />analysis tool (social equity, natural resource protection, and a strong economy) to aid council <br />decision-making. <br />? <br /> The new Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Plan is being implemented to grow Eugene’s <br />commitment to alternative modes of transportation and decrease vehicles miles traveled. <br />? <br /> Despite the “uphill battle,” progress was indeed made in road repairs. The “pothole patrol” <br />patched a quarter million square feet of streets and the gas tax paid for $5.5 million in major <br />repairs. <br />? <br /> Following through on the Parks Bond commitment, the City has acquired more Ridgeline <br />parkland, the Amazon headwaters property, park property in Santa Clara adjacent to Madison <br />Middle School, and added parcels to Golden Ponds in Bethel/Danebo. In addition, the City <br />partnered with Bethel and Eugene school districts to build athletic fields at Meadow View, <br />Willamette High, Spencer Butte, and the Arts and Technology Academy. <br />? <br /> In October, Eugene’s Cultural Services launched the Arts and Business Alliance to build <br />public/private support for our rich diversity of arts and culture and to boost its prominence in the <br />economic life of our community. <br /> <br />That’s just some of the work that has been accomplished in the last year. Our thanks to each and every <br />staff member, and to every volunteer for their help in achieving City goals. <br /> <br /> <br />As you can see, almost all of our City projects are done with partners. Together we make the City of <br />Eugene. Together we provide jobs, services and opportunities. Together, we provide the means to achieve <br />the community’s vision and goals. <br /> <br />? <br /> LTD has gained national notice with its very successful EmX and the key transportation it <br />provides to our most vulnerable citizens. LTD is at the top of the list in reducing carbon <br />emissions and vehicle miles traveled. <br />? <br /> EWEB has provided clean and increasingly diverse energy, helped many in need, and has been an <br />essential part of our community response to climate change. This year, I had the honor of <br />addressing the National Public Utilities Conference about how we work together to keep Eugene a <br />national leader in sustainability. <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—City Council January 7, 2009 Page 4 <br />