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? <br /> The City will have the opportunity to demonstrate accountability in how it implements the road <br />repair bond and report back to the public. This gives us a step up in reducing our backlog and <br />council will decide on the next step forward. <br /> <br />We will lobby for the state to do its fair share as well. <br /> <br />? <br /> The City moves forward with sustainable traffic solutions for West Eugene. The West Eugene <br />Collaborative has finished it work and is producing a report with recommendations regarding <br />improving the flow of people and products, reducing traffic, and improving the livability of West <br />Eugene. <br />? <br /> In tough times, Eugeneans often step up to meet the needs of the community. We already see an <br />increase in those in need of food and shelter. The Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee to Finance <br />Homelessness and Housing Programs will report its recommendations to the council on January <br />26. It will then be important for a larger community discussion to occur about the steps this <br />community is willing to take to reduce the numbers and ensure that more of citizens have basic <br />needs met, including treatment programs mental health care and shelter options. It will not be <br />cheap. <br />? <br /> Beam's renovation of the Center Court Building is scheduled to start in late spring of this year. In <br />addition, the EWEB riverfront master planning process is underway, offering us new <br />opportunities for linking the city to our waterfront. Incorporating the growth and linkage of <br />parks and the key role of visual arts is essential in all we do. Other important projects are being <br />planned, such as Brian Obie’s boutique hotel at the 5th Street Public Market. <br />? <br /> Important community issues will keep on coming in 2009. The council will have a January work <br />session to discuss the future of the venerable and historically important Civic Stadium. The City <br />Manager has stated that he will examine whether or not an in-house city attorney makes good <br />governance and economic sense for a city of our size and complexity, and will be seeking input <br />from the City Council as part of his analysis. <br /> <br />In summary, we have made much progress, seen some disappointments and have much to look forward to. <br />Now Eugene is prepared to take decisive steps to respond to the economic, environmental, and social <br />challenges we face while keeping us on course in providing basic services and good governance. This is <br />the work we do together. <br /> <br />Soon the new President’s inauguration will take place and in spite of all that is wrong, and all that we <br />fear, we find ourselves hopeful for good changes at every level. We are asked to pull together, to help this <br />country be what it should be - at home and in the greater world. We are asked to pull together – there is <br />work to be done – serious work. We are asked to be audacious and to care for those beyond our own <br />families and friends and border. We are asked to be prepared for the long haul and to recognize that <br />such change will and does take time. <br /> <br /> <br />As we work together here at home we will aim to live up to our potential, to be humble, bold, and <br />generous - united with people across this nation and world to honor and respect differences, share the <br />wealth of this planet and protect it for future generations. Every one of us is important in this work. <br /> <br />I wish each of you the happiest of new years and I am deeply grateful to be here, in Eugene, Oregon, to <br />work with you. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—City Council January 7, 2009 Page 8 <br />