Council President Nick Licata
Councilmember Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember David J. Della
Councilmember Jan Drago
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Richard J. McIver
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck
COMMITTEE PROPOSES $926 MILLION 2008 BUDGET
Budget Committee will take action on a proposal that includes $3 million for Strategic Pedestrian Safety Initiative, $2 million for library materials, $4.2 million for human services, and more
SEATTLE – The Council’s Budget Committee announced today a $926 million 2008 budget proposal that highlighted the Council’s priorities of pedestrian safety, human services, and libraries. Councilmember Richard J. McIver, chair of the Budget Committee, said, “We developed a strategic approach to pedestrian safety that invests in new infrastructure, new technology, education, and law enforcement. In addition, we were able to find more resources for vital human services, libraries, parks, and neighborhood facilities. Council President Nick Licata said, “The Committee has developed an action plan that implements the Council’s focus on pedestrian safety.”
Elements of the $3 million Strategic Pedestrian Safety Initiative for 2008 include:
- $1,500,000 for new sidewalks and sidewalk repair
- $500,000 for programs that use new pedestrian safety technology like in-pavement flashing crosswalks, crossing flags, pedestrian refuge islands, and pedestrian crossing countdown signals
- $250,000 for a pedestrian safety and awareness campaign
- $250,000 to improve public stairways around the city
- $176,000 for a new speed enforcement van for school zones (the program would be paid for with traffic citations)
- $118,000 for Seattle Department of Transportation staff to help neighborhoods with pedestrian safety and traffic calming
- $49,000 to increase staffing in the City Attorney’s office for pedestrian and driver safety
including the new law against assault with a motor vehicle
The Council will continue to exercise its budget authority in November by scrutinizing the Mayor’s budget and potentially proposing additional changes. The budget must be adopted no later than December 1. The Council and the Mayor will, as required by state law, adopt a balanced budget.
Fact sheet on Pedestrian Safety Initiative
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City Council
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