Council News Release

Council President Richard Conlin

COUNCIL RELEASES THE 2008 ACTION PLAN
Priorities include public safety, transportation, sustainability and more

Seattle–The Council, today, released its 2008 Action Plan to an enthusiastic audience in a packed Council Chambers at City Hall. Council President Richard Conlin said, “Seattle is a great American city. Our responsibility as city government is to join with the people of our city and our partners around the region to manage growth in a sustainable manner that enhances our quality of life and the character of our neighborhoods.”

The Council set out three themes and thirteen priorities for this year’s Council actions:

Foster safe, just, and health communities for all

• Protect public safety and challenge gang violence by investing in human services and police resources
• Increase affordable housing through incentive zoning and innovative financing
• Take action to improve pedestrian safety
• Keep neighborhoods in the driver’s seat of neighborhood plan updates
• Maintain and enhance our built environment to promote sustainable communities and a strong economy

Invest public resources fairly and effectively

• Move forward regional decisions on light rail, the Viaduct, and SR520
• Make the transportation system work by investing Bridging the Gap dollars in transportation choices
• Ensure equal access to technology and pioneer new ways to engage the community through technology
• Take action to maintain a sustainable Seattle City Light, in partnership with its employees, customers, and suppliers
• Find new ways for meaningful public involvement to develop a balanced 2009-2010 budget that meets community needs by spending every dollar wisely

Build a livable city for our future

• Ensure that Seattle’s Parks, Seattle Center and the Pike Place Market continue to meet the diverse needs and interests of the people of Seattle
• Implement the Zero Waste Strategy
• Protect the urban forest and plant more trees

Council President Conlin said, “The Seattle City Council has the opportunity to make important decisions for the City in 2008. Each major decision carries a huge responsibility because the choices we make now will affect the fundamental nature and economic health of our city for generations to come.”

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City Council