A Government You Can Believe In

 

Greetings!

Tough times mean tough decisions.
 
Due to prudent spending and good preparation over the past three years, the Tacoma City Council established a 2009-2011 budget that kept all public services in place and avoided layoffs.
 
We even increased investments in Safe and Clean neighborhoods, housing for the homeless, environmental protection, and youth violence prevention. However, that budget was passed in 2008.
 
Now we may have to take corrective action in the supplemental budget this summer. As that time approaches, I will need your help identifying what the City Council should treat as its top priorities as we tighten our belts and look for ways to save.
 
Growing Our Green Economy
 
Tacomans are famous for rolling up their sleeves and getting things done.  We're industrious and generous. Creative and determined. That hometown character has launched what I call a "buy local" sustainability movement.  It's your response to the crises of global warming, and overdevelopment. And, it reflects that neighborly, "we can do it" attitude that makes Tacoma so special.
 
City Council colleague Jake Fey and I have sponsored a $75,000 appropriation to support two additional farmers markets for the South Tacoma and Eastside neighborhoods, as well as a $50,000 appropriation to support the Go Local merchant campaign.
 
Why? Click here to find out more.
Tacoma Street Cars? 
 
With the passage of ST2 (2008 Sound Transit ballot measure), the City Council is exploring how to match LINK construction dollars to expand the system to include Portland Avenue on the Eastside, and Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Hilltop. Could it launch a Tacoma streetcar system?
 
I will host a June city-wide meeting to discuss budget, timeline, and possible funding schemes. Most importantly, I will try to make a distinction between the City's streetcar initiative and Sound Transit's LINK system. Meeting details will appear in my next e-newsletter and be posted on my website.
 
Tell me what you think! I will do my best to address your ideas in my next newsletter, as well as at the June meeting.

In This Issue
Growing Our Green Economy
Tacoma Street Cars?
Nominate a Superstar
Quick Links
Nominate a Superstar
 
A good city is built on a foundation of contribution. In honor of the exceptional women and men who gave their time and energy this year to make Tacoma and Pierce County a better place, Safe Streets will recognize our local heroes at their annual Superstars honoree breakfast.
 
Please nominate a Superstar. Visit Safe Streets' main page and download the form.
 
Nominations are due by Friday, July 31st.
 
Your input means a lot to me. Thanks for taking an active role in your local government, and keep in touch.
 
Sincerely,
Julie