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Dear Friends,
 This holiday season finds us at the end of a truly memorable year. The historic presidential election brings great hope for change in Washington D.C. Here at home, we made history as voters supported a mass transit system that will serve our community for generations to come.
The vision demonstrated by Seattle residents gives us optimism in these unsettling economic times. Amidst the national turmoil, there is cause for hope in our local economy and our city government. I’m proud that working together with the City Council, we adopted a responsible budget that increases support for those most in need while protecting public safety and keeping a $30.6 million dollar rainy-day fund.
Just recently, Forbes ranked Seattle as the city with the best chance for a speedy economic recovery. The cities at the top of the list are those considered gateways to international investment, with vital downtowns where people can get around without cars, and where there is not a glut of condos or office space. Citing Seattle as a diversified market, the article acknowledged the loss of Washington Mutual and the downsizing of Starbucks, but pointed out that Microsoft and Boeing are still strong.
There is much work ahead. As we set a course for the new year, we will continue our focus on job creation and the environment. We will work to break the cycle of homelessness by providing permanent housing for chronically homeless individuals. And, as we launch Seattle’s Youth Violence Prevention initiative, we will enter 2009 with a truly new direction in how we reach out and protect our young people.
This holiday season, we value our family and friends and the many things that make us proud to call Seattle our home. I wish you peace, joy and hope for the new year.
Sincerely,
GREG NICKELS
Mayor of Seattle |
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In this Issue: December 2008
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City crews tackle snow storm around the clock
 With day after day of snow, ice and cold temperatures, city crews have been working around the clock clearing roads and keeping our water and electric utilities operational. A special thanks to the dedicated workers in all our departments for their long hours of service--from keeping our shelters and community centers open to activating our Emergency Operations Center. We're putting our full resources to tackle this unusually harsh and extended winter storm and we thank residents for their patience and cooperation. |
Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop Trail officially opened
 In honor of the Duwamish chief who led a village on Lake Union in the 1800s, we officially cut the ribbon and named the new six-mile loop around Lake Union, "Cheshiahud Lake Union Loop Trail." The loop trail creates a continuous pathway for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy non-motorized access to six neighborhoods, Gas Works and Lake Union parks, and 35 street-end parks and waterways along the lake front.
This trail is a legacy for future generations of Seattle residents and it honors the legacy of the first stewards of Lake Union.
Read the news release |
Marking streetcar's first anniversary with free rides
Even before it reached its first anniversary on Dec. 12, the Seattle Streetcar's South Lake Union line passed the half million mark in riders, far exceeding original estimates. To celebrate the streetcar's first anniversary and to thank residents for your support, we are offering free rides on the streetcar through Dec. 26. A half million riders on just the first line reflects the tremendous potential of streetcars. A Seattle streetcar network will be an important part of our future, offering a climate-friendly transportation choice that helps attract employers and encourages more job creation.
Read the news release |
Figgy Pudding competition benefits great causes
One of the more popular holiday traditions in Seattle is the annual Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition. In the true spirit of the season, the competition brings together people of all ages to celebrate the season with music and to raise money for worthy causes – the Pike Place Market Senior Home and the Downtown Food Bank. Serving as the first Honorary Figmaster, I welcomed the spectators and the more than 40 teams of carolers who competed this year, and announced the top contenders for Best Choral Team and Most Creative Team. It was great fun and the funds raised will provide a safe place to stay, hot food and other support services. |
Holiday Magic for foster children
For 20 years, KIRO 710 Radio has hosted a 24-hour holiday "radiothon" to raise awareness about foster children and to raise money to provide holiday gifts for foster children in our state. As part of the program, it was my pleasure to read a holiday classic to a group of foster children gathered in the KIRO studios. There's nothing more rewarding than a child's smile and appreciation for a gift. Seattle is a compassionate city because year after year, people donate their time, treasures and talent to help the children.
Find out more about KIRO's Holiday Magic |
Supporting our service men and women
Today more than ever, we must do everything we can to support our employees who are also serving our nation through the National Guard and Reserve. It is incumbent on every employer to give all the support possible to these brave service men and women. That is why I recently signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) statement. (pictured here with me, are l-r, Volunteer Larry Kirchner, Col. Dave Ochs, Maj. Gen. Chris Ingram, Reservist Franck Trainor from SPD, 1st Lt. Annmarie Duren, and Master Sgt. Clifford Kells). Established in 1972, the ESGR is a Department of Defense agency whose mission is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. More than two dozen of our employees are members of the National Guard and Reserve, several of whom are currently serving active duty tours. This is the right thing to do and it's the right time to do it. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's National Guard and Reserve units. |
U District comes out for Clean and Green #93
 This month's 93rd Clean and Green in the University District was number six for the U District. We gathered at the neighborhood farmers market - Seattle's oldest and largest farmers-only neighborhood market. To put a holiday spin on the event, we provided tree boughs from around Seattle and our Cedar River Watershed for people to make holiday swags. Thank you to the neighborhood businesses and residents who rolled up their sleeves and removed more than 250 pounds of litter and debris from their neighborhood. Started in 2002, the Clean and Green program is the second longest running initiative of my administration. And thanks to the commitment and dedication of more than 14,000 volunteers throughout Seattle, we have collected almost 450,000 pounds of litter and recycled nearly 19,000 pounds of recyclable materials.
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SMA recognizes excellence in City management
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the Seattle Management Association's (SMA)Annual Excellence in Management Awards, recognizing outstanding performance by City employees. Whether nominated by peers, supervisors or employees, award recipients and nominees are all winners. I appreciate SMA's recognition of the importance of acknowledging excellence in management, particularly in public service. It was an honor to celebrate this year's award recipients: Karen Gordon of Neighborhoods, Jolene Luck of the Dept. of Information Technology (DoIT), Montrel Jackson of Parks, Doug King of DoIT, the Civic Partners Team in Arts, William Edwards of Police, the Field Operations and Mapping System Project Team from Seattle Public Utilities, and the Clean and Green Core Team.
Read more about SMA
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Upcoming Events:
- New Year's Eve at the Space Needle -- Seattle Center -- Wednesday, Dec. 31, 11:30 p.m.
- Weekday with Steve Scher -- Call in to Mayor Nickels on KUOW 94.9 FM -- Monday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m.
- Ask the Mayor -- Seattle Channel -- Wednesday, Jan. 14, 7 p.m.
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