|
|
Busiest paving season in a decade; mayor thanks residents
 Thanking residents for their patience through the busiest paving season in at least a decade, Mayor Greg Nickels today celebrated the completion of paving projects along four key corridors and announced some new projects for 2009.
This year, the city paved 41 lane-miles, making $24.3 million in improvements to the Denny-Western-Elliott-15th Avenue corridor, Fifth Avenue through the heart of the business district, the Boren-Madison corridor and First Avenue South in south downtown.
"This aggressive paving work is another sign of our commitment to improving Seattle's transportation infrastructure," said Nickels. "With voter support for our Bridging the Gap program, these enhancements keep our city moving now."
Read the press release |
 |
Mayor’s budget increases support for emergency food
 While visiting the Rainier Valley Food Bank, Mayor Nickels highlighted his budget proposal to increase financial support for emergency food and meals programs, and encouraged Seattle residents to donate and volunteer at their local food banks.
"Food is a fundamental human right," said Nickels. "As families and individuals struggle to make ends meet in a difficult economy, we want to make sure that no family, no person goes hungry in Seattle."
The Mayor's proposed 2009-2010 budget will provide an additional $555,000 in funding for emergency food, including home delivery of food ($100,000 in each year), bulk food buying ($140,000 in each year), and food distribution ($75,000 one time capital funding).
Read the press release |
| |
Seattle City of Music
 Joined by hundreds of members from Seattle’s music community, Mayor Greg Nickels launched the Seattle City of Music initiative, honoring Seattle’s rich music history and celebrating its ongoing importance to the city’s economy and culture.
“Music is a part of Seattle’s identity; it gives our city soul,” said Nickels at a public celebration at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. “Music of all genres, whether classical or hip hop, rock or jazz, thrives in our city. We don’t just make or listen to music, we live it.”
Learn about the Seattle City of Music initiative |
| |
Mayor: Get ready for storms and “adopt a drain”
Nickels invites neighbors to help prevent flooding
 “At this time of year, the combination of changing weather and falling leaves can clog drains on a moment’s notice, creating the possibility for flooding,” Nickels said. “Keeping drains free of debris reduces the chance of flooding in your neighborhood and also prevents pollutants from being diverted to streams, creeks and Puget Sound.”
Signing up for the program is easy. Visit the Web site or call the Adopt-a-Drain hotline, at 206-684-7647. Leave your name, phone number, and address and we will send you everything you need - gloves, bags, rakes, brooms, safety vests, and shovels - to get started.
Read the press release
Learn about the Adopt-a-drain program |
| |
Mayor proposes more funding to help chronically homeless
 Mayor Greg Nickels is proposing an additional $2.1 million in his 2009-2010 budget for permanent housing units for chronically homeless individuals. The funding continues the Mayor’s commitment to “Housing First” projects, a highly successful approach that combines housing with important in-house medical and mental health services and other support programs.
“The idea behind Housing First is simple: reach out to the hardest to reach, move them into safe, decent housing, and then give them the services they need to rebuild their lives,” said Nickels.
Read the press release |
| |
Mayor unveils new “speed van”
Pilot project to enhance safety in school zones
 The principle intent of this pilot project is to test how much photo radar is capable of reducing speeds in school zones and enhancing the safety of school children and staff.
“Even one pedestrian collision is too many,” said Mayor Nickels. “Through our pedestrian safety efforts, we work to increase driver and pedestrian awareness, especially in school zones where our children walk every day.”
This latest tool to increase pedestrian safety will be deployed for the 2008-2009 school year in eight elementary and middle school zones around Seattle.
Read the press release |
| |
Mayor proposes funding to keep homeless day center open
 Mayor Nickels visited the Family & Adult Service Center (FASC), a Seattle “day center” for homeless men and women. The center will stay open only if it receives city funding included in the mayor’s 2009-2010 proposed budget.
“Day centers are a critical first step in helping homeless men and women rebuild their lives,” said Nickels. “We are pleased the city can provide assistance to allow this invaluable program to continue.”
Read the press release |
| |
Mayor announces school sidewalk projects for 2009
 Mayor Nickels’ 2009-2010 budget adds $3.5 million for more sidewalks.
Five schools will receive sidewalks and significant pedestrian improvements as part of the 2009 Safe Routes to School Program.
Read the press release |
| |
Mayor Presents Proposed 2009-10 Budget
 Budget focuses on
compassion, public safety.
Mayor Greg Nickels has unveiled his 2009-2010 proposed biennial budget that includes a $9 million initiative to prevent youth violence, an expansion of food programs and housing for the homeless, and 42 new patrol officers.
Read more about the proposed budget |
| |
Mayor Unveils ‘Customer Bill of Rights’
 Mayor Nickels has announced improvements to how the city of Seattle provides services to its residents. With a long-term goal of providing one phone number to call for all city services, Nickels' customer service initiative establishes a "Customer Bill of Rights," and calls for improving efficiency and enhancing what the city does well.
"I'm committed to providing our customers with excellent customer service. The Customer Bill of Rights tells residents what to expect when doing business with the city," Nickels said. "These principles will help to create an open, responsive and accessible government that serves all of our customers."
Learn more about the Customer Bill of Rights
|
| |
Mayor announces incentive to encourage live music
 Mayor Nickels has announced new steps to grow Seattle’s live music scene by introducing an admissions tax exemption for live music venues and launching a new venue assistance program.
“Seattle’s musicians are part of Seattle’s identity -- they help give our city its soul,” said Nickels. “Live music performances bring us together and play a large role in our lives, and this incentive will ensure our musicians have more venues to share their creativity and spirit.”
Read the press release |
| |
|
Mayor Nickels unveils youth violence prevention initiative
 Mayor Nickels announced that his 2009-2010 proposed biennial budget will include more than $9 million for a new initiative to prevent youth violence. The initiative will focus on about 800 children a year who are at highest risk of perpetuating violence or becoming victims.
This year, four teenagers have been shot to death in Seattle. “We will not stand for this violence; this has to stop,” said Nickels. “The time has come for the city and the community to fundamentally change our overall strategy on preventing youth violence. I am asking neighbors, families, schools, churches, service workers and community members to come together and join our efforts.”
Learn more about the initiative
|
| |
Mayor Nickels proposes interim regulations to protect trees
Mayor Greg Nickels has proposed new interim regulations to protect trees in Seattle. The new regulations would close a loophole used by developers to take down trees before applying for a development permit. The proposed interim regulations will be transmitted to City Council for review and would stay in place until permanent tree protection regulations are adopted. |
| |
Mayor, Superintendent highlight programs to help Seattle children succeed
 In an event at Denny Middle School, Mayor Nickels and Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson, Ph.D. welcomed students back to school, and encouraged them to take advantage of the many programs aimed at helping them succeed.
The Seattle Families and Education Levy provides many school-based, extended-day academic and enrichment opportunities for students.
Nickels and Goodloe-Johnson also encouraged students to participate in the new College Bound scholarship program.
Read the press release |
| |
Mayor Proposes Completing “Missing Link” of Burke-Gilman Trail
 Mayor Nickels has proposed funding to build the last remaining segment of the Burke-Gilman Trail. His 2009-2010 proposed budget allocates
$8.6 million to complete the “Missing Link” segment over the next two years.
“Bicyclists, walkers, runners and skaters will enjoy one complete trail all the way from Puget Sound to the top of Lake Washington and beyond,” said Nickels. “It is time for us to complete the ‘missing link’ of the Burke-Gilman Trail.”
Read the press release |
| |
 |
This grassroots campaign encourages everyone in Seattle to reduce global warming pollution at home, on the road and in their neighborhoods. |
Visit the Seattle Climate Action Now Web site
Read the news release
Our Commitment |
| |
Climate Issues
US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement
 The U.S. leads the world in greenhouse gas pollution when we should be leading it toward a solution. That is why it is so important for cities like Seattle to step up and provide the leadership that is lacking in Washington D.C.
More than 800 cities now on board!
Read more about the agreement
Seattle Climate Action Plan
 Mayor Nickels' Green Ribbon Commission on Climate Protection is calling on the entire community to join the fight against climate disruption with the release of the Seattle Climate Action Plan, the most comprehensive program in the city's history for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
|
|
|
|
|
