Acknowledging Our Wins and Accepting the Challenges Ahead
In the wake of Tuesday's presidential election, we must work to ensure that we continue to provide a social safety net for our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. Often we’ve been able to leverage local programs with federal funding for critical housing, human services, homelessness, transit service and other necessary investments; but as resources at the federal level are likely to be redirected or eliminated altogether, we must and we will find a way to fund those programs and services that protect our residents.
I also want to take this moment to tell all of the young Seattleites that I will work to ensure you grow up in a city where you are loved, you are protected, and you matter. I join with my colleagues to fight for justice, for equity, and for your future.
There was a bright moment for our region on Tuesday night and that was the passage of Proposition 1, which will fund expansion of our regional light rail, Sounder, and bus transit service. As a Sound Transit Board member, I thank my fellow Seattleites for joining me in recognizing how critical it is for the region’s future.
Building more transit is much more than the additional miles light rail will cover; it is about the incredibly positive impacts this kind of transit expansion has on a region. It will create thousands of jobs, connect millions of people to economic opportunity, and help preserve our natural environment. And ST3 will build necessary near term bus improvements in our city and expand light rail to West Seattle, Ballard, and add new stations at Graham Street, 130th, and Boeing Access Road. Thanks for your support of ST3!
Save the Date: U District Livability Open House
Join us at the U Heights Center on Saturday, November 19th between 10:00 am - 12:00 pm for a U District Livability Open House. Many different city departments and agencies will be in attendance to share information about projects in the neighborhood and details about upcoming land use changes. We hope to see you there!
Public Safety Survey
Take part in the 2016 Seattle Public Safety Survey. This survey solicits feedback to increase public safety and security in your neighborhood, and is open until November 30th. Please make sure your voice is heard by completing the public safety survey today.
While we're on the topic of public safety, here are a few links to crime prevention resources that I hope you find helpful:
First, in observance of Veteran's Day, please note that both our downtown and district offices will be closed this Friday, November 11th.
Second, every Saturday until December 17th, we will be hosting a holiday season food drive at our booth at the Farmers Market to collect items for the U District Food Bank. See a list of recommended items, here, and don't forget to bring a few the next time you come to visit us at the market!
