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2008 Office of the Mayor Objectives with Accomplishments

  1. Coordinate a team building training workshop to help the new Council, new Mayor and Department Heads (current and new) all work together effectively. (All Council Goals)
    A spring and fall retreat was conducted with the Council to set goals, study Council and executive management stylistic similarities/differences, examine past and desired processes/protocols as well as norm out working relationships.
  2. Implement recommendations that are developed through the 2007 business survey and economic development strategic planning process. (Council Goal 8)
    Increased dialogue with business sector and included them in community disaster preparedness planning and training, as recommended from the 2007 business survey. Established regular meetings with business group liaisons to assure familiarity with concerns and needs, plus facilitate problem solving.
  3. Provide leadership and coordination for a City team charged with minimizing disruptive tenant issues and provide quarterly progress reports to the City Council. (Council Goals 1, 3, 5 and 9)
    Worked with Council on minimizing disruptive tenant issues by redirecting litter patrol officer toward broader enforcement; also collaborated on crafting 2009 initiatives toward this end.
  4. Complete a plan for City facilities (City Hall, Library, Public Works Annex, Police Dept, etc.) that specifies funding and timing for all facility improvements. (Council Goals 1, 6, 8 and 10)
    Completed the City facility needs and improvements plan. Prepared for early 2009 work session with Council on the topic.
  5. Fully implement the public involvement action plan developed in 2007. (All Council Goals)
    Further executed public involvement action plan by examining the Portland Model and conducting a revised biennial citizen survey on services and priorities. Results of the survey were reported to Council in fall 2008 and utilized in the drafting of the 2009 operating budget. Launched neighborhood services section on city web site. Launched neighborhood association leadership trainings.
  6. Implement Council adopted Countywide Housing Affordability Task Force recommendations. (Council Goals 3, 4, 5, 8 and 10)
    Though behind schedule, the CHAT concluded its work in early fall of 2008. The report was the subject of a public hearing before Council and is being used for 2009 and beyond planning.
  7. Continue to pursue State and federal funds for development of infrastructure for the Waterfront Redevelopment project and for other City projects and programs. (All Council Goals)
    In addition to routine grant application submissions, developed legislative strategy and projects list for the State biennium budget session slated to begin in January 2009 and for federal stimulus package plus regular federal budget processes. Conducted ongoing briefings with both State and Federal delegation members.
  8. Work with Whatcom County to implement a unified Lake Whatcom Watershed Management structure. (Council Goal 2)
    Partnered with Council to take strong action on Lake Whatcom protection in the form of a City moratorium on permitting and specified development activities. Both Council and administration carried on planning and strategy sessions with County stakeholders, even though jointly funded positions were not created due to County funding concerns. Increased land acquisitions both inside and outside the City’s boundaries. Both City and County public works teams made incremental improvements in storm water management.
  9. Complete the Waterfront Redevelopment Master Plan and adopt a development agreement with the Port of Bellingham. (Council Goal 4)
    Moved closer to a complete Waterfront Development Master Plan and instigated additional public input avenues for this once-per-century community opportunity. Moved closer to a complete Waterfront Development Master Plan and instigated additional public input avenues for this once-per-century community opportunity. Majority of plan elements of a plan agreed to with Port of Bellingham. Various ongoing third party efforts are aimed at residual issues. Staff worked with Council to determine its process for weighing in on the planning process, which is expected to stretch into early 2009. Formed the Bellingham Public Development Authority, which will assist with the development of City-owned property on or adjacent to the waterfront. Successfully negotiated with Burlington Northern Railroad for relocation of site-relevant tracks and obtained federal funding to assist with the relocation. Teamed with Port staff on application to compete for the siting of NOAA's operations.
  10. Work with the Planning Department and the Neighborhoods to develop the plans for at least three urban centers. (Council Goals 5 and 8)
    Convened and concluded the code and Character Task Force, which helped inform Planning Academy II. Behind the leadership of PCD and neighborhood representatives, the Old Town/Lettered Streets plan was completed and approved by Council. Similarly, launched planning efforts to redesign Samish Way as an urban center through innovative, collaborative strategies between businesses, residents, and government. Laid the groundwork for James Street / Bakerview urban village and waterfront redevelopment design features that safeguard urban center dynamics. Continued efforts with Cordata/Guide Meridian neighborhood.
  11. Increase participation in Map Your Neighborhood (disaster preparedness). (Council Goals 1, 5 and 11)
    Under the leadership of the Fire Department’s Emergency Operations Management (OEM), in 2009, there were 18 introductory sessions offered, resulting in 791 individuals (from 566 households) being trained in the Map Your Neighborhood Program content. OEM continues to work with MNAC to enable additional sessions.
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