Monthly Archives: March 2011

As most of you know, the city has a $9 million shortfall for 2011 and a projected $12 million deficit for 2012 based on a continuation budget.  By law we must balance our budget, so there are bound to be cuts. … Continue reading →

Portland, OR has long been one of our most livable cities, practically defining how attention to quality of life can drive economic development.  Part of what makes Portland so attractive is their excellent system of parks and trails.  With 314 … Continue reading →

When I moved into my office at the Government Center (previous illustrious tenants of this office include Vice-Mayor Gorton and former At-Large representative Dr. David Stevens) I was faced with the question of what to put on the blank white walls.  … Continue reading →

Last week I attended the first meeting of the Charles Young Center Task Force.  While in its earliest stages, it is the beginning of a conversation on how best to use this asset to the benefit of the community.   … Continue reading →

My aide Leah Boggs attended a meeting of the Hamilton Park Neighborhood Association in which both long and short term solutions regarding the Versailles Road corridor were discussed.  What started with neighborhood residents’ questions and concerns, ended up as a bold vision for … Continue reading →

Phase 3A Phase 3A of the Legacy Trail, from the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden, (IMMAG), to 3rd and Jefferson Streets is funded and improvements should be complete by the end of 2011.  Final release of funds, pending an archeological survey of the IMMAG, is … Continue reading →

My aide Leah Boggs recently attended the annual meeting of the Southland Association which includes businesses, commercial property owners, residents, and other neighborhood associations. The Association was instrumental in getting the Farmer’s Market on Southland and starting the Bluegrass Jamboree.  They … Continue reading →

This week the budgeting process for Urban County Government started with a workshop for all council members and administrative staff. The Mayor and council have revised the budget development process to make it more collaborative. The initial news is that … Continue reading →

The Affordable Housing Task Force has completed its work.  The study they commissioned is complete and will be presented at the next council meeting on March 17 at 6:00 pm in Council Chambers on the 2d floor of the Government Center.  One … Continue reading →

Last week marked a transition for my office.  Sarah Brown, who had served as an aide to former First District Councilmember Andrea James, agreed to stay on for two months as my aide.  I appreciate Sarah’s willingness to assist me during the … Continue reading →