Our progress as a community in 2006 was both visible and unseen. The recent dedication of Cirque Park and the opening of the Morrison, Alameda and Drexler street improvements were by their nature more noticeable. Our negotiations on the Town Center project, however, were -- by necessity -- not public and, therefore, were unseen until our recent announcements. All of our efforts, though, in 2006 were about the immediate and long-term improvements in "Building UP Our Community.''

1. Town Center -- The City'S actions in constructing Town Center began in 2006 with the clearing and grading for the project site and future Transit Center, funded with the help of a $6.8 million Federal Grant. Our thanks again to Senator Patty Murray, Senator Maria Cantwell and Congressman Norm Dicks for their support and belief in our community.

   All of our efforts related to Town Center have been about building a real "sense of PLACE" in University Place, growing the local tax base to support quality community services and programs long-term, and to provide more shopping and entertainment opportunities right here in University Place. Good things take time.

2. Capital Improvements -- One major unsolved issue remaining from 2006 is the need for ongoing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funding. With voter rejection of the Levy Lid Lift for capital, our CIP remains limited to essential projects only. Our CIP list will be more modest and move at a slower, pay-as-we-go pace. While the Levy Lid Lift failed and we will not have the funds to go into neighborhood projects, we are committed to making the best use of whatever capital dollars we do have.
   
   
   
3. Economic Development -- The most exciting -- and as a golfer, for me, the most challenging -- event for 2006 was the County’s construction of the Chambers Bay Golf Course. This regional destination facility will not benefit not only our community economically, but all of Pierce County. Tournaments and events are already booked for the Spring and Summer. Our economic development strategy is to support existing businesses while we broaden and grow the tax base, to provide needed revenues for city services without increasing taxes on existing property owners or residents. The Economic Development Committee completed the update to our Economic Development Strategic Action Plan in 2006. The Plan's goals will guide our continued economic growth.
4. Planning and Growth Management -- Every City in Washington must plan to accommodate its share of our State's growth. In University Place we have chosen to concentrate our future residential and commercial growth in the Town Center and along 27th Street. This allows for a mix of land uses adding to our sense of "Place," but at the same time protects existing neighborhoods from growth impacts. The Planning Commission completed its review of Design Standards and Codes in 2006 to guide our future growth.
   
   
5. Public Safety -- Always high on our list and first in our concerns is protection of he community's public safety. In 2006 the city assumed responsibility for the Humane Society for Animal Control. We also at the same time increased our Code Enforcement efforts. In partnership with Pierce County we continued our U.P. Net neighborhood emergency preparedness program and enhanced our emergency communication capabilities. The Fall rains and the Winter winds, snow and ice remind us all of the need for family emergency plans. Our Police and Public Works crews do a great job, but they cannot be everywhere at all times. We also want to recognize the work done by Tacoma Power and U.P. and Lakewood Refuse in coordinating with the City during the Winter's emergency weather.
   
   
6. Community Information and Involvement -- But the City is much more than taxes, budgets, services and Capital projects. At the very heart of our community are the citizens of University Place. Our City newsletters, Annual Reports, website and UPTV programs seek to keep citizens informed of issues affecting them. And through volunteerism and events the citizens have the opportunity to get involved directly. Duck Daze, Treasures in the Park, the Community Festival, Orchard Concerts and Tree Lighting -- volunteers continue to be a big part of how we provide services and still keep the costs low. Over 10,500 hours of volunteer time were contributed in 2006!
   
   
7. Conclusion -- University Place is the 30th largest city in Washington State, but as a community, none cam claim to be better. University Place is THE PALCE to live, work, and raise a family, and soon, THE PLACE to play and shop!

Gerald Gehring, Mayor

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