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

City Honored as Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community

At the international Pro Walk/ Pro Bike Conference, Mayor Nickels was presented with a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community award by the League of American Bicyclists.

The award recognizes Seattle’s commitment to, and investment in, improving conditions for bicyclists. More than 4 percent of Seattle residents commute by bicycle, which is 10 times the national average.

Mayor proposes funding to give
Phinney Neighborhood Center a permanent home

Mayor Greg Nickels submitted legislation to the City Council today to make $2.5 million in city funding available to the Phinney Neighborhood Association (PNA) to acquire the former John B. Allen Elementary School. Since 1981, the PNA has leased the school from the Seattle School District to house the Phinney Neighborhood Center. PNA has also received other grants and donations to secure the property.

Seattle City Light To Double Conservation Savings

"Conservation is the best strategy to meet our energy needs," said Mayor Nickels. "We will not build a new power plant to fuel our city. Instead, we will reduce our power consumption using innovation, efficiency, and inspiration. Our goals are straightforward: maintain a healthy economy, reduce climate pollution and create new, green jobs."  

Read the press release

Mayor Kicks off Major Roadway Renovations
in South Park

The $4.5 million project will upgrade all roadway features on 14th Avenue South for five blocks, from South Cloverdale Street to South Director Street. The improvement work, is the first major Bridging the Gap project to be constructed in the South Park neighborhood.   

Read the press release
Learn more about the Mayor's South Park Action Agenda

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