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Thank you, Edmonton, for making this summer truly great. We had a great summer season and we sure made the most of it. And as we enter the first week of autumn, I'm pleased to update you on some of the issues we're working on. I'd be pleased to hear back from you with your thoughts on these - or any issues. Use the links at the bottom of this newsletter to connect with me, or call 780-496-8100.
 Update from the Edmonton Committee to End Homelessness
The Homelessness Committee has been working tirelessly and Edmonton's Ten Year Plan to end homelessness is well on its way. It's great to see so many Edmontonians getting involved in the process and I thank the over 800 people, and over 75 companies who have contributed to the process so far.
A common theme in the consultations is that in order to truly help the homeless in Edmonton we must look to first provide them a home; then provide the services that they will require in order to succeed. This is an achievable goal.
More information on the Committee's progress is available at: endedmontonhomelessness.com |
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Wiping Out Graffiti
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Graffiti is an expensive, unsightly crime. It costs us all both money and peace of mind. That's why the City's Capital City Clean Up Program has launched the Graffiti Management Program, which includes:
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Free graffiti-removal kits available following a graffiti incident (on a first come basis)
- Graffiti Squads (non-profit groups) assigned to clean up specific sites in high-incident areas.
It also involves the "Giant of Edmonton" mural program. I am very excited about this initiative as it not only helps to eradicate graffiti, it's a wonderful way to acknowledge some of Edmonton's heroes and highlight Edmonton's creativity and culture. |
A mural of Lois Hole, at 11305-95 Street, was the first of the public art program and it's a beautiful start.
There are lots of great tips and suggestions for preventing graffiti at the Capital City Clean Up web page: edmonton.ca/capitalcitycleanup.
Potholes
With a three year record low number of reported potholes, the road ahead is looking less bumpy. Edmonton has had our busiest construction season ever in summer 2008 and the results are where the rubber hits the road… literally.
From January to July 2008, the City has filled 274,000 potholes. During the same time last year 406,000 potholes were repaired and we have received far less claims for vehicular damaged caused by potholes than we have in the past three seasons. Our preventative maintenance and investment in our roads is paying off.
If you are interested in finding out more about these, or any other city initiatives, please visit edmonton.ca
September Means Back to Budget
For most, September means back to school, and the end of summer fun. It's really no different at City Hall. September means it's almost budget time.
I don't think any budget is ever simple, but 2009 budget will have extra challenges. For one thing, we have to be aware of global and national economic indicators that can affect our bottom line, such as with the impact of global markets on the dividends we can expect from our investments. This impact is one reason why we may have to dip into our Stability Fund to cover a 2008 shortfall.
It's clear our citizens are thinking about some belt tightening and are expecting City Hall to do the same – even while ensuring service levels are maintained and still investing in critical infrastructure improvements. |
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One major improvement to the budget process this year will be the introduction of a pilot, zero-based budgeting model. This means that a department's needs and spending are reviewed comprehensively and all expenditures must be approved – instead of assuming that a base increase should just be added to the budget. This year, the process will only start with a few departments. But applied correctly, it can be an effective efficiency and cost-savings tool.
But even at its best, this new process can't do everything. There are fundemental flaws in our budgeting process and in our ongoing need to rely on the property tax system. Until some of the fundemental imbalance between Federal, Provincial and Municipal budgets are addressed, our continued over-reliance on property tax cannot be addressed.
This year, I want to spend a lot more budget time outside of City Hall – talking to citizens about all of these issues and challenges. I plan to hold public meetings across the City to discuss the budget with Edmontonians.
What's the Future of Airport Lands?
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You may have heard reports of a renewal of the debate over the City Centre Airport. The discussion started because of the inquiry raised by a Councillor, and a report did come back to Council suggesting other uses for the airport lands. A public session was held at City Hall on September 2 and 3, 2008 to begin to discuss the future of the facility and the land upon which it sits.
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Council has now asked the Administration to examine potential uses of the airport lands and how these lands fit into other City initiatives and plans. A preliminary report is due back in early October, and final reports will come in January that look at possible implications of a shutdown. Once these are in place, we will need to have a much more extensive discussion with our citizens about whether we should maintain the status quo at this airport, or use the land differently. We're at least 9 months away from a decision and there will be plenty of opportunity to have your say.
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