Some days, the inbox overflows with news releases that we pass on so you can read for yourself … some days, it’s quiet. Today’s one of the overflowing days. Latest one of potential interest, the Seattle City Council announces its 2010 priorities – read on to see if they dovetail with yours:

The official news release:

The Seattle City Council today announced their vision for Seattle and key
efforts for 2010. The Council developed these priorities to support building a
livable city, foster safe, just and healthy communities and invest public resources
fairly and effectively.

The council highlighted their priorities in a full council session, placing
particular emphasis on economic recovery, transportation choices, smart land use and
development, clean energy and carbon neutrality, and education.

“These priorities reflect our commitment to the people of Seattle. Residents need to
know what specific initiatives we plan to work on and what the Council should be
helped accountable for accomplishing,” said Council President Richard Conlin.

Conlin added, “Economic recovery is at the head of our list. We know that getting
people job training and jobs and getting business activity back on track are
imperative for our community and for everything else we do as a City – including our
key task of putting together a budget that is balanced and meets the needs of our
citizens.”

“My priority is to maintain the Council commitment to putting people first, helping
Seattle residents through this difficult economic time by keeping the safety net
intact,” stated Councilmember Nick Licata.

Councilmember Tim Burgess, chair of the Council’s Public Safety and Education
Committee, said the City’s relationship with the Seattle Public Schools would be a
major area of focus this year. Burgess explained that the Council would begin
consideration of renewal of the Families and Education Levy nearly a year earlier
than in previous renewal cycles because of continued low high school graduation
rates.

“The fact is that more than one-third of our students are not graduating from high
school and this failure has gone on for years. It’s time we take bold steps to
change our school results. The long term success of our city is inextricably linked
to the success of our public schools,” said Councilmember Burgess.

Councilmember Bruce Harrell said today, “Our priorities recognize that all people
matter, irrespective of socio-economic status or background. Our energy policies,
conservation strategies and technology initiatives are designed to improve the
circumstances for our residents and businesses and bring about sustainable change.”

“In tough economic times it’s important to keep our heads up and look for ways to
be poised for the next growth cycle. Healthy cities are always growing,” said
Councilmember Sally J. Clark. “City government can help by updating our land-use
laws to reflect the goals of the 21st century. This year Council will look at the
neighborhoods in South Downtown and our multi-family code. Our plan is to help
these parts of the city grow the way they want to.”

Councilmember Mike O’Brien stated, “Addressing climate changes is the most pressing
moral issue we face as a society. Seattle has an opportunity to shape what a carbon
neutral society can look like in a way that is both economically sustainable and
socially just.”

“We have a long list of projects that need our attention and our focus should be on
fostering relationships so we can get these things done! We are a much greater force
when we work together,” Councilmember Sally Bagshaw added this afternoon.
“Participation is crucial to this effort, and we’ll be striving to reach out to our
neighborhoods, businesses, labor, environmentalists, and the many groups that are
such assets to our city. It’s no longer about us versus them; it is about us, all of
us.”

“Seattle is at a unique point in its history,” Councilmember Tom Rasmussen said. “It
is time to break ground and to build the projects that we have debated so long, to
rebuild public confidence in the leadership of the Seattle Department of
Transportation and to plan to meet the ever increasing demands for more sidewalks,
bikeways and public transportation.”

“As Budget Chair, I will look to these priorities to guide our discussion and make
decisions. These are tough times, but by working together we will be able to make
smart choices, keep our local business climate strong, and still protect vital
services,” said Councilmember Jean Godden.

What exactly they’ll do to meet these priorities is still to unfold.