Seattle Forward

Budget Crunch Time

The City Council is entering crunch time in our 2013-2014 budget deliberations. Beginning this morning through Friday, we will review Council proposals for specific additions and cuts to the Mayor’s original budget proposal. Late next week, likely either Thursday or Friday, we’ll vote on a final balancing package of budget amendments.

The Council approached our budget work with a sharp focus on effectively addressing the needs of today. We want to make smart investments to deal with the pressing issues we face in a way that is efficient, effective and aligned with our vision for the future.

Before we received the Mayor’s budget proposal in late September, the Council passed Resolution 31404. This legislation established performance standards and questions for the Council to ask (and City departments to answer) so that we know what we’re getting when we invest taxpayer money in new programs.

Over the last six weeks, we have been asking these questions about specific goals and program measures. Sometimes we get satisfactory answers; sometimes, frankly, the answers leave us with only more questions.

Babies Born into Poverty: Nurse Family Partnership Infographic

The Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) is a highly successful public health and safety program that starts early by improving the lives of moms and their babies. NFP sends specially-trained nurses into the homes of first-time moms living in poverty. The nurses help the mom early in her pregnancy and continue to visit until their child reaches age two. Extensive studies have proven that NFP works: healthier moms, children better prepared for school, and lower crime rates. 

For a more readable description of these benefits, take a look at the infographic after the jump.

U District Walk and Talk

This Thursday evening I will be joining the organization Feet First for a walking tour and conversation about the University District. With light rail expansion on the horizon, exciting changes are coming to this neighborhood. The event is free but RSVPs are requested through this Web site: http://feet-first.ticketleap.com/university-district-walk--talk/.

If you live, work, study or play in the U District, come out and join us!