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DONAHUE Tammy G <br /> From: TAYLOR Dennis M <br /> Sent: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 5:39 PM <br /> To: *Eugene Employees <br /> Cc: MILLER Dawna A <br /> Subject: Focused and on the move <br /> With memories of long Montana winters still fresh in my mind, it is wonderful to be living and working in this beautiful city <br /> where signs of spring are emerging everywhere. As we look forward to the months ahead, I'd like-to recognize a few <br /> recent initiatives that promise to benefit this community in many ways: <br /> City Council Goals - At a two-day work session to consider their goals and objectives for the upcoming year, city <br /> councilors unanimously agreed that "to facilitate the development of a hospital in Eugene's central core" is their highest <br /> priority goal for the remainder of 2004. In addition to making this important decision and reaffirming the broad framework <br /> of their previous Council Goals, they also considered other priority items for the next few years, including a downtown civic <br /> center, economic development, pavement preservation and police staffing issues. Assisting the council to set clear policy <br /> direction for the organization is one of my highest priorities. I appreciate their extra effort to identify and embrace a <br /> common goal. <br /> Federal Courthouse Land Transaction - Yesterday I signed the transaction agreements for the sale of two parcels of land <br /> to the GSA that together make up the footprint for the federal courthouse in Eugene. The new courthouse is an integral <br /> component of the vision for this area--a new, mixed-use district along Eighth Avenue, leading from the heart of downtown <br /> to the river. The ground breaking ceremony for the new landmark federal building is scheduled for April 7. <br /> 2003 Community Campaign -Thanks to your generosity and commitment, the City of Eugene's 2003 Community <br /> Campaign was more successful than ever before. With a record number of employees participating, our total City giving <br /> was $122,003--a 12% increase over 2002 and over 8% higher than our previous record set in 2001--making us the fifth <br /> largest campaign in Lane County. This achievement is a true testament to our philanthropic spirit. I am proud to be part of <br /> an organization whose employees invest in their community both at work and in their personal lives. <br /> Earned Income Tax Credit Task Force -Since last fall, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Task Force has been <br /> working on an intensive public outreach effort to publicize and promote a valuable, yet little-known tax benefit for low and <br /> moderate income workers. Although only an estimated 22% of qualified families applied for this credit in 2001, the EITC <br /> can boost family incomes by as much as 40% and can lead to a stronger local economy. This initiative is a great example <br /> of how community partnerships can be forged to leverage resources and create opportunity. Spearheaded by Councilor <br /> Nancy Nathanson and Commissioner Bobby Green, the task force is staffed by the City of Eugene and Lane County and <br /> includes representatives from the IRS, AARP, Centro LatinoAmericano, the Eugene and Bethel school districts, United <br /> Way, White Bird Clinic, St. Vincent dePaul, Goodwill Industries, the University of Oregon, Lane Community College, <br /> EW EB, and Head Start. <br /> There are many more exciting projects in the works and on the horizon. I am very optimistic about the possibilities that <br /> becoming realities here in Eugene. Thanks to your daily contribution to our City organization, we continue to make great <br /> strides. --DMT <br /> Dennis M. Taylor <br /> City Manager <br /> City of Eugene <br /> City Hall <br /> 777 Pearl Street, Room 105 <br /> Eugene, OR 97401 <br /> (541)682-5510 <br /> <br /> dennis.m.taylor@ci.eugene.or.us <br /> 1 <br /> <br />