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Cover photographs <br />Top, from left: Farmers' Market; bike parking at LTD station; Spencer Butts Cf~Eallr~nr~r <br />Course; basalt columns at Skinner Butte <br />Bottom: Cityscape in winter (photo by Kazuaki Fuse) <br />~Ne~come and.~fappy dew 2~ear! <br />What a year it has been! <br />We have seen grass roots efforts to protect neighborhoods <br />and save precious natural resources, citizen-led review of <br />our cultural policies, collaborative efforts to solve traffic <br />problems in West Eugene, and excitement building for <br />the Eugene 08 Olympic Track & Field Trials. We just <br />found out we will host the 2012 Olympic Trials, affirming <br />our position as Track City USA. We continue efforts to <br />bring different points of view together to move our city <br />forward. We heard the resounding message of voters in <br />this community and around the state on a diversity of <br />issues, and we engaged in spirited, inclusive discussions <br />about development, transportation, public health and <br />environmental protection. And, as it now does in almost <br />every corner of the world, the theme of sustainability runs <br />throughout all of the work we are doing. <br />Armed with new, compelling information, new technology, new ideas, and newfound passion and urgency, <br />we are beginning to take the steps necessary to tackle the damaging effects of global warming. Our <br />sustainability principles, adopted in 2000, have become more than just awish-list; they are the foundation on <br />which almost every decision we make as a community is based. The Sustainable Business Initiative, Mayor's <br />Climate Challenge, Bold Steps Award program, and newly formed Sustainabiliry Commission are just a few <br />of the ways that individuals and organizations are becoming part of the local solution to this universal crisis. <br />We can do even better. A sustainable city is not just a green city that focuses its efforts only on <br />environmental protection; it is a city that takes care of its people and businesses with equal enthusiasm. <br />In 2007, the City and its partners hosted the first Project Homeless Connect event - a resounding success <br />that we hope to repeat for years to come -and took initial steps to become a Human Rights City. We re- <br />affirmed our goals to strengthen neighborhoods, address racism, bolster sustainable businesses and improve <br />public safety. These types of initiatives will help keep our focus on our most important resource -the <br />people who live and work in this community. <br />The challenges and changes we face in 2008 promise to be important and exciting ones. Nationally, we will <br />elect a new president who will guide this country through the difficult international and domestic issues we <br />face. Here in Eugene, we will continue our commitment to community-supported downtown development, <br />road maintenance, and the protection of natural resources. <br />I encourage you all to add your voice to this conversation so that Eugene becomes the type of community we <br />can be proud to call our home. <br />Sincerely, <br />,! p <br />Y1= f <br />Kitty Piercy <br />Mayor <br />MayrrrPte~zyand fnetxls inJirg'u, Krnra <br />