City of Tukwila E-Hazelnut Newsletter
December 2017
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City of Tukwila Website
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Tukwila Elected Officials
Mayor: Allan Ekberg

Dennis Robertson (Council President)
Joe Duffie
Verna Seal
Kathy Hougardy
De'Sean Quinn
Kate Kruller
Thomas McLeod 

As you know, Tukwila voters approved a bond measure to fund the replacement of three aging fire stations, fire equipment and apparatus for 20 years, and a new justice center to house the Police Department and Municipal Court. Coupled with a much-needed new shop facility for our Public Works crews funded by general funds and utility funds, these five buildings and associated equipment comprise the City's Public Safety Plan.  

On December 2, the City hosted the last of three in-person open houses for 2017. It was very well attended; around 50 people came to the event, and another 72 visited the online open house. The focus of this open house was on the locations for the new buildings.  

On November 6, after a long vetting process in which City staff, Council, the volunteer Siting Advisory Committee and residents participated, the Council approved the list of recommended sites, and authorized staff to begin acquiring those properties. While the City prefers to come to voluntary agreements with all   property owners, it retains the ability to use eminent domain if needed. Of the thirteen total properties the City will acquire in order to fully implement the Public Safety Plan, there are already three signed purchase and sale agreements as of this writing.  

Tukwila values and appreciates the diversity of its businesses, recognizing that some may be significantly impacted by these siting decisions. The City's Economic Development team is hard at work with each affected business to understand their individual needs and to identify strategies that will assist the transition of these businesses to new locations. These strategies will be presented to Council in the first quarter of 2018.  

Please visit TukwilaWA.gov/PublicSafetyPlan for more information and updates, or call 206-454-7565. Watch for spring and fall open houses coming in 2018.  
 
Another Shop with a Cop event success 



On December 9, the Tukwila Police Depatment held their annual Shop with a Cop event. This recent outing was an opportunity for Tukwila school children in need to do some Christmas shopping for their families that they wouldn't otherwise be able to do.
 
The City and its Police Department would like to thank the businesses that make this event possible: Target, Toys "R" Us, Tukwila Family Fun Center & Bullwinkle's Restaurant, Azteca, Westfield Southcenter, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, and Acura of Seattle.

Please check out this great story that KIRO 7 put together about the event. 

View the video at Kiro7.com
Farewell Councilmember Duffie!



Councilmember Joe Duffie is retiring from the City Council this month after serving nine consecutive terms over the past 36 years. The City of Tukwila will dearly miss his leadership and the sight of his familiar face at the end of the Council dais, but we know he will remain an engaged and inspirational community member.  Councilmember Duffie moved to Tukwila in 1967 and has lived in his current home since 1969. He was first elected to the City Council in fall of 1981, being inspired to run for office to get more involved in neighborhood issues and feeling the Council of that time did not communicate well. During his tenure he has remained passionate about improving the quality of life in the community and in increasing transparency and accountability in local government.  He is also renowned for serving as a strong mentor for Tukwila youth through his work at the Tukwila School District as well as his service on the Council.  Generations of kids know "Mr. Duffie," and understand how much he cares about them and their ability to succeed.   

Councilmember Duffie was honored by the City, friends and family at a public reception held on December 11, just before the final Council meeting of the year, during which he was recognized with a formal resolution signed by the Mayor and City Council.  He was also honored at the State Legislature with Resolution 8672 from Senator Joe Fain, who grew up in Tukwila and met Councilmember Duffie at age 5. 
 
Joe Duffie, we thank you for your service to the City of Tukwila.