We are now fully experiencing our typical Pacific Northwest Autumn, with times of abundant sunshine and Fall colors, but also a healthy dose of rain and clouds.  It is a good reminder to prepare at home to be ready for more challenging weather.  And it is important for us to be extra alert as bikers, walkers, students, and commuters all share island roads and travel together in the increasingly dim mornings and evenings.

The City is also focused on the change of seasons, and Public Works is finishing the important preventative projects that are needed to keep our drainage and roads ready for additional wind and rainfall.  State forecasts predict that our region is likely to have an El Nino winter, which will mean warmer and drier conditions compared to last year. 

As you enjoy your October activities, please consider taking a moment to learn more about two important items that impact every member of our community:

The City website has a great deal of information to help voters understand this proposed levy lid lift.  If approved, the levy will provide $15 million in funding for a wide range of non-motorized transportation and accessibility projects.

The City Council has begun its work to finalize and adopt a budget to guide City resources for the next two years.  The new budget will provide a common roadmap for how we provide core services and support key community priorities, while also meeting our long-term financial goals for sustainability and stewardship of public assets.

This month marks two milestones for me, personally, in my work here at the City.  It is the start of my term as City Manager and is also exactly eight years since I first joined the organization.  Both events are very meaningful to me.  I consider myself lucky to be a part of the Bainbridge community, and to work for the town where my family lives.  And I am also very fortunate to be a part of a City organization that moves forward every day due to the professional effort of 120 thoughtful, hands-on employees.