Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy presented community and employee awards, watched the swearing-in of city councilors and gave her State of the City Address at the Hult Center last night (Wednesday.)
“Today begins my 11th year as mayor.”
Mayor Piercy has announced she will not seek another term as Eugene’s mayor.
“And I am grateful for the privilege to serve in 2015.”
Piercy then prepared the crowd for her “Saint Nicklaus-like” work style.
“I know that lists are lists but this is how I work. I set goals, I make lists and I re-check to be sure we get the work done or change course as required…”
She then itemized nearly 30 city successes, including downtown revitalization, affordable housing projects, public safety and environmental leadership.
“The Eugene City Council banned the use of neonicotinoids on all city property, including parks, becoming the most bee friendly city in the nation.”
Looking to her final year in office, Mayor Piercy outlined a number of challenges in 2015. She says many would say student housing was overbuilt, but this creates an opportunity to recover more housing for working families. Development of the riverfront and rebuilding city hall, she says, remain two of the biggest and most promising projects in the coming year. And…
“…As part of a broader human rights effort to address our longstanding homeless issues, our first effort is to house all our homeless vets through Operation 365 by the end of 2015.”
In closing, Piercy said she is committed to learning from mistakes, thinking outside the box and moving forward together. Then, to a standing ovation, she waved good night.
