Lucy Vinis took the oath of office last night (Monday) to become Eugene's 36th mayor. Before a small but enthusiastic crowd at the Hult Center, Mayor Vinis gave her first State of the City Address as outgoing Mayor Kitty Piercy and the city council looked on.
After winning the mayoral race, Lucy Vinis kept hearing that she had some pretty big shoes to fill. But she sees it differently.
Vinis:"Those shoes, that foundation Mayor Piercy was so instrumental in building, they stand on their own. And I get to stand on that foundation and take the next steps."
Before becoming Eugene Mayor, Vinis worked at the human-services agency, Lane ShelterCare. In her first address, she outlined the city's goals to deal with housing and homelessness. Vinis noted a United Way report found 43% of Lane County households live in poverty.
Vinis: "This situation is not sustainable. The failure of families to thrive jeopardizes not only the futures of their own children. It jeopardizes all of our futures."
Vinis called climate change and population growth major challenges she is prepared to face. She says the council will review approval for a transportation plan and make a final decision about the urban growth boundary. The new mayor described excitement around a proposed downtown innovation district.
Vinis noted how recent ice storms underlined a need for strong infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Vinis: "This very specific crisis offers us an opportunity to think about resiliency. Not just in terms of our systems but in terms of how we support one another as a community.”
Vinis says the Mayor's Monthly Report will provide a consistent update of projects directed by city council and staff. Starting in February, her reports will be available on the city website and through social media.
