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October 30, 2013 <br /> quickly enough to avoid taking more difficult measures to safeguard the <br /> city's finances over the long term. Therefore, I've asked our department <br /> directors to convene in the coming months to develop options and <br /> recommendations for bringing the budget back into a structural balance. <br /> City initiatives and projects <br /> Despite the strain that the struggling economy has placed on our ability to <br /> fund operations, I am pleased that the city has continued to deliver on <br /> past promises to the community. In 2013 we completed several major <br /> projects: <br /> • Construction wrapped up on the new Municipal Court building in <br /> May. The new building is bigger, safer, and more efficient to <br /> operate and maintain. <br /> • In September we finished widening 112th Street SE between 1-5 <br /> and SR 527, improving traffic flow and safety on the busy arterial. <br /> • With assistance from a $400,000 state grant, we replaced roofs on <br /> several parks buildings, including popular rental facilities. <br /> All of these improvements were cash funded with grants and reserves that <br /> city leaders created for this purpose in more prosperous times. <br /> Next year we will begin work on long-awaited projects throughout the city. <br /> With a combination of state and county grants, we will make <br /> improvements and upgrade playground equipment at Senator Henry M. <br /> Jackson and Hannabrook parks. We will also start work to replace the <br /> aging Broadway Bridge next spring — and save an estimated $1 million <br /> through an innovative one-year construction schedule. <br /> In 2014 we'll remain focused on positioning Everett as an attractive home <br /> base for industry and technology in this region. We continue to campaign <br /> for investments in education, transportation and aerospace that will <br /> sustain our economic base and invite future growth. <br /> We are deeply involved in Governor Inslee's efforts to win the Boeing <br /> 777X program in Everett. The Governor has laid out an aggressive <br /> strategy to attract the next generation of the popular 777 model, including <br /> a streamlined permitting process. We are strongly advocating for the <br /> 302 <br />