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October 29, 2014 <br /> This was a challenging and emotional process for everyone. Ultimately, <br /> our work and the public's feedback overwhelmingly reaffirmed the <br /> importance of protecting our quality of life as a community. My <br /> recommendations in June were focused on reining in labor costs on the <br /> expense side with minimal cuts to programs and services. With your <br /> support, on the revenue side we adjusted many of our fees and rates to <br /> better reflect the cost of providing services, and to bring us in line with <br /> other Washington jurisdictions. Together, the changes we've made in <br /> 2014 have helped us balance the budget for 2015 and have significantly <br /> reduced projected deficits in future years. <br /> But our work is not done. This fall, we will begin an in-depth review of our <br /> fire department operations to ensure that our resources and staffing <br /> practices are appropriately aligned with the types of calls and requests for <br /> service that we receive. In December Everett Transit will begin a peer <br /> review with the American Public Transportation Association, focusing on <br /> regional partnerships, facilities and other aspects of our transit operations. <br /> We will continue to look at every department and every program to ensure <br /> that we are being as cost effective and strategic as possible, including an <br /> in-depth review of our police department in 2015. <br /> Looking ahead <br /> As we look toward 2015, we have much to be excited about in Everett. <br /> After a challenging competition, we secured the Boeing 777X and <br /> composite-wing facility, ensuring ongoing stability and solidifying our <br /> position at the forefront of aerospace technology. The Boeing Company <br /> broke ground on their new 60-acre plant in August, and we look forward to <br /> years of continued innovation and workforce development in partnership <br /> with our entire advanced manufacturing network. <br /> On the higher education front, we continue to benefit from expanded <br /> opportunities for students and families in our region. Washington State <br /> University took over management of the University Center this fall and is <br /> pursuing funding for a new facility on North Broadway. The first class of <br /> mechanical engineers graduated in May, and this fall students are <br /> enrolled in three new degree programs at WSU Everett. In October, <br /> Governor Inslee and other elected officials helped celebrate the opening <br /> of Everett Community College's cutting-edge Advanced Manufacturing <br /> Training and Education Center on the North Broadway campus. Trinity <br /> 296 <br />