As the nation starts the year out with a State of the Union address, so too does Bothell. City Manager Bob Stowe gave a State of the City address to business and community leaders on Jan. 14. The over arching theme for the city’s direction continues to be growth and redevelopment. The Greater Bothell Chamber of Commerce hosted the address during its January luncheon at Country Village.

“I am honored to be here today to deliver my eleventh State of the City address,” Stowe said. “I am humbled and grateful to be part of such an amazing city and to work alongside the incredible people who make this community special.”

He started with an overview of the biennium budget, forecasted to be approximately $87.2 million for 2015 and 2016, coming from sales, property and utility taxes.

He also spoke of the improvements to Bothell’s downtown area, including the opening of the Six Oaks complex and, more recently, the opening of Amaro Bistro.

Construction on Bothell’s new City Hall building is well under way, replacing the old building that was built in 1938 when the city’s population was approximately 800 people.

Of course, the new construction of both city buildings and residential complexes is required to account for the regional grown in both King and Snohomish counties.

The city expects to receive an additional $450 million in private investments as the revitalization project continues.

“Manager Stowe does an excellent job of communicating our community vision and implementing the plan toward success,” said Bothell Mayor Joshua Freed.

“We are in good hands with a city manager who knows how to lead a staff to push forward the vision of the community, city council and mayor. We should be proud what we have collectively accomplished and we enjoy seeing surrounding cities share in our collective success.”

The State of the City address promoted building a strong community by fostering cooperation between citizens and public or private entities, creating community green spaces, and more.

“Growth is happening to our region whether we want it to or not,” Stowe concluded. “Development must be based upon what people love about their community. It doesn’t mean avoiding changes. It does mean anchoring changes in the essential character of the community. Bothell has done all of this and has positioned itself to reap the benefits of a growing region while preserving what makes Bothell special.”