The city of Kenmore is approaching its 15th birthday. Looking back over the years to our city’s incorporation in August of 1998, I am pleased with the progress we all have made together. Since incorporation, the city has invested more than $108 million in its infrastructure, including $79 million in roads. Bothell Way is a good example.

By landing state and federal grants and combining those grants with local dollars, the city has invested more than $67 million to improve Bothell Way, including segments of approaching connector streets and the Burke-Gilman Trail tunnel. Going from virtually no places for people to safely walk on Bothell Way to wide new sidewalks, has made a world of difference. We are now a more safe and walkable community. And new sidewalks aren’t the only benefit of the Bothell Way improvements – increased safety and capacity for cars, transit, and bicycles, as well as new landscaping, lighting and improved aesthetics are all part of the recent Bothell Way improvements.

Road improvements aren’t the only infrastructure investments the city has made since its 1998 incorporation. The city has made significant headway in resolving flooding issues, like the new 73rd Avenue bridge, for example. The city has made new investments in its parks over the years. Park examples include the new play structure and restrooms at Log Boom Park, new amenities added to Rhododendron Park, new and improved public athletic fields at Bastyr University and acquisition of just over 86 acres of new park land and open space, such as Twin Springs and Squire’s Landing.Becoming a city has made these infrastructure investments possible. By incorporating, we have been able to   keep local tax dollars local and bring in outside funding or grants.

Infrastructure is only part of our post-incorporation story. I believe the safety and security of its citizens is government’s first job and Kenmore has lived up to this principle. Prior to incorporation, Kenmore was part of several unincorporated police patrol districts in the county, with a rough equivalent of about eight sheriff deputies assigned to the city. None of these officers were dedicated exclusively to Kenmore. Post-incorporation, we have 14 sworn police officers dedicated exclusively to Kenmore. This increased police presence has doubled our minimum 24/7 coverage from about one officer (pre-incorporation) to two officers (post-incorporation). In addition, the city’s police department has added many new youth andother crime prevention programs in our schools and communities.

While the city has been able to improve services and infrastructure since city-hood, its financial health is also an important component in answering the “Have we made any progress?” question. I am pleased to report that our financial condition is solid. Although the flat and declining revenues in recent years have not been easy, we have adjusted accordingly. We have strong fund balances and virtually no debt. We inherited a relatively small debt obligation for King County surface water projects prior to Kenmore becoming a city. The city has used a “pay as you go” approach to infrastructure by paying cash and leveraging grants for its various capital projects.

In addition, the city’s taxes are comparable to our neighboring jurisdictions. For example, Kenmore’s combined utility taxes and utility franchise fees are lower than those of the four cities that touch Kenmore’s borders (using a weighted average; see city manager’s 2013-2014 budget message).

Have we made progress since incorporation? Yes, we have. Do we still have more to do? Absolutely. Infrastructure, both preserving what we have and building new, continues to be a priority. Finishing the Bothell Way improvements from 65th Avenue Northeast west to the city limits is in the works. We have the grants and local dollars available to complete the next phase from 65th Avenue Northeast to 61st Avenue Northeast. Going after the funds to replace the southbound Sammamish River Bridge – 68th Avenue Northeast – is also front and center. You should also expect to see major asphalt overlay projects on Juanita Drive in 2013.

We are also updating our Parks Plan to leverage grant dollars for even more park improvements, so stay tuned. In the near-term, we plan on installing a boater-friendly seasonal float and ramp at the Log Boom Park pier, as well as a new hand-powered watercraft float and ramp on the east side of the 68th Avenue Northeast bridge – south shore of the Sammamish River. We are also partnering with Washington State Department of Fish & Wildlife to improve the boat launch in 2014, including doubling the width of the launch, new restrooms with flush toilets and electricity, new pavement for parking and new landscaping.

There is certainly more we can do than there are dollars and time available. Yet, this great city and its citizens have made meaningful, noticeable progress in improving quality of life, and we are committed to wisely leveraging and stretching our dollars to continue this important upward trajectory of making Kenmore an even more amazing place to live, work and recreate.

Mayor David Baker