Also in this issue: a new collective bargaining agreement for represented employees and free winter break activities for young people
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This week, we ushered in the start of a new, historic era for our entire region.
After years of talk, we are finally making good on creating one unified system that has the governance, authority, and resources to address our regions homelessness crisis [ [link removed] ]. This is a monumental achievement: We have designed a truly regional response which was made stronger, thanks to the invaluable input from all stakeholders throughout the region.
Mayor Durkan and King County Executive Dow Constantine sign the Interlocal Agreement creating a new Regional Homelessness Authority
We know that this crisis doesnt stop at the Citys borders. Its impacts are seen throughout every community in our region. Its critical to our long-term success that we provide services in every community so that we can allow people to remain in the communities theyve known.
We also know we must do more to tackle the disproportionate impacts of homelessness. According to this years One Night Count [ [link removed] ], the majority of our neighbors experiencing homelessness are people of color. This tells a heartbreaking story of our failure to make significant investments in the health and stability of communities most impacted by institutional racism. But with our guiding principles, we are centering, and accountable to, our historically underserved and marginalized communities.
This new authority wont solve the homelessness crisis overnight, and it wont prevent everyone from falling into homelessness in the first place.
But its a historic moment to advance region-wide practices that we know are working, and that we know are helping our neighbors in crisis move inside. I believe the creation of this Authority will help do more to prevent homelessness, to serve people experiencing homelessness, and to center race and social justice in everything we do.
Now, we are embarking on a new journey, as a region and as a community, to address this crisis with the compassion needed to drive change.
As always, please continue to write me
[email protected], reach out viaTwitter [ [link removed] ]andFacebook [ [link removed] ], and stay up-to-date on the work were doing for the people of Seattle onmyblog. [ [link removed] ]
And finally, Happy Holidays from all of us in the Mayors Office. We hope you have the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan's SignatureSpacer
Mayor Durkan Signs New Collective Bargaining Agreements with Seattle Firefighters and Represented City Employees
This week, standing alongside labor leaders and City employees, Mayor Durkan signed new Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) for Seattle firefighters and City employees represented by the Coalition of City Unions.
Mayor Durkan holds a signed contract up and smiles at the camera, surrounded by smiling City employees
Seattle is a national leader in ensuring our workers are treated fairly, and we must make sure our hard-fought protections are available for City employees, who come to work every day looking to help our residents build a better life for themselves and their loved ones, said Mayor Durkan. The new Collective Bargaining Agreements with Seattle firefighters and represented City employees are about honoring their work and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive both in the workplace, and out in their communities. Im grateful to all the bargaining teams who worked so hard these last several months to reach these agreements.
Click here to learn more about these three-year agreements [ [link removed] ].
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Free City of Seattle Winter Break Activities for Young People
The City of Seattle, via Seattle Parks and Recreation and The Seattle Public Library, is excited to offer a variety of free, fun programing for young people during winter break!
Photo of youth in a Seattle rec center huddling and smiling at the camera
For a full list of Seattle Parks and Recreation winter programming, click here [ [link removed] ].
For a full list of The Seattle Public Library winter programming, click here [ [link removed] ].
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Happening This Holiday Season in Seattle
Winterfest header from Seattle Center Website featuring images from winter celebrations
*Winterfest @ Seattle Center: [ [link removed] ] November 19 December 31, 2019*
Connect to a world of sparkling lights, child-sized amusements and spirited entertainment at Seattle Center Winterfest, Nov. 29 Dec. 31, in Center venues and on the grounds. Five weeks of festive, fun-filled, free and affordable activities await those in search of uplifting seasonal spirit or delightful diversion from the hustle and bustle of the holiday routine.
Featuring Winterfest Ice Rink, Saturday ice sculpting, and outdoor seasonal lighting.Our Winter Train & Village returns, along with live weekend performances and inspiring student showcases. The festival rings in the New Year with spectacular fireworks, Fountain of Light dance party and live music inside the Armory.
*Santas Sleigh @ Space Needle:* [ [link removed] ] December 20 December 24, 11:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m.
*Winter Solstice Walk @ Washington Park Arboretum* [ [link removed] ]*: *December 21; 5:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
*Menorah Lighting @ U Village:* [ [link removed] ] December 23; 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
*The Chaunukah Party III:* [ [link removed] ] December 29, 6:15 p.m.
*New Year @ The Needle:* [ [link removed] ] December 31, 9:00 p.m. 1:00 a.m.
*Lumaze Light Garden:* [ [link removed] ] November 29 January 4, 2020
*Wildlights @ Woodland Park Zoo:* [ [link removed] ] November 29 January 5 (closed December 24 + 25); 5:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m.
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See You in 2020!
The Durkan Digest is going on hiatus until the New Year! Our Digest writers will be taking a short break from the weekly newsletter to spend some quality time with family and several glasses of nog.
You can stay up to date on things happening at the City of Seattle and the Mayors Office by following Mayor Durkan (Facebook [ [link removed] ] | Twitter [ [link removed] ]), the Mayors Office (Facebook [ [link removed] ] | Twitter [ [link removed] ]) or the City of Seattle (Facebook [ [link removed] ] | Twitter [ [link removed] ]).
Wishing you all a Happy Holidays from the entire Mayors Office team!
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Weekend Read: Smart Cities Dive: 48 mayors ask Congress for affordable housing support
For this weeks edition of the Weekend Read, we encourage you to check out Smart Cities Dives reporting on [ [link removed] ] Mayor Durkans coalition letter, composed of nearly 50 bipartisan mayors, supporting the Affordable Housing Credit Act of 2019. The article begins:
"The mayors' letter says that the Housing Credit so far has financed the development or preservation of 3.2 million affordable homes nationwide. The Housing Credit's design of being administered at the state level allows it to benefit citizens in urban, suburban and rural areas. That element is reflected in the support from such a wide variety of community leaders across the country."
"Cantwellcontends that the provisions included in the bill will better serve the most at-risk and underserved populations. It increases the number of credits for housing developments that cater to extremely low-income individuals, those with special needs and Native Americans. It would also strengthen veteran-specific housing options."
Read more [ [link removed] ]
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