Oct 26 2009
What else can Seattle do to help address the digital divide?
I am currently in the process of working with local high-speed Internet providers and the Office of Cable Communications to develop a “Project Share” program to help low-income residents receive access to affordable high-speed Internet service. For example and to use Comcast as an example, I want to explore the possibility of soliciting from customers a small voluntary donation that can be used to help those who are unable to obtain Internet access. I have previously written about how Internet access is a potential gateway relative to education, job opportunities, training, networking and economic growth.
I will request the Department of Information Technology via a Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) during this year’s budget to report back to Council next year on the implementation of this new program.
The City Council’s Energy and Technology Committee (ETC) will meet on Wednesday, October 21 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss Seattle City Light’s proposed budget, rate adjustment process, and revenue requirements. The meeting will be the first of three final meetings on the rate process and its components. Jorge Carrasco, City Light Superintendent, will brief the Committee, along with other City Light officers and Council’s central staff. In addition the ETC will hold special meetings Wednesday, November 4th at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday, November 5th at 2:00 p.m. I am encouraging the public attend the meetings and voice their opinion.
SEATTLE – On Oct. 15, Councilmember Bruce Harrell and the Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) Prosperity Partnership launched the “Performance First” program and website. Performance First was developed in response to the Prosperity Partnership’s regional economic strategy, and its focus on supporting small business and entrepreneurship in creating jobs and ensuring long-term economic prosperity. This innovative new program helps large employers in the region – including current participants like Swedish Hospital, Puget Sound Energy and Starbucks – implement best practices that include minority-owned businesses in their procurement and purchasing efforts.
“Our quality of life, as we know it in this region, is at stake,” said Councilmember Harrell, chair of Performance First. “The PSRC and the Prosperity Partnership are committed to protecting it, and this program helps companies boost the bottom line and better connect to their customers by more effectively partnering with minority-owned businesses.” Harrell also emphasizes the importance of companies learning to use changing demographics to their strategic advantage.
I am excited to share with you the exciting news of Joanne Harrell’s appointment to the UW Board of Regents. I am honored that she is being recognized for her commitment to the University of Washington and this region. Thank you Governor Chris Gregoire for this fantastic appointment. 
During the budget process of 2009, my ETC committee developed a Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) which directed Seattle City Light to explore policies and procedures meant to encourage and accommodate the use of plug-in electric vehicles in Seattle (EVs). Given the overlapping policy issues of building an electric vehicle infrastructure, theses efforts are being handled jointly by our Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) and City Light. 
On September 30, 2009 at our Energy and Technology Committee meeting, I requested the Interim Director of OSE, Michael Mann to present the response to the Council’s SLI. Following is language from OSE and City Light’s SLI response which describes steps to ensure that our city is prepared for electric passenger vehicles in the fall of 2010. I think you will find it interesting. 
[Updated: 10/14/09]
Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell, community leaders, and elected officials — including Mayor Greg Nickels and the entire Seattle City Council — will serve as honorary hosts of a “Roast and Toast” for retiring Seattle City Councilmember Richard J. McIver. Richard McIver was appointed to the City Council in early 1997, and was subsequently elected to full four-year terms in November 1997, 2001, and 2005. McIver’s first bill was introduced in February 1997 and he went on to sponsor over 700 Council Bills during his tenure. He currently chairs the City Council’s Housing & Economic Development Committee. He is vice-chair of the Environment, Emergency Management and Utilities Committee and is a member of the Transportation Committee. (From 2004 through 2007, he was the chair of the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee.) 
