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.
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. 
Proposal includes a rate Increase and increase in spending for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) and Capital Improvements Program (CIP)
I presented legislation today, 9/28/09, at Full Council to improve the City’s response to information and service requests from the public. The Council approved Council Bill 
In reviewing City Light’s rates, my goal was to engage citizens and organizations, who would review, question, push back and advocate for different customer groups when responding to the Mayor’s request for a rate review. I wanted it to range from people who advocate for the poor, elderly and customers with limited income, and extend it to the largest commercial customers. I wanted to hear from those who use power simply for personal consumption and those who rely on large amounts of power for their business. I therefore asked several individuals to serve as Council appointees and similarly, the Mayor did as well. 
