City staff recommended a 10 percent increase for water rates which would generate roughly an additional million dollars.  There are several significant capital improvement projects (CIPs) that will be under construction this fiscal year.

We have also watched the unprecedented opportunity to reconstruct the street with federal stimulus package funds go by the wayside because the City failed to simply ask for the money.  Still, we will try to put a good face on it and join others in the community once again to urge action toward the one solution that is low cost, does not impede motor vehicle flow, reduces risk for all users of the corridor, and beautifies the street.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Davis enjoyed an unparalleled and well-deserved reputation for its environmentally progressive polices. The City served as a beacon for other cities seeking to emulate our sensible, protective laws and sustainable regulations. From our earliest adoption of energy-efficient building standards and restrictions on cigarette smoking in public to our alternative neighborhood designs and bike-friendly layout to an aggressive recycling program, Davis became the standard by which other progressive communities judged their own performance. Our elected leaders in those days deserved the right to promote themselves as environmentally-friendly and staunch advocates for green policies. Our current City Council also claims to be very environmentally responsible and one can hardly sit through a public meeting in Davis without one Council member or another reminding us that we live in a very environmentally-friendly community and reaffirming Davis’ leadership role in promoting environmentally sustainable policies.