The Daily Hustle: 6/30/10

It's been one year since Lee Leffingwell was sworn in as mayor, and it's time to take stock. The mayor's office has compiled a list of milestones from Year One, which we've reproduced below the fold.

Sent to us, per request, from the mayor's office:

JOBS

- Worked to bring Facebook, LegalZoom, Hanger Orthopedic, HostGator jobs to Austin

- Launched “Go Local” program to award more City contracts to Austin-based companies

- Hosted small business summit, sponsored resolution to improve services to small businesses

- Launched “Mayor’s Small Business of the Month” program, recognizing local companies

TRAFFIC

- Led effort to put $85 million transportation bond proposal on November 2010 ballot

- Proposed urban rail election in conjunction with comprehensive bond package in 2012

- Worked together with staff on TXDOT agreement to finish flyovers at 290 & I-35 / MOPAC

ENERGY / WATER

- Led effort to pass Generation Plan, increasing renewables while preserving affordability

- Led effort to win City Council approval of WTP4 construction

- Sponsored Council resolution establishing water conservation goal of 140 GCPD by 2020

- Launched “Energize Austin” program to provide loans for residential energy efficiency

OPEN GOVERNMENT

- Created new rules requiring much earlier posting of City Council agenda items

- Formed Mayor’s Community Cabinet and Environmental Working Group

- Launched AustinCorps civic internship program for AISD seniors

- Hosted two well-attended Town Hall meetings, on WTP4 and Generation Plan

KEEPING AUSTIN WEIRD

- Made the bat Austin’s official animal and created the “Night of the Bat” free annual concert

- Led the effort to make 2nd Street into Austin's first honor avenue: Willie Nelson Boulevard

BIGGEST CHALLENGES AHEAD

- Supporting balancd FY2011 budget, preserving core services, keeping property taxes low

- Earning voter approval of November 2010 transportation bond proposal

- Starting the dialogue about bond election and Charter amendments in 2012

- Continuing to build strong working relationships with Council, community, regional neighbors

Obviously, there's room for quibbling over whether the some of the initiatives touted are strong enough, what more is being done to prevent major flare-ups (i.e., KeyPoint and the questions raised) from occurring in the future, or whether leading the charge on WTP4 is something to be proud of. However, it's a reminder that results are important – especially as Leffingwell has been open about running for a second term.

What the hell else is happening?

On the city calendar: A special called meeting of council's Public Health and Human Services Committee, discussing procurement procedures for social service contracts, is happening in the Boards and Commissions room at City Hall, 310 W. Second, 3pm.

A meeting with the (remaining) finalists for Austin Energy General Manager is going down at AE's Town Lake Center, 721 Barton Springs. 6pm.

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