In her third State of the City address, Spokane Mayor Mary Verner told citizens that the City would spend 2010 focused on developing new ways of doing business, maintaining our financial strength, and bolstering our local economy.

“The reality of today is that we must change if we are to stay healthy and strong for the 205,000 citizens of the City of Spokane,” Mayor Verner said. “We’re going to be tackling big issues that reduce costs while reforming how we deliver services.”

The Mayor delivered the address to about 350 people in the ballroom at the Spokane Convention Center as part of a morning membership meeting of Greater Spokane Incorporated. The address also was shown live on CityCable 5, the City of Spokane’s government-access cable station.

The Mayor talked about successes from 2009 that have saved money and time, new collaborative efforts that resulted in better outcomes, and efforts that help create jobs and improve the health of businesses. She mentioned everything from the creation of the University District Revitalization Area to work to reduce overtime costs in the Police Department to organizational changes at the City to improve customer service.

“As we go about our business in 2010, we are going to provide all the programs and services you’ve come to expect from us, while pushing ahead in creative and innovative ways to achieve a balanced budget for the following year—and pave the way for the future,” she said.

Mayor Verner took the opportunity to honor four citizens for exemplifying what she calls the “Spirit of Spokane.” Those honored included:

• Lorinda Knight, who owned and operated the Lorinda Knight Gallery here for 16 years.

• Steve Dahlstrom, President and CEO of Spokane Teachers Credit Union.

• Nancy MacKerrow, who started “The Susie Forest” following the death of her daughter, Susie Stephens in 2002.

• Sophie Tonasket, who has been the Director of the American Indian Community Center for 23 years.

The Mayor also distributed a 2010 Progress Report at the address with information on 2009 accomplishments, the City’s budget, and more. The report, along with a full text version of the Mayor’s address, are attached.

The Mayor’s address will be replayed on CityCable 5 on:

• Friday, Feb. 12, at 10 p.m.

• Saturday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m.

• Sunday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m.

• Tuesday, Feb. 16, at 9 p.m.

• Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m.

• Saturday, Feb. 20, at 9 p.m.

• Monday, March 1, at 11 a.m.

• Tuesday, March 2, at 9 p.m.

• Saturday, March 6, at 9 p.m.

CityCable 5 also will add the presentation to its video archive on the web at www.spokanecity.org/services/citycable5/streamingmedia/. CityCable 5 is found on channel five on the Comcast cable system in Spokane. Comcast and KHQ-TV provided technical assistance to facilitate the live cablecast of the Mayor’s address.