Many of the projects proposed in neighborhood plans were not fleshed out enough for detailed cost estimates, so departments attempted to projected the costs by looking at comparable projects that the City has already undertaken or planned. Others are relatively straightforward, so it was essentially a matter of adding up the requests in the various plans. Of course, we can't rely on City resources alone for these projects. Partnerships with state, federal, and county government, as well as foundations, businesses, community-based organizations, and affected community members will be a critical part of the implementation process. Undergrounding was generally identified as a low priority in most plans, can be implemented incrementally, and could be funded out of utility rates.
Drainage is generally a high priority, but is also appropriately funded from utility rates.
The Council is currently considering ballot measures for this fall, with the leading option being a Parks and Open Space levy that would fund most of the neighborhood plan requests along with some other citywide priorities. A transportation levy is also a candidate for this fall's ballot, but more likely the Council will work on developing a more comprehensive transportation funding strategy over the next year and take something to the voters in 2001. Making and keeping these commitments will require hard work on the part of the Council and City staff, and continued strong support from Seattle residents. Neighborhood plan implementation will not only require systematic identification of new resources to address major programs such as those noted above, but also reorienting the City's general fund resources to ensure that neighborhood plan proposals can be implemented. With continued partnership with other governments, businesses, and communities, and through changing the way the City does business to emphasize responsiveness to our neighborhoods, I believe that we can effectively complete the implementation package.