2010 State of the City Address

As we begin a new decade, we find ourselves in the midst of a time of continued uncertainty and challenge for our region, state and nation.  We are fortunate to be part of a community that is weathering the storm well compared to many others.  But that’s not to say that individual and business members of our community aren’t being directly impacted by the ripple effects from an economic downturn of this magnitude.  Unfortunately, we know this to be the case.

This is a time when Upper Arlington should and is turning to one of its core strengths to help us collectively weather the storm – that strength is community.  It’s not luck or good timing that positions Upper Arlington as a healthy and dynamic place to live and work – it’s the result of a shared belief in our community’s strengths, shared goals, and a community-wide commitment to doing what it takes to preserve and enhance the precious qualities that make us unique and strong.

Community is what enables us to nurture and support each other’s personal, family, educational and business endeavors, in good times and bad.  It’s where we draw our strength and support, and what keeps us grounded. 

Sustaining community requires ongoing attention and nurturing, but more so during these times of challenge.  It’s up to all of us to recognize and step up to our role within the Upper Arlington team.  We must continue working together to ask questions and find creative solutions to keep our homes, businesses, education, services and community strong and on the path to future success.

Your City government remains committed to providing you with the services you need to the best standards possible, while also seeking ways to streamline costs.  We continue to look conservatively ahead at our financial picture, planning for revenue challenges that may still be ahead of us, while focusing on how to balance our budget to support safety and basic City services, infrastructure reinvestment and more.  Our City community relies on the support, guidance and prudent policy making of the seven community members who make up City Council.  They rely on you to share your ideas, concerns and needs to help them in their decision-making, which in turn help provide our community with the core services and support network it needs to remain healthy.

Learn more about areas of your local government you might not typically be well versed in, and how you can participate in dialogue on the community issues before us.  After all, it is this level of government that most impacts us all, and without your involvement we can only guess what it is you want and need from the City and its services.

This year’s State of the Address is a great place to start.  The annual event will be held on Monday, January 25, from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Municipal Services Center, 3600 Tremont Road.  Overflow parking is available at the OSU Golf Course parking lot.

The 2009 Community Award recipients will be announced in the categories of: Business of the Year; Community Enrichment; Community Safety; Super Senior; Youth.  The evening also includes a Community Fair, featuring exhibits from various organizations and City departments, and providing an opportunity for residents to meet with community leaders and staff during one convenient forum.  As always, guests can register to win a one-year supply of refuse stickers among other prizes, and light refreshments are served.

Don’t miss your opportunity to learn first-hand about the fine community in which we live and work.  Join us for this year’s State of the City Address and Community Fair.

For details, visit http://www.uaoh.net or call 583-5040.