Brian Coddington, Communications Director, 509.625.6740
Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 5:35 p.m.
Mayor Nadine Woodward delivered a message of renewed partnership, collaboration and hope during her annual State of the City Address to the community.
Woodward’s 45-minute presentation delivered from inside The Podium sportsplex building, which is scheduled to open this fall overlooking the North Bank of the Spokane River, highlighted significant advancements in four major initiative areas: public safety, housing, homelessness, and economic development. Several community members in six videos discussed the progress that has been made during a challenging year. Her comments also acknowledged the impact the global pandemic has had on the community.
“The past year has been all about listening, learning, adapting, supporting, flexing, partnering, and collaborating,” Woodward said. “It was undeniably difficult, challenging, relentless, and so many other things. The experience taught us countless lessons about how to get things done.”
Woodward said the struggles have served as a pointed reminder of the power of working together to overcome immediate obstacles while remaining focused on long-term outcomes. Flexibility to adjust and adapt is also critical, she said.
“One COVID year ago, our focus was on public safety, housing, homelessness, and economic development,” Woodward said. “Those priorities haven’t changed even if “how” we deliver on them looks a whole lot different.”
That work is far from over and extends beyond overcoming the virus into daily City operations and how the community handles difficult moments and pursues new opportunities.
“My “job” is to bring people together. To connect people to ideas. Remove roadblocks. Have tough conversations. Listen often and speak up when needed,” Woodward said. “It’s to find opportunities where there are challenges and foster partnership and collaboration whenever possible.”
