Mayor Pegeen Hanrahan began the fourth annual State of the City address Wednesday by thanking the City Commission and the citizens of Gainesville for their passion and teamwork in 2007.
It was their efforts, she said, that led to the city being recognized as the No. 1 city in North America to live in, a title recently given to Gainesville by a national publication.
Hanrahan then discussed the city's accomplishments over the past year.
She noted the creation of the Gainesville/Alachua County Office on Homelessness, which she said would help Gainesville achieve its goal of eliminating homelessness in 10 years.
The mayor also highlighted Gainesville Regional Utilities' productive year, noting that the company installed so many energy-efficient products that the amount of energy saved by its efforts could have powered 1,323 homes for a year.
Clean air levels in Gainesville are lower than those required under restrictions by the Environmental Protection Agency, she added, and in 2008, GRU's proposed South Energy Center will join with the new UF Shands Cancer Center to make the nation's second "extremely energy-efficient" hospital campus energy center. Hanrahan then spoke about improvements in Gainesville transportation. In 2007, she said, Regional Transit Service added 17 buses and two new bus routes.
Hanrahan continued by emphasizing the importance of culture in Gainesville.
"Arts mean business in Alachua County," she said, noting that the arts are the 10th largest employer in Gainesville.
Public safety was also acknowledged, as Hanrahan applauded the accomplishments of programs such as Gainesville Fire Rescue's Operation Safe Club and Gainseville Police Department's Reichert House.
The mayor then took a moment to honor GPD Lt. Corey Dahlem, who was killed by a drunken driver in April.
"We know that he now walks with God," Hanrahan said.
She said the goals for 2008 are to further the ones for 2007, including keeping the public safe and healthy, sparking economic development in parts of Gainesville that are often overlooked and increasing involvement in educational issues.
Hanrahan concluded the speech by urging citizens to vote in the upcoming election.
The theme of 2007 was "My City," Hanrahan said, but Gainesville is our city.
"Together we can make it even better," she said.
