Text of Rocky Anderson's State of the City Address

million less than the Council authorized in the budget and actual revenues were $8.9 million more than anticipated in the budget. From fiscal year 1999 to fiscal year 2006, the fund balance has increased from $20.4 million to $31.6 million�an astounding 55% increase in the city�s reserves.

The diversity in Salt Lake City is unprecedented, with people of different races and ethnic origins; people of many faiths and of no faith; people of different sexual orientations; people of all ages, economic circumstances, and backgrounds; and long-time natives, as well as newcomers from all over the world, living, working, and having fun together�and in times of crisis, as when sweet Destiny Norton was kidnapped, coming together to help those who are in need.

Our community embraces that diversity, valuing the strength and enrichment it brings to our City and our individual lives. City government is more inclusive than ever before, with a place at the table for all, as the many opportunities for vigorous, stimulating, constructive dialogue and working together abound. For example, in 2000, I issued executive orders implementing a non-discrimination policy and an aggressive affirmative action program in City

recruitment, hiring, retention, and promotion. Due to the persistent efforts of Phyllis Caruth and our City�s Human Resources Division, led by Brenda Hancock, and now by Jamey Knighton, the percentage of the City government�s workforce from the ethnic minority community has increased more than 30% in these past seven years. We are employing far more people, and in higher-paying positions of greater authority, from the ethnic minority community than ever before. The number of City administrators from the ethnic minority community has increased 85% since 2000.

Thanks in large part to the diligence, commitment, and constant vigilance of Diana Karrenberg, of my appointments to City boards and commissions, 32%�one-third�have been people of color.

Never before has there been such diversity among City staff and our city boards and commissions. That is progress of which we can all be very proud.

Our new Administrator for Minority Affairs, Josie Valdez, will ably continue the remarkable efforts of her outstanding predecessors, Mark Alvarez and Archie Archuleta, in ensuring that members of our minority communities receive the opportunities and support to which they are entitled.

Natural open spaces enhance our quality of life. They preserve our heritage, particularly unique geoantiquities like the Lake Bonneville shoreline, shown here. Open spaces enhance sustainable economic development. They provide crucial places for recreation, education, and aesthetic and spiritual inspiration and enrichment. The preservation of natural spaces is a victory