Thread by @Spottnik

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I moved from LA to Seattle 8 weeks ago today. It seems like a good moment for reflection.
🎶 I’m “sitting on the dock of the bay” at the Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union, thinking about my first 2 months at @seattledot and feeling optimistic 😀

(2/?) So many elements have clicked into place during my first 8 weeks. Great support from and alignment with the Mayor.
The SDOT staff is dedicated, motivated and caring. The public is very tuned into transportation issues and provides very helpful ideas and feedback

(3/?) I began with making Safety the #1 priority. On my first day at SDOT, I initiated a Top to Bottom Review of Vision Zero which will be data driven and community-informed. The review will give us a roadmap on which investments will save the most lives

(4/?) Some folks assume that I am the hidden hand behind every project that moves forward or slows down. Yet my focus has been on people, culture and systems rather than intervening on individual projects. For ex, I didn’t accelerate the Green Lake Loop- it began on its own ⏰

(5/?) One exception is the Aurora sidewalk repair project. Having preserved many healthy mature 🌲 in LA, I wanted a chance to explore alternatives. So in August I asked staff to pause and wait until I arrived in Sept. We’ve found a way to save most of these 🌲
I’m delighted 😀

(6/?) I’m appreciative of the Seattle media who cover transportation. I’m learning a lot from reporting by @MikeLindblom @KromanDavid @typewriteralley @PubliColaNews @KUOW and other media
& also from advocates @CascadeBicycle @GordonOfSeattle @AnnaZivarts @QAGreenways + others

(7/?) The council members have been welcoming and collaborative. Many have taken me on walks and bike rides which are helping me learn about what’s working and what needs improvement. Recently I began engaging with the business community who are also ready and eager to collab

(8/?) I’m keenly aware that there’s an acute need for investing in safety, mobility, greening and placemaking in historically underserved communities such as South Seattle, Lake City and also along the forlorn Aurora corridor.

(9/?) Speaking of Aurora, I believe there is an unprecedented opportunity for creative effective collaboration between @seattledot & @wsdot to make freeway adjacent streets and state routes safer. I’m thrilled about the possibilities

(10/?) 🚌 🚊 We also have amazing opportunities ahead for deeply meaningful collab on transit with @KingCountyMetro & @SoundTransit
The onset of remote work gives all of us the chance to think creatively about evolving needs and how to best serve the public

(11/11) I’m committed to convening folks with optimism + hope, bringing best-in-class ideas to Seattle, and co-creating projects with the community.
🚃
I’m collaborating on a very exciting concept for the 1st Ave streetcar as a Culture Connector: more info on that soon!
🙏
END

Bonus Tweet:
I’m thrilled that my friend @SeattleShines has taken the helm at @SeattleParks
Together we can realize the Olmsted Bros vision for our Emerald City by collaborating on the streets along park edges

AP & I are calling ourselves The Beach Boys 😎 😎

🚃 💛

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