Message from City Manager John Mauro

January 1, 2025 

Happy New Year! While it still may be a little awkward to write “2025,” we’ve been planning for this year for a good long while, so let’s settle in knowing that we’re ready.

The City has a strategic workplan and a fiscally-savvy adopted budget, and we’re eager to take on the challenges and opportunities ahead.  Here’s a preview of what’s to come, with the general monthly flow of the year and an invitation to join us – and help us – on the journey.

• The Washington State Legislative session kicks off on January 13. The City is already working with our legislators and partners to advance an agenda focusing on housing, transportation, climate action, and the future of Fort Worden.
• City Council and Planning Commission meetings on the Comprehensive Plan will occur in February. As we continue to work through elements of the Comprehensive Plan, ongoing regular coordination between the Planning Commission (which advises Council) and the City Council (which deliberates and decides the Comp Plan) will be important to ensure we land a plan that represents our collective vision and aspirations for the future.
• Mayor Faber and I will deliver a State of the City address on March 5.  We will give a preview of the Annual Report to the community and provide a forum for ideas and discussion.
• April is Volunteer Appreciation Month. We have so many volunteers to thank, who care for and enhance a range of services and facilities, from our library to parks, from public safety to the City’s various advisory bodies. Consider how you might play a role – maybe this year is the year for you to consider running for City Council!
• The rhodies bloom in May, and so does our festival season. Many of the infrastructure investments, like the enhancements of Lawrence Street, will also blossom.
• June begins our Summer Reading program. The program includes self-paced reading challenges (with prizes!), interactive programs and activities, and live performances and events.
• In July, the City Council, Department Directors, and I will gather for our annual strategic workplan retreat. Half-way through 2025, we’ll get a jump on 2026 with an all-hands-on-deck approach with staff, Advisory Bodies, and any community members who wish to participate in setting our course by focusing on our priorities.
• The budget process for 2026 kicks off in August. With a draft workplan, the task is then to assemble a budget to deliver on our aspirations and needs. The budget goes through months of refinement and public process, ultimately adopted by City Council in December.
• September is the height of our festival season. The Wooden Boat Festival, the largest in North America, will celebrate its 48^th year in 2025.
• Beyond Halloween – and our community’s ability to put on a great show – October is when infrastructure projects make a dash before the winter and the end of the year. We’ll have a lot to push through given our success with state and federal grant funding.
• In November’s election, voters will determine who represents us on the Port Townsend City Council.  Three seats (of seven) are up for election in 2025.
• December marks the end of the budget process and transition into another year. While none of us are able to predict where we’ll be on the heels of 2026, let’s work together in 2025 to ensure we’re on our best footing when we get there.