VIEWPOINT | Excellent things are happening in Langley

By MAYOR TIM CALLISON

Over the last year, the City of Langley has made great strides in all aspects of our community development. Many people play a vital role in this success, including the Langley City Council, city employees, citizen committees, civic partners and volunteers. Without their relentless focus and love for this community, we would not be in the bright position we find ourselves in right now. It is inspiring.

Sometimes the good works can get overshadowed by the large or contentious issues of the day, so I thought the citizens might enjoy seeing what we have achieved by working together.

The City of Langley was awarded $2.2 million in grants for small capital projects, streets, streetlamps and sidewalks. Additional infrastructure highlights include completing the city’s Sewer Comprehensive Plan, major utility investments by Whidbey Telecom and Puget Sound Energy and receiving an EPA Waste Water Treatment Award.

The city has worked closely with the Port of South Whidbey, the Langley Chamber of Commerce (LCOC), Langley Main Street Association (LMSA), and Island County to increase economic development. Over 20 new businesses have sprouted up and you can see the increased vitality as you walk through downtown. Many buildings have received facelifts along with a new Second Street rain garden, the Clyde Alley Archway and other new works on display. Outside of the core, there is a new subdivision in Upper Langley, and more than 20 permit applications. With this new energy, a public/private art consortium and a Seawall Park planning committee have been established.

This increased interest is due, in part, to our collective focus on tourism. Events including the Sea Float Scramble, Mystery Weekend, Welcome the Whales, Island Shakespeare Festival, DjangoFest and many more have resulted in record attendance. We provide economic support to the LMSA, LCOC, Island Shakespeare Festival, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Whidbey Children’s Theater, and Langley Whale Center. Featured segments on Seattle Refined, the SeaTac Shuttle wrap, garden and art videos, and the Victoria Clipper visits have provided even more exposure. As a result, we have seen record-breaking tax revenues.

The city strives to work at a regional level by participating in the Community Health Improvement Plan, Council of Government, Island Regional Transportation Planning Organization, Island County Law and Justice Plan, and Island County Substance Abuse Council. Closer to home, the city passed an Inclusive City Resolution and is the first Police/Rescue organization in Island County to employ Narcan.

We are excited about the reopening of The HUB after school program; a prime example of how our nonprofits and churches work closely together. The city has tried to do its part by hosting public meetings and providing financial support to Senior Services and the Whidbey Island Homeless Coalition. We help fund the Second Street Dance and the Community Potluck; events that help everyone come together for fun and laughter. It’s no wonder we were voted fifth Happiest Seaside town in the U.S.

On personal note, I appreciate getting to wear my white tux at amazing events in this close-knit community, and I never forget how lucky I am to live here. It’s hard not to feel fortunate as I look out on the Salish Sea from my desk here at City Hall. I remain grateful to serve as the mayor of Langley and work side by side with so many talented and giving people.