On Jan. 12, the Seattle City Council laid out its goals for 2009 under three overarching themes; fostering safe communities, fairly investing public resources and building a livable city.

A number of the 15 priorities set forward by the council could directly affect the Ballard neighborhood in the coming year.

Council member Jan Drago made moving forward on replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct a goal for 2009. Depending on how the planned tunnel is designed, traffic moving in and out of Ballard could be severely affected.

Another council priority in 2009 is to make zoning changes in some areas of Seattle for greater height and density. Council member Richard McIver said it will be important to create zoning requirements for mixed-income housing so that residents do not become segregated by income.

The city's neighborhood plans should be updated effectively and with citizen input so that the changes made in the future are ones the neighborhoods can be proud of, said council member Sally Clark, chair of the planning, land use and neighborhoods committee.

Council member Tim Burgess said the city needs to elevate its relationship with Seattle Public Schools in 2009 and tackle the serious issue of students falling in their education.

Council member Tom Rasmussen said parks projects in the coming year must move forward with transparency and citizen oversight to ensure the continuation of quality public spaces.

"The voters passed what I think is one of the most neighborhood-friendly, family-friendly levies in years in Pro-Parks," he said.

Council President Richard Conlin said the economic crisis must be kept in mind while working on 2009's priorities.

The council must remember to put people first in any budget revision that becomes necessary, council member Jean Godden added.

Michael Harthorne may be contacted at 206.783.1244 or michaelh@robinsonnews.com.