Despite the challenges it has faced in the past year due to a series of external factors, Covington has tackled those challenges and come out stronger, according to information provided by City Manager Derek Matheson and Mayor Pro Tem Jeff Wagner in their state of the city presentations.

“At a time when cities across the state and nation are still wrestling with some of the most difficult economic times and uncertainties, the city of Covington has remained strong and optimistic and we are still planning enthusiastically for our future,” Wagner said.

Wagner added that in looking back at the past year the city has learned to do more with less with the help of community partnerships and a strong staff.

Wagner pointed out some of the accomplishments that he considered high points for the City Council such as the passage of a one year moratorium on medical marijuana gardens and dispensaries, the Destination Covington event set for Oct. 6 which is intended to foster economic development relationships and identify opportunities as well as directed the creation of a multi-year public engagement process.

A year ago, Matheson said, city officials told the Covington Chamber of Commerce and homeowner’s associations during the state of the city presentation about the impact of the economy on the city’s resources.

“The economy hasn’t gotten any better,” Matheson said. “In fact, economic growth has slowed significantly this year. But, despite the economy and despite the chaos at higher levels of government, we’ve made progress and we’re on the lookout for new opportunities.”

Matheson pointed to the interlocal cooperation agreements with Maple Valley and Black Diamond for a variety of services which saves money for all three cities.

He noted the sublease agreement with the King County Sheriff’s Office for a satellite facility at Covington City Hall which will increase the number of offices in the city while also adding revenue.

And speaking of funding, Covington’s state representatives helped maintain $2.3 million to help pay for city projects, including $1 million for improvements to state Route 516 and Jenkins Creek to 185th Avenue Southeast improvements, $700,000 earmarked to build Covington Community Park and a $500,000 Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant for the park.

Matheson also noted the city brought in more money than it spent in 2010 and its credit rating improved.

“This is due to exemplary financial management from top to bottom, from the City Council to our finance department heads and to every staff member,” Matheson said.

Covington used a number of cost cutting measures to save every penny it could, the city manager stated.

Officials remain optimistic about the future, Matheson said, because of the ongoing economic development in the city as a number of new businesses have opened up while many others are planned. In addition, a new housing subdivision is under construction on Kent-Kangley Road a few blocks from Cedar Heights Middle School.

Going forward, Matheson said, the plan is to continue to pursue economic development opportunities, work on plans for improvements to Kent Kangley and move forward with plans for the first phase of Covington Community Park as well as the public engagement process, among other strategies.

“We plan to seize opportunities that make sense,” Matheson said. “We plan to keep our neighborhoods safe, our streets repaired and our grounds maintained. And we plan to survive this economy. But, our plans require continued and increased community support.”