Almost every week this is the "What's on the city council's plate this week" review. I don't cover everything, so if you want the full rundown, read the packet and agenda yourself.

I was asking myself just last week, "how does Olympia rank in terms of security against other midsized cities?" Thank goodness for the good people at the Farmers Insurance Group, because according to them, we rank pretty well.

From a staff report (pdf):

In 2004, the Farmers Insurance Group began looking at what it meant to be a secure city. The motivation for this effort was the recognition that, in our post-9/11 world, safety has become a prime concern of communities across the nation. When families choose a place to live, they now not only look at the schools and job market, they also look at a community’s security status.

... 

The Olympia metro area (including the cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Yelm; the towns of Bucoda, Rainier, Rochester and Tenino; and unincorporated Thurston County) has been selected as the 2007 Most Secure Mid-Size City in the U.S. Farmers notes that “Olympia, the State capital, has become a hub for artists and musicians thanks to its extremely clean air and the long life expectancy of its residents.”

Ultimately, this recognition is a tribute to the greater Olympia area community as a whole. Active concern for the environment; commitment to quality public safety and emergency services; a vibrant and diverse social, cultural and business milieu; excellent schools and medical services; and a beautiful natural setting all work together to make our community a place where people can live long, safe and productive lives.

Ultimately art = security.

Here's an actual press release on our city being so secure.