While many mayors are forced to review the gloom of a struggling economy in their annual addresses, a stable budget has allowed Issaquah Mayor Ava Frisinger to tout a bucket list of completed projects.

“During this economic downturn, we’ve all faced challenges,” she said in her State of the City address Monday. “However, our main vision has stayed the same.”

Opening a I-90 undercrossing, restoring 10 acres along Issaquah Creek, and completion of the first major phase of the Confluence Park Plan were at the top of her list.

“The year 2010 sets high expectations for 2011, and I’m confident we can meet them,” she said in her annual address.

For next year the mayor is looking forward to the completion of several private projects, including ZHomes, YWCA’s affordable housing and Swedish Medical Center’s new hospital.

She also set the tone for a year of planning over completing projects.

“I think that’s typical of lean years, because there is not as much capital money,” she said.

In addition to the Confluence Park Plan, the city will also be working on the Central Issaquah Plan, which will steer the city’s development for the next 30 years.

Frisinger credits the city’s stable budget to sound financial planning. After the economy turned for the worse, the city of Issaquah offered employee buyouts in 2009 to reduce staff. It has continued to keep a lean staff.

The budget also was helped along by an unexpected $2 million revenue increase this year, Frisinger said.

While cash is still tight, there were virtually no cuts for 2011.

In addition to her short speech, the mayor prefaced a 10-minute video aimed at explaining the roles of less visible parts of the city government.

At the council chambers, administrators, many who were in the video, made up most of the spectators. The presentation was also broadcasted on Channel 21.

For most of the presentation, Frisinger focused on the work of various departments, giving little mention to her own leadership.

“I think it’s important to emphasize the teamwork that makes the city successful,” she said, adding wittily that she doesn’t need to increase her own ego.

Issaquah Reporter staff writer Celeste Gracey can be reached at 425-391-0363, ext. 5052.