How would the common Auburnite characterize the year that was – or wasn’t?

Many would say 2010 was another fickle year of uncertainty, grief and false hope as a recession-scarred community strained to push ahead. Others would suggest it was a time of transition, an exercise in perhaps taking two steps forward and one step back as Auburn scrambled to regain some of its financial footing.

Others would admit they merely persevered, survived another storm as they tried to find their feet, only to discover that the ground had shifted beneath them while they weren’t watching.

And then there were those who maintained that 2010 brought optimism, with small but encouraging signs of progress.

If in fact the recession was declared officially over, then the backwash of a severe and ongoing economic plight could be felt by a state unemployment rate near 10 percent.

Few, if any, businesses, big or small, were hiring.

Even more sobering was the fact that more than a half-million Washington workers collected nearly $4.7 billion in unemployment benefits in 2010 – eclipsing records set in 2009.

The Evergreen State faced a projected $4.6 billion deficit, ushering in a spree of deep cuts that promise to dramatically affect state government programs.

Meanwhile, closer to home, the Auburn Food Bank struggled to keep up with record numbers.

For many of us, it was a challenging year, despite early reports that the struggling economy would begin to rebound. Salaries remained frozen, furloughs remained in place, budgets were cut and previously larger staffs were reduced.

The housing market failed to bounce back as Auburnites began, albeit slowly, to spend again.

This morning, the typical Auburn taxpayer probably awoke in a house that dropped in value, ate a quick breakfast that costs a little more to prepare, then drove a car that costs more to fuel to a job that remained even more insecure.

The dollar simply refused to stretch.

The slowdown continues to impact all aspects of business in the community.

Auburn businesses closed, many moved out, and still others moved in. The downtown reflected the year – in transition – as dilapidated buildings came down to make way for projects.

For all the fears and frustrations of 2010, the coming year and those beyond should yield to promise and recovery. If cycles hold true, things should trend upward.

As the good mayor pointed out, business equipment investment and exports surged in 2010. Other factors hold promise.

If anything, impatient businesses are aching to get moving again.

There are signs, however, big and small.

Auburn’s popular public library and Les Gove Community Campus are on schedule to expand. The One Main Street Professional Center, a new hub of activity, has been established. Capital Oncology, a 21,000-square-foot cancer treatment facility in the heart of the Auburn Regional Center, is beginning to blossom.

Amid the rubble of renovation, the proposed $6 million South Division Street Promenade project awaits commercial activity.

A Walmart superstore hugs the SuperMall. A family-operated burger stand arrives in February.

Giant warehouses are securing tenants. The Auburn Environmental Park continues to take shape.

A 300-plus-home developer plans to soon kick up dirt atop Lea Hill, where the Valley Regional Fire Authority broke ground on a $2.9 million fire station.

After a dismal 2008 and 2009, 2010 left us with mixed signals and little movement. History tells us that recoveries happen slowly, even more so after an unprecedented and destructive recession.

Let’s hope the recovery will pick up, banks will invest again, and more people will become busy with a good job and attitude firmly in hand.