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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor reconvenes Task Force to help continue economic growth
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
6/28/2005 10:00:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alex Fryer (206) 684-8358
Karin Zaugg Black (206)733-9810
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Mayor reconvenes Task Force
to help continue economic growth
Seattle – Mayor Greg Nickels reconvened his Economic Opportunity Task
Force today to report on the City’s implementation of the Task Force’s
2002 recommendations, and to request the Task Force create a new set of recommendations
for continuing to improve Seattle's business climate.
“We’ve focused on creating a business-friendly climate at the
City by making it easier to do business and being proactive about our competitiveness,” said
Nickels. “We’ve made significant investments in transportation
and in our neighborhoods to ensure Seattle's economic prosperity into
the future.”
The mayor noted that since the Task Force issued its recommendations in July,
2002, the City has completed or made substantial progress on over 80% (60 out
of 69) of the recommendations.
A number of the Task Force recommendations focused on transportation, simplifying
the land use code and implementing economic development programs for distressed
business districts.
“Our efforts have focused on the fundamentals, such as removing City
codes and regulations that got in the way of private investment, and making
sure that all residents benefit from the jobs and opportunities created in
areas like the Rainier Valley,” said Nickels.
“The Mayor has focused on growing key industry sectors and supporting
job growth in those industries,” said Steve Williamson, Executive Secretary
of the King County Labor Council and Task Force Co-Chair. “Making sure
that our workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future is a critical piece
to our region’s continued economic success.”
“The Mayor took our recommendations seriously, and not just for supporting
big business, but small business too,” said Tricia Murphy, President
of Urban Fitness and Task Force member. “I’m impressed with the
follow-up and implementation.”
Some additional highlights of the three-year report include:
- Secured $2B in State funding for the Alaskan Way Viaduct.
- Broke ground on light rail construction with first alignment in Southeast
Seattle to Sea-Tac Airport.
- Invested $28M in capital projects to keep freight moving.
- Reduced review times for simple and complex construction permit applications.
- Reduced residential parking requirement in First Hill, Pike/Pine, Broadway
and the University District to align with market demand and lower the cost
of new housing.
- Removed restrictions on UW off-campus leasing of office & research
space.
- Implemented strategies to revitalize the Broadway Business District including
a new neighborhood Farmer’s Market and zoning/code amendments to encourage
mixed-use redevelopment.
- Established $50M Community Development Fund to support Rainier Valley
businesses impacted by light rail construction, with $6.2M disbursed to date.
- Established Business Advocate and Industrial Permit Liaison services.
To date, more than 500 city businesses assisted.
- Invested $2M in the development of apprenticeship preparation program
for construction positions created by the building of Light Rail in Southeast
Seattle, 80 residents enrolled to date.
- Established the SeattleFirst manufacturing attraction and retention
program.
- Reduced cost of filming in the City and established a uniform $25 permit
fee resulting in a 50% increase in film permits issued.
“The City’s economic outlook is much brighter, but we must continue
to meet new challenges and opportunities to secure our economic future,” said
Mayor Nickels in asking Task Force members to continue working on his economic
development agenda.
“The City has made great strides in addressing many of the issues we’ve
raised,” said Joe Quintana, Managing Partner of IndexGroup, a Seattle-based
strategic communications consulting firm, and Task Force Co-Chair. “We
will continue to work with the City to strengthen our jobs base and keep our
local economy competitive.”
The Mayor created the Economic Opportunity Task Force, the 39-member group
of business, labor, education and community leaders, in March, 2002. The Task
Force issued 69 recommendations for ways the City could re-invigorate Seattle's
economy and expand its job base in July, 2002.
To learn more about the Economic Opportunity Task Force and the mayor’s
efforts to improve Seattle's business climate, visit the mayor’s
website at www.seattle.gov/mayor.
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Office of the Mayor
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