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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Gives One-Year Report Card on Efforts to Improve Economy, Add Jobs
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
6/12/2003 11:47:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Office of the Mayor (206) 684-4000
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Mayor Greg Nickels Announces One-Year Report Card
on Efforts to Improve Economy, Add Jobs
Responds to Economic Opportunity Task Force Recommendations
SEATTLE - A yearlong effort to improve Seattle's business climate has resulted in aggressive job-creation initiatives, increased funding for transportation, reduced permit times, and the appointment of a new business advocate, Mayor Greg Nickels announced today.
The mayor stressed that since the Task Force's recommendations in July 2002, the City has completed or made substantial progress on nearly two-thirds (45 out of 69) of the recommendations.
"We have worked to make City government a better partner with business. We are streamlining permitting processes, simplifying the land use code and have created a new Business Advocate position to help small businesses navigate city regulations," Nickels said.
"I've been impressed with the City's persistence and commitment in following through with the Task Force's recommendations," said Kay Hirai, small business owner and Task Force co-chair. "Over the past year, the actions taken have been significant."
A number of the Task Force recommendations focused on economic development programs for distressed business districts and on those areas of the City with the greatest potential for increasing jobs and the tax base. In response, the City has targeted the University District, Rainier Valley, Pioneer Square, Broadway, Central Area, South Lake Union and Northgate areas.
"We are focusing on opportunities to grow the biotech and life sciences industry in South Lake Union. We are also supporting small businesses in the Rainier Valley, Pioneer Square, University District and other communities," Nickels said.
"It is critical to invest in the infrastructure necessary to support jobs in the future," Nickels said. "Transportation is a key component for growing our local economy."
Some other highlights of the one-year progress report include:
- Secured State funding for the Alaskan Way Viaduct and the South Lake Union Street Car.
- Introduced Legislation to remove the City's lease lid on the UW; a Full Council vote is scheduled for June 16th.
- Reduced application appointment wait times in Department of Construction & Land Use from 4 weeks to 10 working days.
- Exempted Research & Development activity from City B&O Tax.
- Secured $1 million federal grant to provide technology training for City and low-income workers in cooperation with the Workforce Development Council, King County and (IFPTE) Local 17.
- Established the Construction Industry Workforce Advisory Committee with the County, Port and Sound Transit to expand access to apprenticeships to women and people of color.
- Established the Mayor's Film & Music Office to promote music industry.
The mayor created the Economic Opportunity Task Force, a 38-member group of business, labor, education and community leaders, in March 2002. The Task Force was charged with helping the mayor find ways to re-invigorate Seattle's economy.
To see all of Mayor Nickels' program, and the report by the Task Force, visit www.seattle.gov/mayor.
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Office of the Mayor
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