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MAYOR'S ECONOMIC DISCUSSION <br /> GROUP REPORT <br /> In the first quarter of 2010, Mayor Stephanson convened an Ad Hoc Economic Development <br /> Advisory Group comprised of citizen stakeholders. This group was tasked with identifying <br /> strategies and priorities to enhance the City's economic development efforts. These <br /> recommendations were developed within the framework of the city's ongoing comprehensive <br /> economic develop plan and designed to bring focus to expedient opportunities within the total <br /> approach. <br /> Group Findings & Recommendations <br /> 1. The City of Everett's focus on higher education should remain a top priority. The City's <br /> elected officials should continue to provide resources for a strategy that will lead to a <br /> partnership with Washington State University or other quality institution. Endeavors <br /> should include securing community support and pursuing key legislative actions to <br /> accomplish this task while keeping Everett Community College and Everett School <br /> District informed so that their respective programs are aligned with the City's overall <br /> educational goals. <br /> 2. The City of Everett should work to retain its status as of one of the largest aerospace <br /> clusters in the world. Attention should be paid to local, state, and federal policies, <br /> which threaten the strength of this base. The Economic Development Director should <br /> make regular site visits with aerospace companies and retention efforts should match <br /> those of recruiting. The City should pay close attention to the workforce trends and <br /> needs of the aerospace cluster and be actively involved in growing a viable, skilled, and <br /> educated workforce. The City should take a leadership role in the Puget Sound Region <br /> in all issues pertaining to the well-being of our growing aerospace cluster. <br /> 3. The City of Everett should actively assume a leadership role with Snohomish County <br /> leaders, including the EDC, Snohomish County cities and towns, and community and <br /> business groups, to allow commercial air service at Paine Field. <br /> 4. The City of Everett has done extensive work on the Riverfront and has put forth <br /> commendable effort in this current economic downturn to keep this project moving <br /> forward. The City should continue to work closely with OliverMcMillan to ensure quality <br /> tenants, relevant entertainment, and a vibrant new city district. In keeping with the <br /> unique setting of the Riverfront, efforts should be made to make this development a <br /> model of sustainability in design and function. <br /> Page 1 of 4 <br />