EDMONDS — There’s no shortage of ideas about how this city can dig itself out of an economic funk.
Michael Bowman, who is part of the city’s newly created 17-member Citizens Economic Development Commission, said during the group’s meeting at City Hall last week it’s clear that “change is inevitable.”
The commission, which met for the first time in July, will make oral and written reports to the City Council before it dissolves Dec. 31, 2010.
It also will work closely with the city’s Planning Board.
At its second meeting, commissioners chose mission and vision statements and tossed economic development ideas around.
Those ideas included discussions about the ongoing rift between opponents of taller buildings and those who like the idea; about the apparent split between people who live close to downtown — in what’s referred to as ‘the bowl’ — and people who live outside that area; and whether the city should work to bring more residents into town.
“We need to develop the assets that we have on Highway 99,” commission member Bruce Witenberg said. “It doesn’t seem like the chamber’s doing the work to be inclusive with some of the businesses beyond the bowl.”
Evan Pierce, one of the younger members of the commission, said the city should ask itself what it wants.
“If you look around at other business districts that have revitalized, they’ve managed to attract businesses that attract a younger crowd,” he said. “Sometimes I think this community needs to look at a younger crowd bringing business in here.”
Several commissioners talked about how difficult it is for businesses to find large enough spaces to suit their needs.
Betty Larman said the city should spend more money on tourism.
“It’s in the tough times that you want to get your name out there,” she said.
Bowman said he’s noticed an anti-business and anti-growth attitude in the city and urged fellow commissioners to understand the city’s economic future is up to its residents and business owners.
“If we don’t take it by the horns … Olympia’s going to decide for us,” he said.
Bruce Faires, a commission member who also serves as a Port of Edmonds commissioner, said Edmonds needs to attract more residents.
One of the best ideas Rich Senderoff heard is a proposal, brought up earlier, to create an arts corridor along Fourth Avenue.
“Every area needs a balance between work, live and play,” Senderoff said. “What I hear is the word ‘balance.’ ”
Stephen Clifton, the city’s community services and economic development director, said the commission’s size may be an advantage.
“What I think’s good about it is it has people with such varied views on what economic development is and also varied experiences and backgrounds, which will really help when they get into addressing specific issues,” said Clifton, who serves as the staff liaison to the commission.
Oscar Halpert: 425-339-3429, ohalpert@heraldnet.com.
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