Public-private partnerships can be beneficial

Published 7:42 pm Tuesday, February 2, 2010

In these tough economic times, people are looking for ways to save money – clipping coupons or cutting back on those morning cappuccinos in an effort to tighten the purse strings.

Local governments are no different. City leaders in our South County communities are looking for creative ways to bring money into their dwindling coffers. Many cities are turning to public-private partnerships to help pay for needed services and civic improvements.

Although “development” has become a dirty word in Snohomish County recently – the side effects of rapid growth have impacted all of us – it has become an essential part of city business. Local officials can stick their head in the sand and pretend it isn’t happening, or they can look for ways to make development work for them.

That’s why we applaud Lynnwood officials for their deal with Legacy Hospitality Group Inc. By working with developers in their plan to build two hotels, the city stands to gain property tax revenue, jobs and much-needed improvements to the Interurban Trail.

It’s a win-win situation for both sides, and most importantly, for Lynnwood residents.