In February, the Municipal Council held a Retreat and invited the Administration, Redevelopment, Community Development, Economic Development, members of the Center Focus committee, the Downtown Alliance, and the Utah County Convention and Visitors Bureau to come together in a lengthy brainstorming session. During that discussion we were guided by the following purpose statement:

Working in conjunction with the Administration, Redevelopment, Community Development, Economic Development, the private sector, as well as volunteer community efforts, it is the purpose of the Provo Municipal Council and their Economic Development Committee to provide recommendations which focus priorities through policy and appropriation that are designed to accelerate and support the achievement of Provo’s Downtown Vision. Such policies and appropriations are intended to better position the downtown for new economic opportunities fostered by a growing retail/business center, a new convention center, a rebuilt freeway interchange, the arrival of commuter rail and bus rapid transit, in addition to supporting a strong student population and stronger core neighborhoods.

A robust and helpful discussion took place where we talked about priorities and funding that would need to be in place to realize our shared objectives. It was the first time, since I had been on the Council that all of these groups were brought together for such a discussion.

I’ll keep you updated as we continue to implement some of the outcomes and priorities.

These are some of the intent statements adopted by the Provo Municipal Council in conjunction with the 2010-2011- Budget.

June 15,2010

Intent Statements — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

It is the legislative intent, policy, and priority of the Municipal Council, to work with the Mayor, to encourage economic development through a thorough and aggressive economic development strategy that:

• focuses on increasing and diversifying the City’s revenue resources;
• attracts quality jobs and businesses that retains City residents and attracts a talented and skilled workforce from abroad;
• expands housing, retail, dining, and workforce opportunities in downtown Provo, the transit‐oriented development area, Mountain Vista Industrial Park, Southgate Retail Center, the reconstructed Interstate‐15 Center Street interchange area, the airport, and other areas of the City when needing to take advantage of favorable circumstances; and,
• reexamines past recommendations from previously contracted consultants