09-05-06 Community & Economic Development

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Marty Wolfson asked far specifics as to the number of jabs created, pay of jobs, tax base expansion, and dollars invested. Pat McMahan responded by saying while specific results were difficult to quantify he could nonetheless point to success stories like PEI Industries and the Corporate Services story. All long-term success stories. Marty Wolfson pointed out there have been few success stories lately. Pat McMahon described economic development efforts needing to have a long term strategy and long-term commitment reflecting a long term. view. In that the economy is always in transition he described Project Future's change in focus responding to realities locally, nationally, and globally as well. Project Future's focus once on manufacturing shifted to plastics, to warehousing and distribution, then to high tech, always in the process of self analysis and reinvention. This dynamic economic development process requires more communication with all sectors of the economy public and private. There has to develop an awareness that economic development is very competitive. Project Future's task is to meet and exceed the competition, marshalling resources, asking questions, recognizing we are all partners in economic development, each a role player. Councilmember Puzzello asked Mr. McMahon to expand on partnerships, specifically Metronet. McMahon described at length, the genesis of Metronet. Beginning with a recognition of the need for heavy data transfer for broadband users to serve present and attract new users Project Future worked in partnership with private and public entities to conceive, design, finance, and build Metronet. This infrastructure has the capabilities far data processing few communities nationwide can boast. A Metronet non-profit managing company governed by a representative board with Project Future involvement guides the nets use. Councilmember Varner stated that Project Future should not be involved in the management of Metronet, but restricts itself to marketing the area. Pat McMahon responded maintaining Project Future separation from Metronet each having its own governance. Councilmember Varner sees too much overlap. Councilmember Pfeifer questioned whether Project Future matches the needs of the community wondering if the city's economic development dollars were best spent with Project Future. She also questioned the diversity of the Board of Directors for Project Future reflecting gender, class, as well as race.