Economic development division proposed for Spokane

Mayor Jim West on Monday proposed reorganizing several city departments to create a new division of economic development.

West made his proposal to the City Council during its Monday evening meeting.

Mike Prager
Staff writer

http://www.spokesmanreview.com/news-story.asp?date=031604&ID=s1499769&cat=section.business

The city’s sluggish tax base demands an emphasis on economic growth, and reorganization of city departments will help to coordinate that work, West said.

The council would be asked to approve elements of the reorganization in coming weeks. Council members told the mayor they are
inclined to view his requests favorably.

"We appreciate your leadership on economic development," said Council President Dennis Hession.

"We all realize how important it is for the city of Spokane."

Other council members nodded in agreement when West finished his presentation.

West said he will seek appointment of a new director to oversee the division. The director would attend the mayor’s daily executive meetings, which West calls his Cabinet.

"We are going to attempt to do this with available resources," West said, explaining he would consider both internal and external candidates for the director position.

The new division would have three departments, including community development, business development services and planning and building services.

Long-standing community development programs would be joined with offices for arts, youth, neighborhood services and the East Central Community Center.

West said the smaller offices can enhance economic development.

Business development services would include offices that handle community empowerment zones, business retention and expansion, film and special events, marketing and technology and real estate.

Planning and building services are now managed separately at City Hall. West’s plan would combine them into the same department and add property development, code enforcement and historic preservation. The reorganization would require some offices to be moved within City Hall.

"We think this will have a better focus for economic development for this community," West said.