11/16/1977 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. Lieuallen wanted to pursue the notion of the high rate of job oppor- . tunity development in the area, and asked for background that led to the conclusion that there is not much that can be done. Mr. Whitelaw responded there were two things going on with the local economy. The Eugene-Springfield economy appears to be taking on a central role for surrounding and growing counties in the region. He said as that growth continues, people from these counties spend an increasingly larger propor- tion of their incomes on services, retail goods, government services, etc.) in the regional center, Eugene. He said as these two things happen, and as the.Eugene-Springfield area takes on a central role, then employ- ment in this area will continue to increase more rapidly than in the other areas surrounding Lane County. Also, there would be an increasingly greater proportion of total employment in retail, services, goverment, etc., than the rest of these surrounding counties. He said Lane County does not have much control over the other counties so a Port District here is unlikely to have much impact. Furthermore, the pattern of shifting from manufacturing to services is a national pattern. The policy instruments that Eugene might want to pursue locally would have zero impact nationally. He also noted that if Eugene has a certain amount of public resources to devote to certain actions, the question is what benefits derive from what costs and when is money most efficiently spent. Mr. Haws wondered if Mr. Whitelaw were saying this proposal was the best economic vehicle for Eugene. Mr. Whitelaw reviewed for Council there were other things that Council and the City of Eugene were already doing. He said, in short, however, his answer to the question was yes. Mr. Haws stated that he had never heard staff or Mr. Whitelaw come out and totally - support this proposal. He said the only benefit he had heard was receiving an increase in grant funds. He wondered if it were really worth the money and effort to get in,volved in this effort. Mr. Whitelaw described a Port District as being constrained to a certain number of specific policies directed to the demand side of the market. The economic development district could provide money and varied projects for a local economy, and the local government could control and translate into choices among alternative actions. He said another point for consideration was that this would be Federal funds. There would not be the constraints in uses of the funds as would exist with a Port District. Mr. Haws then wondered if this could be formed and accomplished on a smaller scale, noting just Eugene, or Eugene and Springfield. Mr. Whitelaw said no, the smallest unit that could be considered was one county, and this was unusual. Mr. Obie indicated he wanted more information regarding the Port District. He also asked if the 40 percent representation had to be elected offi- cials. Mr. Farah replied the EDA did require not more than one-third be elected, with two-thirds to come from the community, or all could come from the community. Mr. Obie then responded he could see the argument regarding creating another local branch of government being a negative one. However positive arguments could include autonomy and having the facilities to get the job done. Also, he noted the unemployment e 11/16/77--4 8~5