05/14/1986 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e e e Mr. Farkas said the economic development in the community involves 31 entities. He said the entities contribute skills and the results of economic development should increase in value to the community. Mr. Farkas reviewed the City Departments and other organizations that con- tribute to the seven functions of economic development. The functions are marketing and recruitment, financial assistance, regulatory assistance, job training, business assistance, destination-point development, and site and infrastructure development. For example, the Development Department, the Eugene-Springfield Metropolitan Partnership, the Southern Wi11amette Research Corridor, and other public and private organizations contribute to marketing and recruitment; and the Development Department, private lenders and financial organizations, the Lane Council of Governments, the Oregon Economic Development Department, and the Small Business Administration participate in financial assistance. Answering questions from Ms. Ehrman, Mr. Farkas said the City has respons- ibility for marketing and recruitment for the downtown, and the Metropolitan Partnership has responsibility for area-wide industrial marketing and recruitment. He said the City provides about $6,000 to the Wi11amette Valley World Trade Center and the Center provides technical information about international trade to businesses. Mayor Obie added that the City has the responsibility of providing materials to the Metropolitan Partnership that will IIsellll the city. Answering a question from Ms. Schue, Mr. Farkas said the City does not have a business incubator now, but he anticipates creating an incubator in nine to twelve months. Replying to questions from Mr. Miller, Mr. Farkas said the Parks Department has responsibility for events sponsored by the City or events using City facilities, and the Eugene-Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau has responsibility for the recruitment of conventions and other special events. Mr. Gleason said the Parks Department manages most of the facilities used for special events, and the Parks Department staff has experience in managing special events. He said the Performing Arts Department has responsibility for events at the Hu1t Center. He said destination-point events were orig- inally handled by the BATeam, but the Council Committee on Economic Diversification (CCED) recommended it be moved from the BATeam. Mayor Obie said parks and recreation activities have changed. He suggested the mission of the Parks and Recreation Department should be updated. Mr. Hansen asked for information about City funds for destination-point activities and the growth of the Parks Department since it took over destination-point activities. Mr. Gleason responded that very few additional positions have been created for destination point activities, but the focus of resources in the Parks Department has changed. He said the City contributes about $50,000 to the Eugene Celebration, which generates an additional $70,000. MINUTES--Eugene City Council May 14, 1986 Page 4