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e. e e Responding to a question, Mr. Alltucker stated he would have liked the Emerald Canal to be completed in the 50'5. He said OPEOC does not want to take sides. The City does not need the canal since Eugene is not like San Antonio, where rivers and shade trees are scarce. Mr. Ohm said the canal would not lure businesses. However, he said access to markets is a factor in attracting business, and highways and transportation should be considered. Responding to another question, Mr. Anderson said it is expected that the Research Corridor Steering Committee will be affiliated with OPEDC. He said that foreign trade will be sought aggressively. Regarding tourism, Mr. Anderson explained that outlying communities are asking for help. They want help in financing facilities such as the McCready Hot Springs Resort.- They also want assistance with image improvement. Some of Eugene's advertising will affect their tourism. Responding to an inquiry on what the City's role should be on taxation, Mr. Anderson indicated OPEOC staff has gone over the Alex Grant study with a fine- tooth comb. He said reality is what people think it is. He said Oregon must find its own Alex Grant. The weight of taxation varies by industry and some industries are not sensitive to taxes. Mr. Alltucker observed that personal income tax may be more important than corporate tax. Oregon needs to reduce personal income tax to lure executives. Oregon is not competitive in that area. V. CONCLUSIONS Mr. Obie emphasized that economic development is the number one goal of the City Council. The City Council Subcommittee on Economic Oiversification is dealing with it every two weeks and is looking for answers. OPEDC is one answer. The City is not in the business of recruiting firms with over 100 employees, but is looking to OPEOC to do that. If OPEOC is not, he asked them to let the City know. He said answers are needed on coordination. He commented that Mr. Gleason and his staff have demonstrated willingness to coordinate. City Council feels a responsibility to take a leadership role for this community. A job must be done, and it will require OPEOC and the City Council together. Mr. Moreland recalled an example of a father who committed suicide after losing his job. Mr. Moreland emphasized that those with ability and talent have a moral responsibility to help others with sensitivity and class. Mr. Alltucker pointed out six ~nresolved issues: 1) coordinated outreach; 2) the best economic diversification for this area; 3) incentives; 4) whether 8,000 or 18,000 jobs are enough; 5) land use planning or some alternative; and 6) taxes. He said the City Council and OPEOC need to reconvene as soon as possible. Ms. Wooten stated that the City has a legitimate ongoing role in economic diversification. She said ongoing assistance to local businesses has not been mentioned. She said the program will be adjusted to the needs. The City is promoting job creation and maintenance for the long haul. The meeting was adjourned. (Recorded by Lois Enman) LE: jw/CM7b23 ~~ MINUTES--Eugene City Council February 14, 1983 Page 5