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our creativity, educational assets, and immense public will to protect our natural resources, ensure social <br />equity and build economic prosperity – the triple bottom line. We built on the foundation we’ve carefully put <br />in place over the last few years. <br /> <br />In 2009, we delivered a three-pronged economic strategy. <br /> <br /> The three-pronged strategy: <br /> <br />One <br />: We brought federal stimulus dollars to our region. <br />Two: <br /> We protected our local businesses. <br />Three <br />: With our partners, we strategized and planned how we can emerge from this recession and <br />be ready to go. <br /> <br />Stimulus <br />Let’s talk about those federal stimulus dollars for a moment. In our metro area, over $101 million dollars <br />was awarded to cities, the county, schools, educational and research institutions, non-profits, utilities and <br />our transit authority. <br /> <br />Funds were received for a diversity of local projects including transportation, public safety, housing, <br />scholarships, health centers, electric vehicles, training nursing assistants, tobacco prevention in middle <br />schools, drug abuse prevention, school readiness, and domestic violence prevention. By far, the greatest <br />amount went to the University of Oregon for research in numerous areas ranging from language to <br />migration, from zebra fish to global warming. <br /> <br />Eugene received more than $10 million dollars to construct bicycle paths and a bridge at Delta Ponds, for <br />energy efficiency projects, pedestrian and bike facilities at our train depot, pavement preservation, <br />neighborhood stabilization and community development programs, homeless prevention, youth employment <br />opportunities and a justice grant for our police. <br /> <br />These funds bring jobs, business growth and opportunities in our region. They also lay the foundation for <br />the future. <br /> <br />Saving Jobs <br />The second strategy was to support the businesses and jobs we have. City fee increases were deferred, <br />permit reviews were fast-tracked, same-day and Saturday residential inspections were put in place, <br />automatic three-year extensions were given for certain land use applications, and business loan funds were <br />increased by $320,000. <br /> <br />The City loaned money to such great local companies as Green Gear, Ninkasi Brewing Company, and the <br />th <br />Inn at 5 Street Market. This made a difference! <br /> <br />Economic Summit <br />The third strategy was a Joint Elected Officials regional economic summit involving over 300 participants. <br /> <br />The cities of Eugene and Springfield, Lane County, and other partners worked together to plan for a vibrant <br />economy aligned with our area’s assets and values, with the goal of good paying jobs and high quality of <br />life. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />MINUTES—City Council January 5, 2010 Page 3 <br /> <br />