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In 2009, we delivered a three -- pronged economic strategy. <br />The three- pronged strategy: <br />One: we brought federal stimulus dollars to our region. <br />Two: We protected our local businesses. <br />Three: with our partners, we strategized and planned how we can emerge from this recession <br />and be ready to go. <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 />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 />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 employ- <br />ment opportunities and a justice grant for our police. <br />These funds bring jobs, business growth and opportunities in our region. They also lay the foundation for <br />the future. <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 />The City loaned money to such great local companies as Green Gear, Ninkasi Brewing Company, and the <br />Inn at 5 Street Market. This made a difference! <br />Economic Summit <br />The third strategy was a Joint Elected Officials regional economic summit involving over 300 partici- <br />pants. <br />The cities of Eugene and Springfield, Lane County, and other partners worked together to plan for a <br />vibrant economy aligned with our area's assets and values, with the goal of good paying jobs and high <br />quality of life. <br />In early 2010, the Joint Elected Officials will meet again to use the findings of the summit and move <br />economic planning forward. <br />MINUTES - --City Council January 5, 2010 Page 3 <br />