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Members discussed the concern. While Ms. Pierce did not disagree, she pointed out the community had heard that message in the past but had yet to figure out how to accomplish it, and it might not affect local decisions as they related to projects. She was also concerned the committee could create a common vision without agreeing on the necessary implementation steps. Ms. Smith agreed. She did not think the committee could take on the task of creating a vision, but it could frame the debate for the community on a few key items. Ms. Rygas expressed concern that Mr. Forbes' list did not address the issue of community polarization, which she wished to address head-on. She suggested the second bullet listed under the heading of what the committee's recommendations should cover be revised to read "A process and/or infrastructure to ensure at least some of these policies get acted on, now and in the future." She suggested that part of the problem of polarization was a lack of an appropriate infrastructure. Ms. Rygas also suggested that the issue was related to the representational structure. If the community agreed that to work with businesses, Eugene needed policies that can be implemented quickly, the right people have to be at the table initially to build public trust, and she did not think that had occurred. Mr. Forbes' a~greed the committee had a role in creating what he termed the "rules of engagement" for the City Council on how to move forward. Ms. Rygas urged the committee to work on the process issues 'first. Ms. Smith suggested that the document be revised with a mention of leveraging the University of Oregon as an economic asset. Mr. Goldsmith noted the distribution of a document he had authored entitled Bill's Principles of Economic Development. Rich Linton, Vice President for Graduate Research Stui:ties at the University of Oregon, joined the committee to discuss economic development obstacles and opportunities in Eugene. Mr. Linton briefing reviewed his background, noting his experience at the Research Triangle in North Carolina, which had been in existence for 5 0 years. 'He said worked to connect research activities at the University to the commercial market for the benefit of Oregon. Mr. Linton made the following points: · The City needs an economic development plan and tools to implement the plan · The City should support other local business, development efforts in Eugene, such as the Metro Partnership and chamber of commerce · The City should provide great recognition and support to the University as an economic engine . · The City's economic development strategy should actively promote the expansion of University facilities to serve its evolving programs, students and employees, and the community's residents · The City should encourage Eugene's connections to regional efforts, such as those centered around technology-based economic development (TBED) MINUTES--Mayor's Committee on Economic Development April 20, 2004 Page 12