Partners in regional prosperity: Council approves motion supporting vision of “innovative and sustainable” economy

February 11, 2013

Summary

Embracing strategies that allow everyone opportunity for “outstanding quality of life”

Story

The Metropolitan King County Council today endorsed and gave its support for a shared regional vision that encourages the creation of a sustainable economy that not only supports all county residents with rewarding jobs and sustainable growth and development, but provides them with opportunities to protect the environment and to enjoy an outstanding quality of life with exceptional opportunities.

“King County is blessed to have innovative, energetic, and community-minded people to grow a robust economy built on quality infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and livable communities,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Council’s Transportation, Economy and Environment Committee. “I thank the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce for their work to promote regional prosperity and look forward to partnering in that effort.”

“We want to thank Councilmember Phillips and his colleagues on the County Council for their leadership and involvement on this effort,” said Charles Knutson, Senior Vice President of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “King County’s support of the Shared Regional Vision is a powerful signal, and it's an opportunity for other key groups in the region to help advance goals that are very similar to the County's own strategic plan.”

The adopted motion grew out of an effort developed by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce at its annual Leadership Conference. The Chamber, in conjunction with labor, environment, government and community leaders, developed a shared vision encouraging the creation of a “diversified, innovative and sustainable economy that improves social justice, improves the environment and improves the bottom line.”

The shared vision outlines specific strategies that would help make the vision a reality, including:

• The building and maintenance of infrastructure in order to move people and goods quickly and safely, enhance the environment and secure a competitive edge,
• Attracting and developing the best and brightest workforce through innovation, competitiveness and creativity,
• The development of creative funding tools and strong accountability measures to finance well-conceived and well managed regional priorities,
• A commitment across sectors to prepare all students for college, career and lifetime success.

The Council recognizes that nearly all of the concepts within the Chamber’s shared vision are goals, strategies and objectives consistent with King County’s Strategic Plan. The County’s Strategic Plan is the organizing framework for its operations and measuring its performance. The adopted motion recognizes the commonality between the two documents and supports and endorses the shared regional vision.