Report to University City Council

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3. Success in economic development is a matter of collective attitude. University City needs to inspire an attitude to development and redevelopment to one of a "can do" versus "we'll see". Attitudes of a community go a long way in paving the way for investment, creative projects and a cooperative spirit. The Advisory Board's four recommendations for increasing economic development in University City follow. 1. The City of University City should take an aggressive, proactive role in generating sustainable economic development. It should develop a larger "toolbox" of programs and policies that support local businesses and development. 2. The City of University City should become fully engaged in the development of a plan to create a, tourist friendly "International District." (Olive Street Rd, between 1-170 and North and South Rd.) The city should be fully committed to implementing the plan, once it's developed. 3. The City of University City must take active leadership in and control of the development process, establishing the necessary framework and legislation to support development in key areas within the city. 4. The City of University City must initiate plans and policies that foster strategic alliances with adjacent communities, particularly on University City's northern border. The deliberations of the Advisory Board for Economic Progress produced not only the enclosed report, but a deeply felt passion among its members that greater economic development opportunities in University City are not only possible, but must occur to improve the quality of life in the community. It's not a question of should we undertake economic development, but a belief that if we don't move forward on economic development, we will be left far behind and not actualize our true civic potential. Additionally, the Advisory Board of Economic Progress strongly recommends that this report be reviewed in one year to determine the progress made on the recommendations. 2