Marr’s bill to boost economic development councils passes Senate

OLYMPIA — Local economic development offices will be required to do more — and will receive more funding with which to do it — under a bill passed Wednesday by the Senate.

Senate Bill 5092 passed the Senate unanimously and now awaits a vote in the House of Representatives. If approved by the House, it would go to the governor for her signature.

“This represents a long overdue commitment to refining our state economic development efforts,” said Sen. Chris Marr, D-Spokane, the bill’s sponsor. “More than 18,000 new jobs and $2.2 billion in investment was generated by these organizations in just the past four years. This will help them accomplish even more.”

Under SB 5092, organizations in urban counties would be eligible to receive $.90 per capita, up to $300,000. Organizations in rural counties would be eligible to receive $40,000 plus $.90 per capita. This would more than triple the current funding for the state, from just under $3 million to a little more than $9 million.

SB 5092 would focus economic development efforts by:

• recognizing and supporting the unique ability of local economic development councils, or associate development organizations, to target regional resources, areas of strength and opportunities, and to influence private investment;
• creating a more efficient process that drives more money into recruitment and retention;
• being inclusive and recognizing the importance of building a strong economic base across the state; and
• measuring performance and holding contracted companies accountable for adequately fulfilling contracts.

Marr noted that the Spokane Economic Development Council, on whose board he once served, was able to recruit and help companies add 1,200 new jobs in 2006.

“Economic development is most effective when it is regionally focused and leverages private investment,” Marr said. “This approach accomplishes both, plus it demands accountability and proof of results.”

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