HB 1283-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/15/97)

     Declares an intent of the legislature to establish a program to:  (1) Work in partnership with downtown and neighborhood commercial district revitalization programs;

     (2) provide technical assistance and training to local governments, business organizations, downtown and neighborhood commercial district organizations, and business and property owners to accomplish community and economic revitalization and development of business districts; and

     (3) certify a downtown and neighborhood commercial district organization's use of available tax incentives.

     Creates the Washington main street program.

     Creates the Washington main street advisory committee.

     Directs the University of Washington and Washington State University to conduct a study to:  (1) Analyze the impact of their current economic and business development programs and initiatives on economically distressed communities;

     (2) analyze the economic impacts of their business development and technology transfer programs on creating economic opportunities for African-American, Asian-American, Native American, Asian and Pacific Islander, and Hispanic-American residents of Washington; and

     (3) propose changes and additions to existing economic and business development programs to better serve economically distressed communities and women and minority individuals and business owners.

     Provides that, by October 15, 1997, the University of Washington and Washington State University shall submit their report with findings and recommendations to the appropriate legislative committees of the house of representatives and the senate.