Brief Description: Establishing the economic development commission.

Sponsors: Representatives Skinner, Veloria, Sehlin, Pettigrew, McDonald, Schual-Berke, McCoy, McDermott, Linville, Upthegrove and Conway.

Hearing Date: 2/7/03

Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).

Background:

The Governor's Small Business Improvement Council was created in 1984. The council ranges in size between 15 and 30 members, including legislators, members of business organizations and small business owners. Ex-officio members representing key state agencies are also included.

The focus of the Governor's Small Business Improvement Council is to identify regulatory, administrative and legislative proposals that will improve the entrepreneurial environment for small businesses and advise and comment on state business programs.

In September 2002, Governor Locke created a state Economic Development Commission to help guide Washington's economic development policy and provide continuity to the state's economic strategy. The Commission was formed on the recommendation of Governor Locke's Competitiveness Council.

The Economic Development Commission has 14 business leader from across the state and a representative from the labor community. The Commission is to provide policy oversight and long-term guidance on issues directly related to the state's economy to the Department of Community, Trade & Economic Development (DCTED). The Governor directed the Commission to review and update current economic development strategy and performance measures, and perform an annual evaluation, as well as assisting the DCTED on the procurement and deployment of private funds for business development, recruitment and promotion. The Commission is also to solicit ideas from the citizens around the state.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Economic Development Commission is established in statute. The purpose of the Commission is to oversee the economic development strategies and policies of the DCTED.

The Commission shall consist of nine to fifteen members, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Commission members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor for four-year terms. Members should be chosen to reflect the geographic diversity of the state as well as the state's business and labor sectors.

The duties of the Commission include: reviewing and periodically updating the state's economic development strategy and performance measures as well as annually evaluating the strategy; providing policy advice to DCTED; assisting DCTED with procurement and deployment of private funds for business development, recruitment and promotion; and providing planning, strategic and programmatic guidance to the DCTED.

Members shall be reimbursed for travel expenses under the existing statutory rules.

The Commission will receive staff support from DCTED.

The Governor's Small Business Improvement Council is eliminated.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2003.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.