Brief Description: Establishing the economic development commission.

Sponsors: Senators Brown, Sheahan, B. Sheldon, Finkbeiner, Doumit, Reardon, McCaslin, Keiser, Kohl-Welles, McAuliffe, Rasmussen, Schmidt, Shin, Thibaudeau and Winsley.

Hearing Date:

Staff: Tracey Taylor (786-7196).

Background:

In September 2002, Governor Locke created a state Economic Development Commission (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 Commission has 14 business leaders 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 citizens around the state.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Economic Development Commission is established. The current Commission, created by Executive Order, will continue to serve until June 30, 2004.

The Commission shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor and each will serve three year terms. The members selected must broadly represent the state's geographic regions, with at least two members from eastern Washington. In making the appointments the Governor shall consult with organizations with an interest in economic development as well the chairs the legislative committees with jurisdiction over economic development issues. The chair of the Commission shall be selected from the appointed members by a majority vote of the Commission.

The Commission may form committees and invite non-Commission members to serve on those committees.

The duties of the Commission shall include: reviewing and periodically updating state's economic development strategy and performance measures, and performing an annual evaluation; providing policy direction to DCTED; assisting DCTED with procurement and deployment of private funds for business development, recruitment and promotion; performing an annual evaluation of the strategy and effectiveness of state laws, policies, and programs which promote economic development and making recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature; reviewing and providing feedback on legislative proposals and administrative initiatives as well as plans concerning economic development; and providing policy direction to DCTED regarding the development of strategies that: (i) promote business retention, expansion and creation within the state; (ii) market state products and services; (iii) promote the state's business climate; (iv) enhance relationships and cooperation between local governments, economic development councils, state agencies, and the legislature; (v) integrate economic development programs; and (vi) increase the flexibility of funds available for economic development.

The Director of DCTED shall supervise and administer the activities of the DCTED consistent with the policy direction provided by the Economic Development Commission.

The Commission shall receive staff support from the Governor's office and the DCTED. Travel expenses of Commission members shall be reimbursed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.