Forming a more perfect South King County: SKC House Ds talk economic development

Talk of stimulating the economy with targeted investments and streamlined efficiencies has been on everyone’s mind since the economic downturn began. And it was a priority of the House Democrats during the recently concluded 2009 legislative session, who pushed through a plethora of new policies and reforms to weaken the downturn’s effect and prime the state for a recovery.

On Wednesday, a few legislators, including a couple of our very own House Ds, met with South King County leaders to recap the ’09 session and talk economic development during a meeting of the SKCEDI. City councilors, managers, ED officials, even representatives from the Port of Seattle listened as Zack Hudgins (Tukwila) and Dave Upthegrove (Des Moines) explained some of the accomplishments of the session, as well as ways to collaborate in the future.

Dave covered the massive new investments in Transportation passed this year totaling $7.5 billion for 2009-11, and expected to generate about 43,000 jobs at the time our economy and our families need them most.

Zack followed with a roundup of new programs, services, and regulatory reforms the state has adopted over the past few years designed to encourage economic development. Even in the context of a massive budget shortfall, Zack explained, the Legislature was still able to spur the growth of “green economy” jobs, help local governments form local-tourism promotion areas, encourage the growth of minority-owned businesses, and expand access to high-speed internet throughout the state.

Zack also mentioned he’s personally doing everything he can to stimulate the local economy, more specifically, the South King County marriage industrial complex… Zack married his sweetheart, Gabriela, earlier this month.