Council's role in city's economic success
 Council's role in city's economic success
Auckland City Council's economic development strategy is to focus on what tangible actions the council can take to contribute to the economic success of the city.
"We want the strategy to focus on practical things the council can do that are cost effective and will make the biggest positive difference to the city's economy," says Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson of the Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee.
The strategy was presented to the committee today and its goal is to "play a leadership role in growing an economy that delivers jobs, higher incomes and an improved standard of living for Aucklanders."
It draws on the input and ideas from a specially established think tank of business leaders, economists and media representatives as well as councillors, council officers, and community board members.
The strategy says the council has some key tools at its disposal through the investment of ratepayer funds, an ability to influence others in decision-making and by regulating to facilitate an environment to encourage economic growth.
All the strategy's actions are based on these "invest, influence and regulate" themes to express the council's approach and have three fundamental premises:
must be sustainable over the long-term
cannot come at a cost to, and must not undermine, the long-term wellbeing of Aucklanders
must translate into better living standards for Aucklanders.Actions will include investment in affordable high-speed broadband, influence in the delivery of improved transport options, and regulation enabling more productive land use in a city with limited availability of land.
"The council is involved in many initiatives that contribute to the city's economic prosperity and employment growth and there's a lot of opportunity and responsibility for us to take a leadership role," says Councillor Northey.
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Councillor Richard Northey, chairperson, Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee
ph 027 247 9662
Posted Fri 07 Sep 2007
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