2010 LOVERIDGE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

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Three outside markers First, a quick poll... raise your hand if you have seen the movie "Up in the Air" with George Clooney. If you did, you heard this distinctive mention of Riverside in the opening credits: [music /video clip plays, loud] Second, it is not just ourselves judging Riverside. Riverside was selected in 2009 by Relocate America as one of "America's Top 100 Places to Live. "Steve Nickerson, president and CEO, explained their choices as follows: "We concentrated on the outlook for fiiture growth and ability to rebound... We looked at the local government and the business leadership... We selected communities with visionary leaders, improving or thriving economies including housing and realization of `green' initiatives." And third, Riverside was chosen as one of 21 cities worldwide to receive the Smart2l Communities award. It recognizes Riverside for our commitment to broadband, innovation, and a knowledge economy. It is time to recognize and understand why we are a Renaissance City Riverside is a university community Our three universities and RCC are the City's most distinguishing characteristic, and important assets. They have the largest enrollments in their history. Together, they are our largest employers. The estimated economic impact of UCR and RCC is over $1B each. We await the opening of UCR's School of Medicine and the health and economic benefits it will bring. "In many respects," said a report by CEOs for Cities, "the bell towers of academic institutions have replaced smokestacks as the drivers of the American urban economy." For a personal view, Walk with the Mayor will take place on each campus, starting at UCR in February. Come join us for a good walls, good conversations with chancellors and presidents, and a close look at their buildings and their campus footprint. What we call Riverside Renaissance is transforming the City It is a $1.57 billion public investment in Riverside's fi ture. Now in its 4th year, we are on target to complete more projects in five years than were completed over the last 30. I know of no city in California, or elsewhere, with such an ambitious "bricks and mortar" program. Riverside is a smart city The City's web site has received the highest competitive awards in the country. Our Information Strategic Plan is, quite simply, the best! We provide free wife across much of the City. The City offers an expansive digital inclusion program; we are on target to provide over 5,000 computers with training by the end of 2010.