2011 LOVERIDGE STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

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BEST CITIES TO LIVE This past November the City was in Chicago competing for a 2010 International Award for Livable Communities. Riverside received a Silver LivCom Award in a competition that focuses on environmental management and the creation of sustainable cities. Stated differently, Riverside was on the international stage competing with the best in the world! I read a recent Kiplinger story on the 10 Best Cities for the Next Decade. Austin, Texas led the list; noteworthy, there were no cities from California. The Kiplinger explanation for what makes a best city is "lifting good old American innovation to new levels." Their innovation factor has three elements- -smart people, great ideas, and collaboration. They argue that it's the third element, collaboration, "that really supercharges a city's economic engine. When government, universities, and business communities work together, the economic vitality is impressive." The Kiplinger story goes on to say, "And it's no coincidence that economic vitality and livability go hand in hand." The obvious question is how could Riverside get on this list? Early in 2010, we began Seizing Our Destiny, a "bold and far - reaching" economic strategy. The Plan presents timely calls for prosperity and compelling pathways for Riverside to be a best city in the region, state, and country. Let me identify ten key characteristics that increasingly make Riverside a best city. First, Riverside is a university community. In 2010, UCR, CBU, LSU, and RCC all had their largest enrollments- -total number is now over 50,000 students. They are our largest employers. They distinguish us from other cities in Southern California. Second, what we call Riverside Renaissance is transforming the City. Now in its fifth, and final, year, it is the largest "bricks and mortar" initiative -- approaching $2 billion - -in the City's history. We completed important projects in 2010. City projects included the restoration of the Fox Theater - -the premier performing arts venue in inland Southern California, renovation of the Downtown Mall, opening of the Arlington Heights Sports Park, renovation of the La Sierra Community Center; and the opening of the Arlanza Library. Let me read a letter I received from Kim Foreman: "Earlier this month my husband and I had the privilege of attending the opening of the new Arlanza Library.... This is a beautiful addition to this neighborhood and to our city. I have never been prouder to be a Riversider, and I marvel how much my beautiful home town has blossomed through years, especially with the Riverside Renaissance. I just wish my parents were here to see all that you've accomplished." There were likewise important projects completed in partnerships; they included the UCR Culver Center, RCC Aquatic Complex, and RUSD Ramona Stadium. 2