10-04-2011 CC RPT 01 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CM OF R-1 'V E RS 1 D E Cit -f ilrts nnovarion City Council Memorandum TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: MAYOR RON LOVERIDGE DATE: October 4, 2011 ITEM NO: 1 WARDS: ALL SUBJECT: REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FROM AUSTIN, TEXAS VISIT ISSUE: The issue for City Council is to receive a report from the recent economic- and innovation- themed visit to Austin, Texas —the most important `best practice' visit in my 32 years in elected office - and to approve the recommendations arising from it. RECOMMENDATIONS: That the City Council approve recommendations 1 through 18 itemized below. BACKGROUND: Overview The delegation of four — Mayor Ron Loveridge, Assistant City Manager Deanna Lorson, Director of Strategic Initiatives Tricia Hinckley, and Chief of Staff Kristin Tillquist — travelled to Austin, Texas from September 14 -16, 2011. The choice of Austin for a focused visit to learn about their programs was an obvious one. Austin is an award winning, world- renowned city known for vibrancy, creativity and entrepreneurial ism, engagement of university students, dynamic entertainment offerings, cutting edge economic growth programs, and `fit, fresh and fun' programs. With nearly 800,000 residents in 260 square miles, Austin's "Live. Work. Play." pamphlet, attached, gives a quick scan of some of their impressive offerings. The Riverside delegation was received with an impressive Itinerary (see attached) which squarely met our stated goals. Not only were the meetings productive but also the highest level of hospitality and respect was shown. Mayor Lee Leffingwell and Assistant City Manager Sue Edwards made significant time for the delegation and at each meeting Austin brought out their best — from Department Heads to Executive Directors and CEOs of relevant outside organizations. The delegation was particularly impressed that nearly all of the presenters and discussants came prepared — they had done their homework and knew Riverside's interests and issues. They came with custom power points and handouts that were specifically targeted to our expressed interests. 1 -1