Gov. Gregoire praises Yakima revitalization, addresses Washington Association of Cities

For Immediate Release: June 18, 2008

Gregoire celebrates, encourages small business growth

YAKIMA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today helped celebrate the completion of the first two phases of the Yakima Downtown Futures Initiative, acknowledging the valuable partnership between Yakima city and business leaders. The project was developed several years ago as a plan to return Yakima�s historic district to its former glory.

�I remember sitting in the Graystone restaurant where these renovations were first considered. And now, all of us have accomplished the extraordinary,� the governor said during the celebration ceremony. �The downtown area has suffered for years due to the movement of people out to the suburbs. After the downtown mall followed them, Yakima community and elected leaders decided to work together do something about it.�

Since 2006, the state has devoted more than $8 million dollars to help with the renovation and revitalization. The funding has helped repair sidewalks, add street lights and improve walking areas and curb appeal. �Along with financial help from the state, the Front Street district is now also benefitting from investments made from the private sector,� Gregoire said. �The people of Yakima are once again visiting the downtown corridor, and it is once again thriving.�

Along with the state�s financial help, the city of Yakima contributed $3 million to pay for improvement projects. In response, business and property owners have invested nearly $50 million for additional renovations to downtown Yakima. New businesses like the Hilton Garden Inn and the Cascade Wine Shop have created nearly 200 new jobs in the downtown core.

�It�s working,� said Yakima Mayor Dave Edler. �Government and business have joined forces to change the path for downtown Yakima. Our greatest challenge now is to keep the ball rolling. With all of the progress that we�ve made so far, I�m confident that will happen. The best is yet to come.�

Gregoire realizes small businesses are an integral part of our community and economy. During her administration, the governor has encouraged small business growth by reducing insurance costs, improving training opportunities and launching her Small Business Roundtable series.

�Washington is a great place to do business, and Fortune magazine recently declared Washington the fourth best state in the nation to start a small business,� said Gregoire. �We have a special responsibility to keep it that way. The renovation and job growth in Yakima proves it pays when state agencies are responsive.�

Before her tour of downtown Yakima, Gregoire spoke at the Association of Washington Cities convention held at the Yakima Valley Convention Center. �As I think many of you know, Washington�s economy is proving much more resilient than many parts of the country,� the governor said. �There are a few big reasons for that.� Gregoire addressed the state�s diverse economy, her commitment to increasing global trade, and her efforts to tackle economic challenges.