Dr. Solley opened with a few touts for her nearly 90 year old school including a fact I thought noteworthy from an Urban perspective: Phoenix College students come from over 100 different countries.
Mayor Gordon's talk focused on the stimulus money the City has confirmed getting as well as other monies they have made application. The entire process for receiving funds was interesting to hear about.
Initially, stimulus funds were slated for the States where much would have been used to fund budget shortfalls rather than stimulate job growth. The City of Phoenix joined other large cities to lobby for funds to go directly to the city projects that would create jobs and build infrastructure. Their efforts were rewarded with much money redirected to cities verses states.
The City of Phoenix was able to garner 240 million in stimulus funds that will be used on ready-to-go projects designed to create immediate jobs. Gordon, like many others, stressed the need for job creation if we are going to rise out of our region's economic crisis.
Other projects stimulus funds will be used for can be found on the mayor's web portal. The next breakfast talk will be on October 15th with details to be announced on the mayor's site as well.
Wishing you a fantastic week,
Gene Urban
The Urban Team at Realty Executives
602-234-5777
