Business Facilities - February 2008 - (Page 15)

development and the commercial arts sector. The city uses a loan fund for creative enterprises and its administration uses various tools to grow the creative sector, realizing the role it plays in the overall economy and in attracting a high-quality workforce. “This administration has a deep interest in arts and culture, and one reason for that is because they contribute to the cultural vitality of the city, as well as the economic development of the city,” says Ginger White, senior economic development specialist with Denver’s Office of Cultural Affairs. Her office established a plan called Create Denver in part to make policy recommendations and build programs to support the commercial arts sector and help bands, artists, dance and film companies, etc. With loans, business assistance, and even a mayor’s task force to help creative organizations find workspace, Denver officials look to help startup companies and individuals function successfully, says White, whose position was created in 2005 partly in response to the findings of economists like Florida. The city, she notes, is using economic development tools to focus on the creative sector much in the same way a city might look at growing its biotechnology or aerotechnology industries. The hope is that young people will think better of Denver and its growing creative economy, and that it can better match up with other cities known for their culture and diversity. And the city as a whole is on board, passing bond issues for the expansion of the Denver Art Museum and renovation of the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. More arts and culture, White says, give a city a better sense of place, and that in turn benefits tourism, marketing and quality of life in general. “I think we’re doing well,” White says of Denver, which moved up to 10th among big cities in the U.S. on Florida’s updated Creativity Index. “It depends on who you compare us to. … We’re envious of places like Suite 710 • 75 Fifth Street NW • Atlanta, GA 30308 800.339.7185 • 404.521.7600 www.ga-sites.com #1601 at www.BusinessFacilities.com BUSINESS FACILITIES 15 http://www.ga-sites.com http://www.ga-sites.com http://www.ga-sites.com http://www.BusinessFacilities.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Business Facilities - February 2008

Business Facilites - February 2008 Contents First Word Snapshots Corporate Moves: Texas Capturing the Creative Class Green with Energy Automotive Opportunities in a Green Economy Corporate Moves: Wyoming Metro Spotlight: Overland Park, KS Metro Spotlight: Long Island, NY Get Ahead in Alabama Indiana: Sending Tech Messages How to Successfully Negotiate a Lease in Today's Real Estate Environment Legislation Spurring Innovation in Kentucky New Center will Propel Ontario's Automotive Future Virginia's Vital Signs Eating Well in the North of France Advertiser Index Ask the Expert

Business Facilities - February 2008

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