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Thu. March 15, 2007, 10:02pm PDT
Get creative, Tacoma
Freshly minted from the Richard Florida workshop last year comes a new group hoping to champion his ideas in our fair city. Creative Tacoma is looking to get more people involved in it's efforts to help steer this city's future. They're looking for volunteers to help with a plethora of projects including (from their press release):
- Exploring the development of an arts-technology incubator
- Creating an international restaurant corridor in the Hilltop neighborhood
- Forming a "Green Alliance" to support the development of "green" businesses
- Offering local internships and mentoring opportunities for students-of-color
- Providing social and networking opportunities for 20-30 year-old workers.
They're here to espouse the values of nourishing Tacoma's creative culture by attracting and retaining these kinds of folks. Mr. Florida believes "creative workers are estimated to increase by 20 percent in the next decade; outpacing all other sectors." Sounds like a great idea as long as this sort of effort is balanced with Tacoma's strong working class heritage. I ask: If all this creativity does nothing but drive up the local cost of living and drive out those who aren't afraid of getting a little grease under their fingernails, who will be around to put together what the thinkers think up?
With real sponsors to back them up they might actually be able to effect real change. Now if only Bill Gates would toss some grants in the general vicinity of some local bloggers I know that nagging wall might finally be disposed of...
Once we get those bridges lit I may have some time to lend to this group. Any other takers?
Comments (3) | To Top
3/15/2007 @ 10:36pm
Great idea. Good way to get involved.
However, I see they put up all sorts of Tacoma links except for your :(
Might want to email them.
by Erik
3/15/2007 @ 11:05pm
I think Taocoma is onto something here. It is great to see creativity looked at as an economic driver. What a great chance for the Creative Class to get involved in Tacoma and meet other creative types.
by Marty
3/16/2007 @ 6:48am
Erik: They linked to FeedTacoma which is a far better resource for life around here than any single blog.
Marty: I think the blogs and sites like FeedTacoma are helping feed this need for creative types to get connected. It's groups like Creative Tacoma and the local bloggers (among others) who have the unique opportunity to shape our mid-size and somewhat malleable city. Tacoma's destiny is not only bright but exciting especially if people keep wanting to be involved and look after where we're headed.
by KevinFreitas