As we approach the end of the year, now is a very important time for our local retail businesses. Your city is working hard all year long to promote economic development and support local business.

We believe that the most important work the city can do toward economic development is to provide the infrastructure capacity and a safe environment necessary for our citizens to live, work and recreate.

In the past five years, the city has invested more than $50 million in infrastructure projects, all delivered on time and on budget. As a result, we have made great strides in expanding our roads, sewer, water and parks. Past problems of the lack of sewer and water capacity are behind us for many years to come.

We have maintained a strong, high-quality police force and have improved our emergency preparedness and disaster-response capabilities.

Since 2007, we have passed numerous ordinances aimed at streamlining our permitting processes and incorporating other refinements to establish Gig Harbor as a desirable, attractive community for businesses to locate and thrive.

Many projects have required expedited permitting, and because of the streamlining and our veteran, high-quality staff, we have been able to deliver many significant land use and building permits much faster. St. Anthony Hospital, Safeway, Metagenics and the 7 Seas Brewery that will locate downtown in the Peninsula Shopping Center are projects that bring more people and jobs to Gig Harbor.

In 2008, we hired a consultant to develop a business plan for downtown that we have been implementing as resources allow. As part of that plan, we are looking at the opportunities to keep what people like about Gig Harbor but develop a mechanism to allow for better utilization of the properties in the downtown business district.

As part of the 2008 business plan, the city provided startup money to the Gig Harbor Historic Waterfront Association. It is now a part of the Main Street Program, a nationwide organization which aims to enhance the business climate and further historic development in downtowns.

Last year, we partnered with the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce to run our visitor center on Judson Street, a partnership with the business community we hope will flourish in the years to come.
Last but not least, we have leveraged lodging tax and general fund dollars to bring more visitors and shoppers to Gig Harbor.

In addition, through sponsors Franciscan Health System, CenturyLink and MultiCare, we have our summer concerts and movies in the park, as well as other events throughout the year.
Our world-class canoe and kayak club will bring a new event, the Paddlers Cup and Expo, in April 2012.

In addition, we continue to receive national recognition in publications such as Sunset Magazine.
Our marketing director, Laureen Lund, received the Tourism Professional of the Year award from the Tacoma/Pierce County Visitor & Convention Bureau.

I am pleased to be involved with the city and to be part of the progress that the city has made.
But we still have more to do. The city’s financial position remains solid, and I look forward to continuing to work with businesses to maintain a strong position in the region.

Merry Christmas, and thank you for your continued support of our community, our businesses and our city.

Chuck Hunter is the mayor of the City of Gig Harbor. He can be reached by email at hunterc@cityofgigharbor.net.