Beutler proposes development board

BY DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star

Sen. Chris Beutler said Wednesday that if he’s elected mayor in the spring, he will set up a board to form consensus on economic development in Lincoln.

Beutler announced the second plank in his platform during a Wednesday press conference. He is running for mayor in the spring city election.

Beutler said this “MOVE Council” -- short for Mayor’s Opportunities for a Vibrant Economy -- would prioritize economic development projects and find resources to make them happen.

The mayoral appointees would also work to streamline business rules and regulations; anticipate future growth; determine the best use of economic development tools and prioritize public investment in jobs projects.

Beutler said Lincolnites are clamoring for new jobs and a better business climate.

“Nobody can deny the fact that we’ve had trouble reaching consensus in Lincoln,” Beutler said, citing the failed 2004 street bond issue. “We failed as a community."

The MOVE Council would help the community move faster on economic opportunities, he said.

Mayor Coleen Seng has worked to streamline city government, but Beutler said more needs to be done.

Beutler said the council would be made up of 11 representatives of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce; Lincoln Independent Business Association; Neighborhood Business Association; Realtors; Homebuilders of Lincoln; University of Nebraska; 2015 Visioning Group; Downtown Lincoln Association; labor groups; neighborhood associations and non-profits.

Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.