Wilson touts 'creative industry'
In a policy statement released Friday, the current Salt Lake County councilwoman said the creative industries spur interest in living and working downtown, especially among young people with technological expertise and a yearning for an urban lifestyle.
"I'm very excited about City Creek Center, but it's not enough," Wilson said of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' proposed mixed-use development downtown. "It's going to be retail and residential. What this city is lacking is the creative industry."
Her plan is modeled on similar programs in several U.S. cities, particularly Tacoma, Wash. She proposes:
• A performing-arts and film center in downtown's heart that would bring the Salt Lake Film Society, Salt Lake Film Center and Sundance Institute together at the site of the old Utah Theatre on Main Street between 100 South and 200 South. It's a plan that is already under discussion at the county level, and Wilson said she would make it a priority.
• New education facilities downtown. Building on a Downtown Rising recommendation for an academic institution downtown, Wilson said she would push for something like a new city-chartered science school or a school with specialties like culinary arts.
• A "cultural-strategies innovation task force" to guide future initiatives on creative industries.
Local musician Kurt Bestor, a longtime friend of Wilson's, joined her at her announcement, as did ManagementPlus founder Christine Archibald.
Archibald, whose Utah-based medical software company is currently located in southern Salt Lake County, said Wilson's idea of a creative industries center would help business owners who need office space with state-of-the-art technological capabilities. Most buildings downtown, however, are old and would need expensive renovation work to be tech-friendly.
She said Wilson's overall plan would spark new interest in downtown living and working for creative young people, increasing the potential work force for high-tech companies.
"In the technology industry, we're always looking for creative minds," Archibald said.
Details on Wilson's proposal are available at votejennywilson.com.
In addition to the creative-industries plan, Wilson has previously proposed making downtown metered parking free during City Creek Center construction to encourage people to continue visiting downtown.
E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com
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