The Steering Committee for a proposed innovation district was formed Wednesday morning, beginning the process of planning the area in downtown Phoenix.
The innovation district is meant to be an area of collaboration between medical institutions, universities and start-ups. Many other cities, such as Seattle and London, have started opening or have already established innovation districts.
In early July, the Phoenix City Council approved a list of private individuals to serve on the Innovation District Steering Committee. These people represent some of the technology and innovative companies and institutions, according to Mayor Greg Stanton.
Christine Mackay, the city’s director of Community and Economic Development, said the purpose of the Innovation District Steering Committee is to decide the boundaries of the district, create a strategic plan and promote inclusive growth.
“We want to make sure this isn’t the government writing this,” Mackay said. “We want to make sure this is … leaders in Arizona, telling us this is what should be and what this is, what it should do.”
The Steering Committee elected their chair, Brad Jannenga, and vice chair, Jeff Moloznik, Wednesday. Brad Janenga is known for his work with WebPT, a software company, but is now CEO of SaaS Industry. Jeff Moloznik is noted for his work constructing Cityscape and the current project on “Block 23″ as the vice president of development at RED Development, LLC.
Mackay said the city wants to create a “stickiness” that gives people a reason to stay here in Phoenix for school, work and other activities that make it hard for them to leave. Mackay said the innovation district will hopefully give residents of Phoenix a place to be creative and connect.
Stanton, a proponent of the innovation district, said in his state of the city address that he wants the formation of an innovation district in order to improve Phoenix and specifically downtown Phoenix where many innovative companies already reside.
The committee plans to have an idea of where the innovation district will be in downtown Phoenix by Oct. 12. Their goal is to keep it to a small area, according to Mackay.
In a year, the committee plans to have made a brand for the city. Stanton said he hopes that the committee will have many initiatives that the council can implement.
“It’s the best way to lift the area in our core with the most potential and to move us forward with a laser-focused economic development strategy,” Stanton said.
Contact the reporter at chelsea.shannon@asu.edu
