HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-18-044 - Make it Kitchener ImplementationREPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee
DATE OF MEETING: June 18, 2018
SUBMITTED BY: Cory Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development
(519) 741-2200 ext. 7065
PREPARED BY: Lauren Nelson, Economic Development Analyst
(519) 741-2200 ext. 7072
WARD (S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: May 31, 2018
REPORT NO.: DSD-18-044
SUBJECT: Make it Kitchener Implementation
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RECOMMENDATION: For Information
BACKGROUND:
In November 2015, Council approved Make it Kitchener, the City’s economic development
strategy. This report outlines progress to date on the actions and outcomes identified in Make
it Kitchener.
REPORT:
Kitchener has adopted an ambitious economic development strategy: Make it Kitchener.
The strategy is based on the simple observation that Kitchener has, at its core, an innate
creative impulse, the ability to invent and reinvent the city’s role in rapidly evolving global
economies by making things; whether it be buttons, leather products, tires, auto parts,
consumer electronics, software, music, film, or even a city itself.
Make it Kitchener identified 54 action items in its program that have led to 102 different
outcomes or initiatives related to the pillars of Make it Spark, Make it Start, Make it Grow,
Make it Urban, Make it Vibrant and Make it Connect. Most of these outcomes have been
delivered, and are being carried out by different leaders including:
city-led initiatives: we create runways for makers, knock down barriers, build excitement
and provide the supports needed for others to do what they do best;
joint partnerships: the collision of different minds and ideas working side-by-side can be
a powerful catalyst for innovation; and,
city-builders: community members see a vision and get out there to bring it to life and
make a difference.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
IF1 - 1
Appendix 1 highlights several key accomplishments to date including festivals, events,
investments, development, and community resources. A snapshot of the status and leadership
of the various outcomes is also provided in the figures below.
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Figure 1: Status of Make it Kitchener outcomesFigure 2: Leadership for Make it Kitchener outcomes
Together with our partners, Kitchener is making significant progress on Make it Kitchener
action items and will continue to deliver new and ongoing programming.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
This report supports the implementation of the City of Kitchener’s Economic Development
Strategy:Make it Kitchener.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
This report does not require allocation of additional financial resources.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of the
council / committee meeting.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services
ATTACHMENTS
Appendix 1 - Make it Kitchener progress report
IF1 - 2
Because this community is made of creators, makers, innovators
and entrepreneurs.
Youre problem solvers and game changers.
and were doing it together.
and what fuels our creative engines!
MAKE IT SPARK
MAKE IT start
City Led Initiatives:
We love to create runways
for makers! We knock down
barriers, build excitement,
get you the supports you need
and get out of the way so you
can do what you do best.
MAKE IT Grow
Joint Partnerships:
and ideas can be a powerful
catalyst for innovation.
Whenever possible, we prefer
to work side-by-side with you
were better.
MAKE IT URBAN
City-Builders:
You make it happen! You
get out there and make a
wait for us. You see a vision
and you bring it to life.
MAKE IT VIBRANT
COMPLETE
ONGOING
IN PROGRESS
STILL TO START
CITY-LED
JOINT PARTNERSHIP
MAKE IT connect
CITY BUILDER
Cory Bluhm
Executive Director of Economic Development
cory.bluhm@kitchener.ca
(519)741-2200 ext. 7065
MakeItKitchener.ca