ALTERNATIVE 3 (CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE) Requires an aggressive level of public investment to diversify economic activity and increase Downtown employment. In addition to programs and initiatives described in Alternative 2, strategic public-private partnerships and public investment in catalytic institutions and entrepreneurial programs are essential to economic expansion. Smart transportation infrastructure includes an extensive network of people friendly streets, circulator and light rail transit (LRT) connections, and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) improvements. Quality workforce housing, and urban trails and neighborhood parks that build a comprehensive open space system establish a balanced community that will attract workers and residents to Downtown. This alternative proposes 8 - 10 million square feet of development, including 4,000 - 5,000 residential dwellings; catalytic institutions and key industrial drivers foster “Centers of Excellence� to promote regional leadership in tourism and culture, and medical, creative, and green-tech industries.
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