The story and the numbers are amazing, particularly in an economy when cities are cutting staff, budgets and services, or at best, are frozen in place. Not in Bothell, Washington. The City of Bothell undertook a five-year visioning and planning process for its downtown, known as Bothell Landing, and is now in the thick of implementation. Prior to 2010, city leaders engaged citizens and businesses, oversaw extensive process improvements in capital planning and permitting, put innovative financial strategies in place, obtained valuable economic research, cultivated partnerships with public and private organizations, took on the role of master developer, and made critical land investments. This multi-faceted approach is creating results. Since April 2010, major infrastructure projects are under construction and there is widespread interest in investing and developing in Bothell’s downtown. The downtown redevelopment plan is being executed according to the community’s vision and continues to garner widespread support from Bothell citizens and their leaders.

As a 101-year old community, the City of Bothell understands the role of government is to care for its people. Never is this more important than in a down economy. Bothell’s leadership saw an opportunity to create a bright future for its people through the redevelopment of its downtown and took the bold fiscal, political and public moves to craft a cohesive vision and turn it into reality. Acting as master developer for the redevelopment of Bothell’s downtown has demanded innovative thinking, creative partnerships, constant and transparent communication with the community, thoughtful public outreach and great vision.