2016 AMPO Annual Conference Megaregions Emerging thoughts on

2016 AMPO Annual Conference Megaregions: Emerging thoughts on a Cascadia Innovation Corridor AMPO Annual Conference October 25, 2016

2016 AMPO Annual Conference Presentation Overview • US Megaregions • What defines them? • Cascadia Megaregion • The Cascadia Innovation Corridor • What’s next? • Questions?

2016 AMPO Annual Conference Emerging Megaregions • Total of 11 megaregions • Expected to host more than 70% of the nation’s population and economic growth by 2050 Source: America 2050, Regional Plan Association

2016 AMPO Annual Conference Megaregions – What defines them? Large network of metropolitan areas that share several or all of the following: • Environmental systems and topography • Infrastructure systems • Economic linkages • Settlement patterns and land use • Shared culture and history

2016 AMPO Annual Conference Cascadia Megaregion: Quantitative Criteria-based scoring system used to rank potential counties for inclusion in megaregions Principal Cities: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver 2010 Population (US Portion): 8, 367, 159 Percent of US Population: 3% 2050 Population: 11, 864, 378 Source: America 2050, Regional Plan Association Projected Growth (2010 -2050): 41. 8% ü Part of a core based statistical area ü Population density > 200 people per square mile in the 2000 census ü Projected population growth rate > 15% & Total increased population >1, 000 people by 2025 ü Population density >50 or more people per square mile between 2000 -2025 ü Projected employment growth rate >15 % & Total growth in jobs > 20, 000 by 2025

2016 AMPO Annual Conference Cascadia Megaregion: Key Facts • 10 million people - one economy? • Proximity may not equal connections • Seattle/Vancouver Connections • Both Sea Ports with Asia Connections • Historic Ties • Emerging Technology Industry • But – the border

2016 AMPO Annual Conference The Cascadia Innovation Corridor

2016 AMPO Annual Conference The Cascadia Innovation Corridor – What is it? • Business led initiative to: Explore the possibility of greater economic collaboration between the Greater Seattle and Vancouver • Collaboration between the two regions to combine their industry strengths, pool complementary capabilities and overcome challenges • Inspired by the rise of global innovation hubs (ex. Singapore, London, San Francisco)

2016 AMPO Annual Conference The Cascadia Innovation Corridor – Why the interest in Seattle & Vancouver? • Seattle and Vancouver have much in common • • Geographical proximity, Trade, Ports, Economy (incl. booming tech sector), Research universities, Skilled workforce, Innovative culture and forward thinking policies Great potential/complementary strengths exist in these cities to become innovation hubs • A large interconnected region offers huge benefits, but …. several barriers exist

2016 AMPO Annual Conference The Cascadia Innovation Corridor – What are the barriers? Business connectivity “Despite being only 120 miles apart, data shows that the level of connectedness is more akin to cities that are 2, 000 miles apart” • Low level of collaboration among companies/public entities in these two cities • Connection between individuals in these two cities is very low as well. Ø Ex. Seattle’s Linkedin members are more connected to Atlanta than Vancouver Ø Seattle accounts for less than 1% of Vancouver’s Linkedin connections

2016 AMPO Annual Conference The Cascadia Innovation Corridor – What are the barriers? Suboptimal conditions for Innovation • Absence of a strong research network that catalyzes economic innovations, such as those seen in Silicon Valley, Boston, etc. § Lack of collaboration and research partnerships § Seattle & Vancouver lag behind counterparts in San Francisco in terms of fewer academic citations • Availability of local capital and funding resources for growing businesses a challenge in both cities • Strong human capital but gaps in accessing talent Issues with immigration policies, connectedness

2016 AMPO Annual Conference The Cascadia Innovation Corridor – What are the barriers? International Border • Border delays § • Hinders travel and restricts free flow Infrastructure challenges § More difficult to develop and implement solutions (ex. high speed rail)

2016 AMPO Annual Conference The Cascadia Innovation Corridor – Happenings Emerging Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference • A cross-border conference held in Vancouver (September 19 -21, 2016) brought together Microsoft, regional CEOs, key elected officials and international experts “A thought-provoking look at how Seattle & Vancouver can work more closely together to create an international hub for innovation” Source: Microsoft • Sessions focused on government leadership, education, transportation and investment

2016 AMPO Annual Conference The Cascadia Innovation Corridor – What’s Next? • The Emerging Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference laid the foundation for future collaboration • A formal agreement signed by Gov. Jay Inslee and British Columbia premier Christy Clark Ø Specific commitments from both leaders to take concrete steps to deepen collaboration in key areas (trade, research, transportation and education) Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and British Columbia Premier Christy Clark sign a Memorandum of Understanding at the Emerging Cascadia Innovation Corridor Conference in Vancouver, B. C. on Sept. 20, 2016. Source: Microsoft

2016 AMPO Annual Conference 15 Questions? Charlie Howard choward@psrc. org 206 -464 -7122

2016 AMPO Annual Conference Anything else to add?