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Auburn's Innovation Partnership Zone (IPZ)

The City of Auburn's Innovation Partnership Zone is an entity created to support economic growth by connecting individuals and businesses with workforce training and research, encouraging in innovation of new technologies and marketable products, promoting job growth within the community. This goal is made possible by the Urban Center for Innovative Partnerships (WA State IPZ #15-Auburn), the City of Auburn Office of Economic Development, Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce and the Auburn Downtown Association.

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Urban Business Center for Innovative Partnerships

The Urban Business Center for Innovative Partnerships brings ideas and efforts of Auburn's Business Clusters together with cutting edge research programs to create new products, markets, and employment in Auburn.

Washington State Innovation Partnership Zone Program

The Washington State Innovation Partnership Zone Program is a model for sustainable innovations and new market partnerships. The program utilizes public and private research, workforce development, and the reinvention of industrial properties to develop mixed use business clusters within communities statewide.

Leadership


nancy backusNancy Backus
Mayor, City of Auburn

Nancy Backus was elected to her first term as mayor in 2014 and is the first female to hold the office in Auburn's 125 year history. Prior to taking office, she served 10 years as an Auburn's City Council Member and spent 25 years as a financial manager for the Boeing Company. She holds a Bachelor's degree in accounting and is a proud wife and mother to a high-achieving, soccer-playing daughter attending Green River College.

A strong believer in service to community and bettering the lives of women and girls, Backus earned the Soroptimist International of Auburn Women Helping Women award in 2002, the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, the 2012 Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound Distinguished Alumni Award, the Boeing Career Foundation Program (BCFP) Manager of the Year Award in 2011, the Dale Carnegie Human Principles in Action award in 2007 and most recently received the 2014 Business and Professional Women's Woman of Achievement award.
 
 
Doug LeinDoug Lein
Economic Development Manager, City of Auburn

Doug is currently the Manager of the Office of Economic Development for the City of Auburn Washington. The City’s goals are to develop a vibrant business assistance and retention program, attract new and expanding businesses to the City of Auburn.

Doug is also administrator of The Washington State Innovation Partnership Zone #15, “Urban Center for Innovative Partnerships” and a current board member of “WEDA” Washington Economic Development Association.

Doug was Manager of the Economic Development Division of the City of Las Vegas. Doug’s responsibility was to oversee the City’s business assistance, marketing and business development. As Las Vegas worked to diversify its workforce and business base he helped companies to expand outside of Nevada with their goods and services and attract new companies to locate in southern Nevada.

Doug has participated in numerous trade shows and conferences over the years, representing the City of Las Vegas throughout the United States and overseas. As a speaker and panelist Doug has been asked to speak on the subject of public/private partnerships and project planning and entitlements. He is and has been active in many professional and community based organizations including Urban Land Institute, Information Management Network, Cornet and NAHB. Doug is a past member of the Board for the School of Business Marketing Department at University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Numerous brochures, articles and video productions showcasing economic opportunities have been directed or published by Doug. In 1998 he was the recipient of the IABC Bronze Quill Award of Excellence for his publication of “Las Vegas Medical Technology for 21st Century”. In 1999 Doug was the recipient of the IABC Silver Quill Award of Excellence for the publication of “Las Vegas a downtown Renaissance”.