Now Mayor Autry is getting the Richard Florida religion. As Bee business reporter E.J. Schultz tells us, the mayor is putting together a panel of Fresno's "knowledge worker" types*:

Hoping to give the city an edge in this competitive recruitment game, Fresno Mayor Alan Autry on Wednesday introduced a 12-person task force to recommend how the city can lure more software designers, artists, engineers and others whose "sole economic function is to create a new idea."

"Creative people of any age are a critical component of any successful city," Autry said, announcing the effort during a news conference at City Hall. "We will have strategies and tactics to reach that vision."

The "Mayor's Creative Economy Council" will meet weekly for 90 days. A report will be issued to the City Council, with recommendations on how to change city policies to draw more creative talent.

Fresno Famous has issued a call for anyone who wants to send the committee a message to post on the Sour Grapes blog. Jarah Euston, Famous' editor, is one of the invitees. (Update: Frank Delgado is also posting about the council on Urban Tribe Six.) Click the infobox in our story to view the others.

* "Knowledge workers?" See yesterday's Tim Stearns interview.