The Pierce County Council’s Rules and Operations Committee June 23 approved a set of economic development initiatives and government cost-cutting measures.

Pierce County is currently facing a slowing job market and a slump in tax receipts. Monday’s actions closely followed the committee’s work last week to recommend fast tracking construction improvements to the 176th Street corridor in Frederickson.

The initiatives acted on Monday include:

— devoting $250,000 to the Workforce Development Council for summer job growth and internships;

— banning all out-of-state travel by county employees; and

— freezing all hiring in county general-fund departments, excluding public safety and criminal justice.

The full council should take final action on the proposals in the coming weeks.