City of Lawrence

City Manager’s Office

TO:              Board of County Commissioners               

CC:               City Commission

                   Craig Weinaug, County Administrator

                   David L. Corliss, City Manager

Cynthia Boecker, Assistant City Manager

                   Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager

FROM:           Roger Zalneraitis, Economic Development Coordinator/Planner

DATE:           February 6, 2009

RE:               Economic Development Policies for Your Review

In the January 27^th study session on economic development, the County Commissioners requested the following material for their review and study:

· City of Lawrence Economic Goals, Processes, and Procedures (the “Overarching Policy”);

· Property Tax Abatements: Considerations of Changes to Current Policy;

· Memo on the Benefit-Cost Model; and

· Sample Output from the Benefit-Cost Model

In response, attach please find these items as requested.  We would like to reiterate that the County will be notified and asked for comment on any tax abatement sought by a firm.  In addition, please note that the benefit-cost model has been revised since first presented last summer.  Staff would like to call attention to these changes, found on page 3 of the Benefit-Cost Memo, and solicit feedback from the County in particular on population-driven budget items in the County budget.

The City hopes to finalize these policies and receive approval by the end of the First Quarter, 2009.  In order to accomplish this, we would appreciate feedback from the County by the end of February.  City staff can assist with any questions or additional information the County Commission requests.